It doesn't take a very close look to realize that the big news, and perhaps the one that will generate more discussion, of the renewed Tesla Model S and Model X is “within doors”. Have you seen that steering wheel well?
It is the main highlight in the new interior of the Model S (launched in 2012) and Model X (launched in 2015). Looking more like an evolution of the steering wheel used by KITT from the “The Justiceiro” series, this one integrates several commands, such as the turn signals (notice the image below), thus allowing to give up the traditional rods behind the steering wheel..
If we abstract away from the steering wheel — is the steering much more direct to allow for this design? — we noticed that Tesla decided to bring the interior of both models closer to the smaller Model 3 and Model Y. The first sign of that “approach” was the adoption of a 17” central screen in a horizontal position with a resolution of 2200× 1300. Interestingly, the instrument panel behind the steering wheel (at 12.3”) has not disappeared.
What else changes inside?
Although the new steering wheel and center screen capture most of the attention, there is more on board the revised Tesla Model S and Model X. Thus, both models have an audio system with 22 speakers and 960 W, climate control tri- zone plus wireless smartphone chargers and USB-C for all occupants.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Thinking about the passengers in the later seats, Tesla not only renewed the seats but also provided the Model S and Model X with a third screen specially designed for those traveling back there to be able to play. With up to 10 teraflops of processing power, playing inside the revamped models is even easier and can be done from anywhere thanks to wireless controller compatibility.
Finally, on the Model S we also have a new glass roof and on the Model X with the largest panoramic windscreen on the market.
Rear seat passengers now have a screen.
Power to "give and sell"
Whichever version you choose, the renewed Tesla ModelS and Model X are available with all-wheel drive and Autopilot and Sentry Mode systems.
In the case of the Tesla Model S we have three versions: Long Range, Plaid and Plaid+. The last two (and more radical) have three motors instead of the usual two, torque vectoring and carbon-encased electric motor rotors.
But let's start with the Model S Plaid . With around 1035 hp (1020 hp), it has an estimated autonomy of 628 km, reaches an astonishing 320 km/h and fulfills 0 to 100 km/h in physically uncomfortable 2.1s.
already the Tesla Model S Plaid+ it should be “only” the fastest production car to reach 0 to 100 km/h and the traditional 1/4 mile. The first mark is reached in less than 2.1s while the second is reached in less than 9s! No specific specifications were announced, only that it will have more than 1116 hp (1100 hp) and that the autonomy amounts to 840 km.
Finally, the Model S Long Range , the most accessible and… civilized variant, manages to travel 663 km between charges, reaches 250 km/h and reaches 100 km/h in 3.1s.
As for the Model X, the SUV, it doesn't have the Plaid+ version. Still, the approximately 1035 hp of the Model X Plaid they allow it to reach 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6s, reach 262 km/h and have an estimated range of 547 km.
already in the Model X Long Range the estimated range rises to 580 km, the time from 0 to 100 km/h rises to 3.9s and the top speed drops to 250 km/h.
When do they arrive and how much do they cost?
With slight aesthetic changes that “jump” more to the front and new wheels, the revised Model S saw the drag coefficient settle to an impressive 0.208 — the lowest of any production car on the market today and a substantial drop in the 0.23-0.24 that until now had. In the case of the Model X, the aerodynamic concerns of this renovation made this figure settle at 0.25.
Abroad, Tesla's focus was on reducing the aerodynamic coefficient.
Although the arrival in Europe of the first units of the revised Tesla Model S and Model X is only scheduled for September, we already know how much 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