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2015 Tesla Model S: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2015 Tesla Model S is a much broader lineup built around dual-motor all-wheel drive. It was not a redesign, but new 70D, 90D, and P90D variants made this an important year for trim and powertrain expansion.
About the 2015 Tesla Model S
1st generation Model S (2012-2020), pre-facelift original front-end design; major lineup expansion year before the April 2016 exterior refresh.
Tesla sells the 2015 Model S as a premium electric sedan that does not ask buyers to give up performance, road-trip usefulness, or everyday practicality. The core pitch is instant electric acceleration, long-range driving, fast charging through Tesla’s Supercharger network, and a cabin built around a giant touchscreen rather than traditional buttons. Against established luxury sedans, Tesla leans on high-tech simplicity, strong cargo space from its hatchback layout, and a distinctly different driving experience.
The 2015 Model S ranges from simpler rear-wheel-drive 60, 70, and 85 versions to dual-motor AWD models focused on traction, range, or performance. Every trim centers the cabin around a 17-inch touchscreen, while the P85D and P90D add performance-oriented dual motors, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, and red brake calipers. The 90D serves as the late-year long-range AWD model, and the P90D sits at the top as the 90-kWh performance version.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
The 70 and dual-motor AWD 70D joined the lineup with 70-kWh batteries. Late in the year, the dual-motor 90D and performance-focused P90D added 90-kWh batteries, while the rear-wheel-drive P85 was dropped.
Styling
Alloy wheels became standard equipment on the rear-wheel-drive 85.
Safety
Automatic emergency braking became standard on the 85, 85D, and P85D. Lane departure warning also became standard on the 85.
Tech
Navigation and satellite radio became standard on the 85, 85D, and P85D. The 85 also gained standard Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, a rearview camera, smartphone connectivity, a touchscreen interface, and USB ports.
2015 Tesla Model S specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | AC Electric Motor | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC Electric Motors | Dual AC ElectricMotors HP | Dual AC ElectricMotors HP |
| Transmission | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear | Single-Speed Fixed Gear |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric | Electric |
| Horsepower | 380 hp | 315 hp | 362 hp | 329 hp | 422 hp | 417 hp | 691 hp | 463 hp |
| Trunk/Cargo | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft | 58.1 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in | 35.4 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Electric Range | 208 | 240 | 265 | 240 | 270 | 270 | 253 | 253 |
| MPGe Combined | 95 | 89 | 101 | 100 | 100 | 93 | 93 | |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| 360 Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| Panorama Moon Roof | ||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2015 Tesla Model S redesigned?
No. The 2015 Model S kept the original body and cabin layout; the year's main changes were new trims, broader use of dual-motor all-wheel drive, and more standard equipment.
Which 2015 Tesla Model S trims have all-wheel drive?
The 70D, 85D, 90D, P85D, and P90D have dual-motor all-wheel drive. The 60, 70, and 85 use one rear motor and rear-wheel drive.
Which trims joined the Model S lineup for 2015?
The 70, 70D, 90D, and P90D joined the Model S lineup for 2015. The rear-wheel-drive P85 was dropped, while the dual-motor P85D continued as a performance model.
What safety equipment changed on the 2015 Tesla Model S?
Automatic emergency braking became standard on the 85, 85D, and P85D for 2015. Lane departure warning also became standard on the rear-wheel-drive 85.
How does the 2015 P90D differ from the P85D?
The P90D pairs the performance dual-motor AWD setup with a 90-kWh battery, while the P85D uses an 85-kWh battery. Both are performance versions with a carbon-fiber rear spoiler and red brake calipers, but the P90D arrived later in 2015 as the flagship.
2015 Tesla Model S Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2015 Tesla Model S.
4.8
2015 Tesla Model S
(195 reviews)
“Love it! Could have used a little more training on the computer aspects—especially when it decides to not work.”
“I love most of the features with my vehicle. However several of the components/features do not work consistently everyday. Example; heating/A/c system, Nav system. These lacks in consistency, cause me to have less trust in the vehicle..”