Currently reading: Tesla Model S 60 and 60D introduced

Updated electric five-door gets a new entry-level battery pack and the option to upgrade to a 75kWh battery pack

Tesla has introduced the '60' and '60D' trim levels on the Model S, featuring a 60kWh battery pack. 

Tesla has now discontinued the Model S 60 and 60D due to low demand

The new entry-level Tesla Model S starts at £53,400 for the rear-drive set-up, rising to £57,800 for the all-wheel-drive 60D. 

Read our review of the Tesla Model S 60D here

In 60 guise, the range of the car is 248miles, rising to 253 miles for the all-wheel-drive version. There's also the option to upgrade to a 75kWh battery pack, which boosts range for the 60 and 60D by 50 and 51 miles respectively. 

Acceleration from 0-60mph - a strong point for Tesla models, given their instantly available maximum torque - for the 60 and 60D is a claimed 5.5sec and 5.2sec respectively, while top speed for the 60 and 60D is 130mph, or 140mph with the 75kWh battery pack. 

As with all other Tesla cars, the entry-level Model S will be offered with Autopilot software. 

Tesla recently facelifted the Model S for 2016, giving its all-electric fastback an updated front grille and two new interior decor choices.

The facelifted car’s nose now features a slimmer black section and restyled headlights in order to create a face that’s more closely aligned with that of the Model X. The changes are illustrated in the comparison picture above.

Buyers can now choose from Figured Ash Wood or Dark Ash Wood interior trim.

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The Model S has also inherited the air filtration system of the Model X, which Tesla says is 100 times more effective than other premium systems. The brand claims the HEPA filter can remove 99.97% of particulate exhaust pollution and almost all allergens, bacteria and contaminants.

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The Model S’s electric drivetrain options remain unchanged, but the car’s standard charger has been upgraded from 40A to 48A, enabling faster charging when connected to higher-amperage chargers.

Sources have suggested a more potent P100D model will join the range at a later date, sitting above the P85D and P90D, but Tesla is yet to officially confirm this.

The starting price for the new Model S in entry 70D spec is £58,300, but buyers can knock £4500 off that figure once the UK government's green car grant is added. Tesla says sales and production for the facelifted Model S have started today.

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