Tesla already put the Model S on the cutting table in 2016 and now the electric American is going under the knife for a second time. In addition to the appearance, the interior is also thoroughly overhauled.
The Tesla Model S will celebrate its tenth anniversary next year and instead of completely overhauling the car, Tesla is coming with a facelift for a second time. This time he also goes under the knife drastically on the inside. In a document in which Tesla discusses its financial results for the last quarter of 2020, the brand also briefly highlights the facelifted Model S.
The external changes are not earth-shattering. The Model S gets a different front bumper with larger openings, among other things, and Tesla is pulling the chrome from the EV. The rear bumper also looks different now. The real news takes place inside. There we find a completely new dashboard, where the vertically oriented 17-inch display is replaced by a horizontally placed copy, as in the Model 3 and Model Y. The resolution of the screen has been increased and the response speed of the display has also been improved. The space that has been freed up by rotating the screen is filled by a new storage space and an inductive charger large enough for two smartphones. Behind the wheel is another 12.3-inch digital instrumentation, although the canopy – like the design of the rest of the dashboard – is completely new.
Tesla Model S.
You will undoubtedly have already noticed the new steering wheel. The Model S will have access to a cut-open steering wheel that looks straight out of a spaceship. Anyone who follows the Tesla reporting on Techzle will undoubtedly know that the forerunner of the new Tesla Roadster also had such a futuristic-looking steering wheel. Stems on the steering column are missing, another striking change. Functions that were previously operated with the stems, such as the windshield washers, can now be controlled via touch-sensitive buttons around the rotary wheels. The stem with which the Tesla can be adjusted in positions P, R, N and D has therefore also disappeared. With Model S facing a wall, sensors let the car know that ‘R’ is the only option and engage this direction as soon as the driver touches the brake pedal. Still making manual choices? This is also possible, because the P, RN and D positions can also be operated near the phone charger in the center console.
Tesla is also releasing an image of the new rear seat. It has higher cheeks, but the Model S in the rear is not changed as drastically as in the front. However, the rear passengers will get an 8-inch display, which will be placed at the rear of the front center armrest. Tesla says the legroom in the back has also been increased and also reports a center armrest with storage space in the back. Furthermore, the Model S now has a ‘gaming computer’ on board with 10 teraflops of computing power. That’s a lot. According to Tesla, you can play games from any seat via a wireless controller. Tri-zone temperature control, ventilated front seats and HEPA air filtration are standard. An audio system with 22 speakers is also available. The interior is further enhanced with more wood finish than ever before. The autonomous driving functions of the Model S and Model X have been improved, but details about this will be released by Tesla later.
Tesla Model S.
But there’s more. Tesla says it will replace the Performance line for the Plaid models. Until now we only knew the name Plaid from an all-out 1,100 hp version presented last year. The 1,100 hp Model S gets the name Plaid + to distance itself from the Dual Motor Performance versions replaced by the Plaid. The Plaid and Plaid + versions seem to have a small rear spoiler, more powerful brakes and modified dampers.
Versions and prices
The revised Model S has a starting price of € 89,990 in the Netherlands. That amount is for the Long Range, which, according to American figures, will now squeeze 663 kilometers from its battery pack. In 3.2 counts it launches to a speed of 100 km / h. The top speed is 250 km / h. This twin-engined Model S has the € 119,990 1,020 hp three-engined Plaid above it, a variant with an estimated driving range of 628 kilometers. The Plaid hits 100 km / h in 2.1 counts and has a top speed of 320 km / h … Above that is the Plaid + with its insane and more than 1,100 hp strong powertrain and a price of € 139,990. It thunders to 100 km / h in less than 2.1 seconds, also has a top speed of 320 km / h and has to squeeze more than 840 kilometers from its battery pack. The final figures for Europe will be released later, then more will be known about the revised battery technology that Tesla reports. The brand speaks of a new thermal architecture. The battery pack must be rechargeable faster, among other things. The renewed Model S can be ordered immediately and is expected to be delivered in September. The Plaid + will be delayed until the end of this year.