You do not need to look particularly hard to spot the biggest change - and probably the one that will spark the most debate - in the refreshed Tesla Model S and Model X: it is "behind closed doors". Have you had a proper look at that steering wheel?
It is the headline feature of the updated cabin in the Model S (introduced in 2012) and Model X (introduced in 2015). Resembling an evolution of the wheel used by KITT in the TV series "Knight Rider", it incorporates various controls, including the indicators (see the image below), which means Tesla has been able to do away with the traditional stalks behind the wheel.
Putting the steering wheel to one side - does the steering have to be far sharper to make this design work? - it is clear Tesla has moved the interior of both cars closer to what you find in the smaller Model 3 and Model Y. The most obvious sign of that shift is a 17" central screen in a horizontal layout, with a 2200×1300 resolution. Interestingly, the instrument cluster behind the wheel (at 12.3") has not been removed.
What else changes inside?
Even though the new steering wheel and the central display grab most of the attention, the revised Tesla Model S and Model X bring further updates on board. Both models now come with a 22-speaker, 960 W audio system, tri-zone climate control, and wireless smartphone charging, plus USB-C for every occupant.
For rear passengers, Tesla has not only refreshed the seats but also added a third screen designed specifically so those in the back can play games. With up to 10 teraflops of processing power, gaming in the cabin of the refreshed models is easier than ever, and can be done from any seat thanks to compatibility with wireless controllers.
Finally, the Model S also gains a new glass roof, while the Model X receives the largest panoramic windscreen on the market.
Power to spare
Whichever version you choose, the refreshed Tesla Model S and Model X come with all-wheel drive, plus the Autopilot and Sentry Mode systems.
In the case of the Tesla Model S, there are three versions: Long Range, Plaid and Plaid+. The latter two (and most extreme) use three motors rather than the usual two, along with torque vectoring and electric-motor rotors wrapped in carbon.
Starting with the Model S Plaid: with around 1035 cv (1020 hp), it has an estimated range of 628 km, reaches an eye-opening 320 km/h, and completes 0 to 100 km/h in a physically uncomfortable 2,1s.
The Tesla Model S Plaid+ is expected to be "only" the fastest production car for both 0 to 100 km/h and the traditional 1/4 mile. The first figure is achieved in under 2,1s, while the second is dispatched in under 9s. No detailed specifications were announced, other than it having more than 1116 cv (1100 hp) and range rising to 840 km.
Finally, the Model S Long Range - the most affordable and… most civilised variant - manages 663 km between charges, tops out at 250 km/h, and reaches 100 km/h in 3,1s.
As for the Model X SUV, it does not get a Plaid+ version. Even so, the roughly 1035 cv of the Model X Plaid allow it to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 2,6s, hit 262 km/h, and deliver an estimated range of 547 km.
With the Model X Long Range, estimated range increases to 580 km, while 0 to 100 km/h rises to 3,9s and top speed falls to 250 km/h.
When do they arrive and how much do they cost?
Alongside subtle styling tweaks that are easiest to spot at the front and a new wheel design, the updated Model S now posts an impressive 0.208 drag coefficient - the lowest of any production car currently on sale, and a notable drop from the 0,23-0,24 it previously recorded. In the case of the Model X, the aerodynamic focus of this refresh sets its figure at 0.25.
Although the first deliveries of the refreshed Tesla Model S and Model X in Europe are only scheduled for September, we already know what they will cost here. These are the prices:
- Model S Long Range: 90 900 euros
- Model S Plaid: 120 990 euros
- Model S Plaid+: 140 990 euros
- Model X Long Range: 99 990 euros
- Model X Plaid: 120 990 euros
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