Tesla backflips on controversial steering yoke

Tesla has begun offering a conventional round steering wheel option for both the 2023 Tesla Model S and Model X for those put off by the prospect of steering their cars with a yoke-style tiller.

A round steering wheel, which can also be retrofitted to existing Model S sedan and Model X crossover vehicles for around $US700 ($A1020), is available in new cars globally following an update to the US car-maker’s configurator earlier this week.

For new cars, it is a no-cost option but won’t be available in the US until March 2023.

However, there’s still no word on pricing or availability for the updated Tesla Model S or Model X in Australia, where Tesla deleted pricing for the updated MY22 models from its website in late 2021 but continues to take orders for a refundable $350 fee.

Introduced back in 2021, when Tesla CEO Elon Musk said it would replace the traditional round steering wheel permanently, the yoke was subject to substantial criticism by safety experts and even prompted some challenges in markets like the US and UK, where its legality was questioned.

Claimed by Tesla to simplify the driving experience, the aircraft-style tiller has no conventional stalks and controls for the indicators, headlights, windscreen wipers and horn are located on the face of the yoke.

Unfortunately, for those who still miss them, the indicator stalks have not returned to the round steering wheel option, with touch-capacitive controls remaining on the wheel itself.

Soon after its introduction, several owners and journalists reported the yoke – which became standard equipment even on the 760kW triple-motor Model S Plaid super-sedan – could be problematic at slow speeds, in urban environments and during high-speed track use.

As well as the return of the round wheel, the fastest Tesla Model S Plaid has also been upgraded with better brakes that are claimed to have a higher thermal capacity.

The latest Model S and Model X also have new ‘TESLA’ lettering on their rear boot lids in place of a badge.

Despite the controversy it seems steering yokes are here to stay, with Lexus likely to offer one in the production version of its new RZ mid-size electric SUV.