It finally happened. The Model S received its first major redesign since it launched in 2012. Overall the exterior looks quite similar to the previous model, but there are some light touches that distinguish it.
Most of the visual changes can be seen inside. Now the car rocks a landscape touchscreen similar to that of model 3. The interior looks quite futuristic and minimal. It seems like Tesla has settled with the model 3 design language which is rather pleasing to the eye. Overall, this design seems to be widely accepted by Tesla fans.
THE STEERING WHEEL
Perhaps the most polarizing feature of the car interior is the steering wheel. Similar to the Roadster, the new Model S is equipped with a futuristic steering yoke. It gives off sci-fi movie vibes, which excites people, but it does not seem practical. Long are the days where laid back drivers would steer with one hand.
So many questions come to mind when you think about the ergonomics of the steering wheel. How will you make a u-turn? How wide can you turn? How about a quick merge on the highway? All these questions will be answered soon when people start test driving the car.
Overall, people are not used to change, though Tesla has been an ongoing episode of change in the automotive industry. I am excited to see how this steering wheel is implemented and how responsive it will be. Tesla’s website says it provides “The ultimate focus on driving: no stalks, no shifting. Model S is the best car to drive, and the best car to be driven in.”
THE CRAZY FEATURE OF THIS CAR
Elon Musk explained that the Model S can guess what direction you would like to go, thus eliminating the need for a transmission shifter. The shifter is moved to the touchscreen when you absolutely need to use it. This seems too crazy. It’s one of those “I need to see it, to believe it” scenarios. I can imagine a situation where you need to reverse, but the car goes the opposite direction.
For now, this seems to be a recipe for disaster when you imagine your car doing the opposite of what you want. Nevertheless, Elon Musk has proven the world wrong countless times. Time will tell how this feature works.
SPECS AND PERFORMANCE
Teslas website claims that the Model S Plaid+ will have the quickest quarter-mile acceleration of any production car ever. Equipped with a Tri-Motor, it will do 0-100km in 2.1s with a top speed of 322km/h. It will also have a range of 837km offering up to 1,100+ horsepower. Yes, you read that right. Absolutely bonkers. For a family sedan, this is more than impressive. My 300hp MDX looks like a slug compared to this beast.
The two other trims are the Plaid and Long Range. You can compare the specs HERE.
MY THOUGHTS.
The future is here people. I am very impressed with what Tesla presented. I love the new interior and I am excited to see what the new Model S will offer. I hope the quality of the interior is also improved and more color options are presented.
