On the online configurator, I don't see the RWD standard 85 anymore? Only Ds for Model S going forward? RWD reserved for Model 3? Inquiring minds would like to know!
Model S Design Studio | Tesla Motors
Model S Design Studio | Tesla Motors
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Are the Rear-Wheel Drive 85s Going Extinct?
- Thread starter Cattledog
- Start date
Adm
Active Member
CHG-ON
Still in love after all these miles
BoerumHill
not great not terrible
It's there.
In the design studio, click on 85D.
A new section above Standard Equipment appears; choose single or dual motors for your 85.
In the design studio, click on 85D.
A new section above Standard Equipment appears; choose single or dual motors for your 85.
It is certainly not obvious that a RWD version is still available (though it definitely is) which has led some to believe that at some point in the future the S will only be available in AWD, especially since that is the case with the X. But no outside of Tesla knows if that will happen. Certainly Elon is convinced that AWD is better for a variety of reasons, as he stated that at the D launch event last year.
Last edited:
MartinAustin
Active Member
They are de-emphasising RWD from the premium line, and will only have it in products where they need a low MSRP, e.g. the $35,000 Model 3.
At this point the RWD Model S drivetrain/underbelly stuff is the odd-man-out on the assembly line. All the other Model S and Model X variations are dual-motor.
Don't be surprised when the RWD Model S is discontinued, citing "lack of demand" - which isn't surprising when you hide the product away and don't promote it - but it will be lack of demand, nevertheless.
At this point the RWD Model S drivetrain/underbelly stuff is the odd-man-out on the assembly line. All the other Model S and Model X variations are dual-motor.
Don't be surprised when the RWD Model S is discontinued, citing "lack of demand" - which isn't surprising when you hide the product away and don't promote it - but it will be lack of demand, nevertheless.
SmartElectric
Active Member
Given the large amount of RWD CPO (*aka used) cars coming available with the D reveal, and soon the X reveal, there will be plenty to choose from, especially if you don't mind a significant discount off new.
Yes, oops, got ahead of myself and didn't click through. But I'll bet a dollar that Model S will not be available in AWD in the near future, most certainly extinct by 2017 when the Model 3 is revealed.
eye.surgeon
Active Member
Me either. AWD sales have always been a niche in the performance sedan market, not the bulk seller. I purposefully got the S85 because I live in a warm climate, 1 engine is simpler than 2, and I prefer storage space to making youtube drag strip videos.
gavine
Petrol Head turned EV Enthusiast
The extra storage space (or lack thereof on the dual motor) is not insignificant. I would love the dual-motor set-up, but the extra storage in the front matters to me. I realize it doesn't matter to everyone and probably not even a majority.
igotzzoom
Active Member
Being in coastal CA, I also have no need for AWD 99.9% of the time. I'd prefer more frunk storage space than a front motor.
Uncle Paul
Well-Known Member
The marketplace, not Tesla will determine the configurations long term.
The S60 RWD was not a big seller, but now the S70D is a much more popular configuration.
Believe many will chose the S70D over the S85.
Dual motors give better efficiency and larger items that do not fit in the Frunk can be stored in the Trunk.
The S60 RWD was not a big seller, but now the S70D is a much more popular configuration.
Believe many will chose the S70D over the S85.
Dual motors give better efficiency and larger items that do not fit in the Frunk can be stored in the Trunk.
BoerumHill
not great not terrible
Agreed - love the larger frunk + microwave. Between traction control and low center of gravity it seems to handle all weather conditions just fine, tyvm. But the base price bands between the three are so narrow I suspect very few are currently ordering S85 over 70D or 85D.
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