Tesla Model S and Model X: new interior, power and prices

It does not take a particularly close look to see that the major - and perhaps most controversial - development in the updated Tesla Model S and Model X is found inside the cabin. Have you taken a proper look at that steering wheel?

It is the standout feature of the redesigned interiors in the Model S (launched in 2012) and Model X (launched in 2015). Resembling an evolution of the steering wheel used by KITT in the series “Knight Rider”, it incorporates several controls, including the indicators - as shown in the image below - which means the conventional stalks behind the wheel can be removed.

Putting the steering wheel aside - could the steering be considerably more direct to accommodate this layout? - it is clear that Tesla has brought both cabins closer to those of the smaller Model 3 and Model Y. The first evidence of this “convergence” is the 17-inch landscape central display, with a 2200×1300 resolution. Interestingly, the 12.3-inch instrument panel behind the steering wheel has remained.

What else has changed inside?

Although the new steering wheel and central screen attract most of the attention, the updated Tesla Model S and Model X bring other changes to the cabin. Both models now feature a 22-speaker, 960 W audio system, three-zone climate control, plus wireless smartphone chargers and USB-C ports for every occupant.

With rear-seat passengers in mind, Tesla has not only redesigned the seats, but also fitted the Model S and Model X with a third display created specifically for those travelling in the back to play games. With up to 10 teraflops of processing power, gaming inside the revised models is even easier and can be done from any seat thanks to wireless controller compatibility.

Finally, the Model S gains a new glass roof, while the Model X receives the largest panoramic windscreen on the market.

Tesla Model S and Model X: power to spare

Whichever version of the updated Tesla Model S and Model X is selected, it comes with all-wheel drive, Autopilot and Sentry Mode.

The Tesla Model S is offered in three versions: Long Range, Plaid and Plaid+. The latter two - and more extreme - variants use three motors rather than the usual two, along with torque vectoring and carbon-sleeved electric motor rotors.

Starting with the Model S Plaid, its approximately 1,035 PS (1020 hp) deliver an estimated range of 628 km, a remarkable 320 km/h top speed and a physically uncomfortable 0–100 km/h time of 2.1s.

The Tesla Model S Plaid+, meanwhile, is expected to be “only” the fastest production car for both the 0–100 km/h sprint and the traditional quarter-mile. It completes the first benchmark in under 2.1s and the second in under 9s. No detailed specifications have been announced; Tesla has only stated that it will have more than 1,116 PS (1100 hp) and a range of 840 km.

Finally, the more affordable and… civilised Model S Long Range can cover 663 km between charges, reaches 250 km/h and gets to 100 km/h in 3.1s.

As for the SUV, the Model X does not receive a Plaid+ version. Even so, the roughly 1,035 PS of the Model X Plaid allow it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.6s, reach 262 km/h and offer an estimated range of 547 km.

In the Model X Long Range, estimated range rises to 580 km, while the 0–100 km/h time increases to 3.9s and top speed falls to 250 km/h.

When will they arrive and how much will they cost?

With modest styling revisions that are most noticeable at the front, as well as new wheels, the refreshed Model S has achieved an impressive drag coefficient of 0.208 - the lowest of any production car currently on sale, and a substantial reduction from the 0.23–0.24 figure it previously held. For the Model X, the aerodynamic focus of this update has resulted in a 0.25 figure.

Although the first updated Tesla Model S and Model X units are not scheduled to arrive in Europe until September, their local prices are already known. They are as follows:

• Model S Long Range: €90,900
• Model S Plaid: €120,990
• Model S Plaid+: €140,990
• Model X Long Range: €99,990
• Model X Plaid: €120,990