New Tesla Model S and Model X revealed
Pioneering electric sedan and SUV refreshed inside and out, headed by new Plaid+ flagshipTesla has revealed pricing and specification for its updated Tesla Model S, offering numerous changes inside and out for the all-electric luxury sedan plus the introduction of a two-pronged triple-motor Plaid high-performance model line-up.
Similar changes have also been wrought on the Tesla Model X SUV, although only the Model S now boasts a top-rung Plaid+ flagship.
Pricing for the Model S line-up in Australia now starts at $129,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Long Range, moving upwards to $174,990 plus ORCs for the mid-level Plaid before topping out at $189,990 plus ORCs for the Plaid+.
These prices follow recent reductions for the Model S line-up amid a wave of incoming EV rivals.
Production of the new model will commence in the first quarter of 2021, however Tesla says Australian customers who order the updated Model S today will not take delivery until 2022.
The Model S Long Range combines two electric motors for an estimated range of 663km and a 0-100km/h time of 3.2 seconds.
Next up, the Plaid introduces three high-performance electric motors for a total power output of 761kW, equating to an otherworldly 0-100km/h time of 2.1sec and a range of 628km.
Sitting atop the range, the Model S Plaid+ boasts 820kW of power from its triple-motor powertrain, a sub-2.1sec 0-100km/h sprint time, sub-9.0sec quarter mile, an “840km-plus range” and a claimed 320km/h top speed.
According to Tesla, the adoption of carbon-sleeved motor rotors and torque vectoring improve performance, while updated technology allows the Model S to perform high-speed runs over and over again.
Headlining interior updates is a slim, rectangular steering wheel that has conjured comparisons with the ‘yoke’ control sticks used by commercial airline pilots. According to Tesla, the new tiller is “the ultimate focus on driving: no stalks, no shifting”.
“With a stalk-less steering yoke, you can enjoy both the best car to drive, and the best car to be driven in,” the car-maker said.
Elsewhere, the long-awaited Model S refresh borrows interior elements from the smaller Tesla Model 3 and forthcoming Tesla Model Y, including an updated 17.0-inch centre touch-screen display bearing satellite navigation, internet functionality and no shortage of games, video streaming and Tesla’s much-vaunted ‘Easter eggs’.
The horizontal central display is supported by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, while further back resides an additional 8.0-inch display in the rear of the centre console for second row passengers.
The entire infotainment system is underlined by a 22-speaker, 960W audio system.
Comfort features on the updated Model S include heated seating all-round, ventilated front seats, three-zone climate control with air filtration, a tinted glass roof and ambient lighting.
The cavernous storage options in the Model S are supported by wireless charging for all passengers and USB-C ports.
Outside, the Model S aligns with the Model 3 and Model Y with an upgraded front-end design and the installation of black exterior trim replacing chrome.
The Tesla Model X upgrade mirrors interior changes and small cosmetic updates applied to the Model S.
As with the Model S, the two-tier Model X line-up moves to Long Range and Plaid nomenclature, offering a range of 580km and 547km respectively.
How much does the 2021 Tesla Model S and Model X cost?
Model S Long Range – $129,990
Model S Plaid – $174,990
Model S Plaid+ – $189,990
Model X Long Range – $149,990
Model X Plaid – $174,990
*Prices exclude on-road costs
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