Tesla Prices 70 KWh RWD at $52,500*, Adds Ludicrous Mode to P85D
Tesla is yet again updating its Model S range with interesting options on each end of the price scale before the release of the Tesla Model X.
Elon Musk, in a blog post yesterday, announced a new single-motor version of the base model Model S 70 priced at $70,000 — or $52,500 after maximum incentives available in certain states — which is $5,000 less than the all-wheel drive Model S with the same 70 kWh battery pack.
On the other end of the spectrum is a $13,000 (!!!) upgrade to the P85D, pushing Tesla Motors’ top performer to a 0-60 mph time of 2.8 seconds.
With the new Model S 70 rear-wheel drive model, the main change is the removal of the front-wheel motor, effectively turning the car into a rear-wheel drive model and reducing cost. The new option will make the Model S a more palatable option for those looking for budget luxury, especially once state and federal incentives are woven into the final price.
However, upgrades to the top-range 85 kWh models are more involved. For starters, there’s a new 90 kWh battery option for those willing to part with an extra $3,000 on top of the asking price of 85 kWh models. The new pack increases range by a mere 6 percent, extending drivable distance to almost 300 miles on a charge, says Musk.
Before you rush out to upgrade your pack, Musk offers some guidance:
“Existing owners can also purchase the pack upgrade, but I wouldn’t recommend doing so unless usage is on the edge of current range. On average, we expect to increase pack capacity by roughly 5% per year. Better to wait until you have more time on your existing pack and there is a larger accumulated pack energy difference.”
In addition to the pack upgrade, owners and buyers can now upgrade to the new Ludicrous Mode on the Model S P85D. This upgrade is quite involved, requiring a new, advanced “smart fuse” and upgraded main pack contacter. Together, the upgrades result in a 2.8 second sprint to 60 mph — an improvement of 10 percent — and a quarter-mile time of 10.9 seconds, states Musk. Car & Driver says the upgrade gives the Model S 762 horsepower.
If you are ordering a new P85D and want the Ludicrous Model update, prepare to shell out $10,000 plus another $3,000 for the required range update. Even though Musk says “the battery pack size upgrade and the pack electronics upgrade are almost entirely independent,” when ordering the Ludicrous Mode option, you must also select the new, larger battery pack. If you already own a P85D, you can upgrade to Ludicrous Mode for $5,000 (plus labor) sometime in the next six months. There was no word on pricing beyond the six-month window.
Just to add a teaser, Musk says there will be another mode added — beyond Ludicrous — in the future, but it is reserved for a second-generation Roadster in four-years time.
Musk also states Model X production will begin in two months, but we will believe it when we see it.
More by Mark Stevenson
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I've seen it... it's rubbish.
The headline is misleading. The $52,500* is with the federal $7,500 tax credit and Tesla's estimated fuel savings...which continue to estimate gasoline at $3.90 per gallon. The lowest cost Model S costs $70,000 USD if buying. You never see any other auto manufacturer advertise their vehicles this way. Honda doesn't guesstimate the fuel savings you would derive by operating their vehicle as compared to one of their competitors vehicles and subtract it from the price. I get why they are doing it but it's a terribly misleading process. What about all of the time I might spend sitting at a Supercharger when I drive the vehicle on a long distance road trip? Should I add that on top of the cost of the car? Absurd.