The Tesla Model S85 (2015) with Autopilot is a groundbreaking electric luxury sedan that introduced many of the advanced features Tesla is known for today. Below are its key benefits:
1. Impressive Electric Performance
85 kWh battery (approx. 265-270 miles EPA range when new).
Instant torque for smooth, rapid acceleration (0-60 mph in ~5.4 sec).
Rear-wheel drive (RWD) or dual-motor AWD (if equipped) for better traction.
2. Tesla Autopilot (Hardware Version 1 – HW1)
Traffic-Aware Cruise Control (TACC) for adaptive speed adjustment.
Autosteer (lane-keeping assistance on highways).
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) for collision avoidance.
Self-parking (parallel & perpendicular parking assist).
(Note: HW1 lacks some newer Autopilot features like Navigate on Autopilot.)
3. Premium Luxury & Comfort
Minimalist, high-tech interior with a 17-inch touchscreen.
Premium sound system (Tesla Audio or optional upgraded sound).
Heated seats & steering wheel (depending on configuration).
Spacious cabin with seating for 5 adults (optional rear-facing jump seats for +2 kids).
Large front & rear trunks (“frunk”) for extra storage.
4. Over-the-Air (OTA) Software Updates
Tesla continuously improved features via OTA updates (though HW1 has limited future upgrades).
Added functionalities like new Autopilot refinements, UI improvements, and bug fixes.
5. Supercharging & Charging Convenience
Free unlimited Supercharging (for early 2015 models, if transferable).
Fast charging (~170 miles in 30 mins at a Tesla Supercharger).
Home charging support (via Tesla Wall Connector or standard outlets).
6. Safety & High Crash Test Ratings
5-star NHTSA safety rating (one of the safest cars in 2015).
Aluminum-intensive body for lightweight strength.
Low center of gravity (due to battery placement) reduces rollover risk.
7. Low Maintenance & Running Costs
No oil changes, spark plugs, or transmission fluid (EV simplicity).
Regenerative braking reduces wear on brake pads.
Lower “fuel” costs compared to gasoline cars.
8. Strong Resale Value & Tesla Brand Appeal
Tesla’s brand prestige and demand help maintain higher resale value than many luxury sedans.
Iconic design that still looks modern today.
Potential Considerations (Trade-offs)
Battery degradation (expect ~10-15% range loss over 8+ years).
HW1 Autopilot is less advanced than newer Tesla systems.
No Full Self-Driving (FSD) capability on this hardware.
Conclusion
The 2015 Tesla Model S85 with Autopilot remains a high-performance, tech-forward EV with luxury comfort, strong safety, and low running costs. While it lacks the latest Autopilot features, it’s still a compelling choice for EV enthusiasts and tech-savvy drivers.