The 2012 Tesla Model S was the first long-range all-electric vehicle. With an EPA-rated 265-mile range, a 0-60 mph time of 4.6 seconds, and a 416-horsepower motor, it proved that electric vehicles could be just as exciting as traditional sports cars.

Before anyone knew what Tesla would become, the 2012 Tesla Model S was released. It would go on to win Motor Trend Car of the Year for 2013, among other awards and accolades, and it outsold all other electric cars worldwide in 2015 and 2016. Over ten years after its release, the Model S occupies the most performance-oriented and upscale position among Tesla’s model lineup.

But how does a 2012 Tesla Model S measure up as a used vehicle in 2022?

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2012 Tesla Model S performance review

Even ten years later, the performance specs of the 2012 Tesla Model S impress. But before we go into details, let’s look at how these vehicles are priced on the current used market.

At the bottom of the four-trim range, a used Tesla S base model in good condition will cost about $36,000, while a top-tier Signature Performance will cost about $40,000. That’s quite a high price if you consider the vehicle’s age, but many would argue that it would still be worth it. Other available trims were Signature and Performance—also referred to as P85, referring to the size of its battery.

But what is it about the 2012 Tesla Model S that makes drivers love it so much even a decade later? Let’s investigate.

Powertrain options and handling

Every 2012 Tesla Model S was equipped with a rear-wheel drive all-electric powertrain reliant on a 416-horsepower85.0-kWh lithium-ion electric motor. Its top competitor at the time was the more down-to-earth Nissan Leaf, whose 24-kWh battery weighed 1300 pounds less at the time.

Tesla’s huge battery may have added a ton of weight to the Model S, but it was still able to achieve incredible performance notoriety.

Thanks to its electric drivetrain, the 2012 Tesla Model S only needed a one-speed transmission, since it can reach its highest torque output right away at zero rpm. While a gasoline engine takes time to rev up to its maximum torque output, electric power provides instantaneous acceleration.

In terms of handling, the 2012 Model S deals well with its added weight through clever placement of battery and motor, allowing for a smooth yet controlled ride. Suspension is forgiving, and steering responsiveness matches the engine’s quick response sufficiently.

Acceleration, 0-60, and top speed

Thanks to its instant maximum torque output, the 2012 Tesla Model S was able to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, as recorded by MotorTrend. Car and Driver were only able to get it there in 4.6 seconds, but this time range is impressive nonetheless.

Despite having only one transmission gear, this EV can accelerate up to a governor-limited top speed of 134 mph. This and its acceleration stats place it among luxury European cars in terms of performance.

Speaking of which, here’s how fast some of the gas-powered vehicles in the Tesla Model S’ price range were in 2012:

Audi A7

: zero-to-60 time of 4.7 seconds; top speed of 155 mph

Mercedes-Benz CLS-class: zero-to-0-60 time of 4.2 seconds; top speed of 159 mph

Jaguar XF

: zero-to-60 time of 5.7 seconds; top speed of 155 mph

This is a pretty impressive ilk that this all-new (at the time) car found itself among!

Fuel economy and range

Despite being an older EV, the 2012 Tesla Model S was the car that set the standard for the next decade of EV fuel economy and range.

This means it still holds up incredibly well against the majority of the current generation of battery-powered vehicles. That said, compared to the EVs of the 2020s—especially current Tesla models—it falls short on its range and charge time.

Its EPA-rated EV range was 265 miles, although Car and Driver were only able to drive it 211 miles at fast highway speeds. In 2012, this was significantly farther than any other EV’s range. The best-selling EV at the time, the genuinely affordable Nissan Leaf, only had a range of about 80 miles.

The 2012 Tesla Model S hit the scene after Tesla had built a vast network of “superchargers” specifically for its electric vehicles. That network is much more well-populated now, but you still can’t buy a Tesla in 16 states, where there may still be significant distance between you and the next charging station, with limited options of routes to take on a long trim. It takes a 2012 Tesla Model S about one hour to regain a full charge from one of these superchargers.

The EPA-rate fuel economy for the 2012 Tesla Model S was 89 combined MPGe.

Tech

The 2012 Tesla Model S may not have a gaming computer built into it, but it still has fantastic technology compared to other vehicles from the current decade.

One thing that’s certainly missing is up-to-date safety features. While modern Teslas have full self-driving capability under certain conditions, things like automatic braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-assist are not present on the 2012 Model S. However there is a back-up camera and traditional cruise control.

Infotainment abounds in the 2012 Model S. It has a 17-inch infotainment touchscreen, bluetooth, a 7-speaker sound system, and Wi-Fi. A Sound Studio package upgraded the audio system to a 580-watt, 12-speaker Dolby Pro Logic system with enhanced 7.1 surround sound.

There are also plenty of comfort features, such as keyless entry, automatic dual-zone climate control, and two USB ports connected to the center console for charging and connectivity.

MORE:

Everything you need to know about the Tesla self-driving car

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