The most noticeable changes to the Model S are indoors.
The central display is now horizontal.
The steering wheel, or steering yoke according to Tesla, is right out of K.I.T.T.
The Tesla Model S’ has gone relatively unchanged in nearly a decade but being the only large luxury electric sedan ensured that it would sell. With competition now flooding in, Tesla has finally updated the flagship Model S with expected and unexpected upgrades.
From the outside, the changes are subtle. The front-end is different and chrome is now nowhere to be seen. On the inside, the story is a little different. The large centre-display, which was once vertical, now sits horizontally and measures an impressive 17 inches across. A 12.3-inch digital instrument panel is positioned behind the insane “steering yoke”. And finally, rear passengers get a central 8-inch display as well.
Another new feature is a glass roof but what’s really important is that trims have evolved. The Model S Long Range dual-motor enables 412 miles (663km) of range and will hit 60mph in 3.1 seconds, or 100km/h in 3.2 seconds. In the US, it is priced from $72,990 while in Canada, it starts at $114,990.
The old Performance trim is now Plaid and offers a tri-motor setup. Range drops to 390 miles (628km) but performance takes a leap. With 1,020 horsepower, the 0-60mph sprint flies by in 1.99 seconds. To 100km/h, the time is 2.1 seconds. Pricing starts at $112,990 in the US, $159,990 in Canada.
The new Plaid+ will re-write history. With over 1,100 horsepower, this Model S will have the quickest 0-60 mph (0-100km/h) and 1/4 mile acceleration of any production car ever. Its range is a staggering 520+miles or 840+km. Pricing also jumps to $132,990 in the US or $189,990 in Canada.
The new Tesla Model S is available for order now. For the Long Range and Plaid, deliveries begin in March while the Plaid+ will come in late 2021.