Tesla Model X: Technology Review

When we first took a closer look at the inimitable Tesla Infotainment system – in the Model S – back in early 2016 it was just that, somewhat unique in the market.

That gigantic 17-inch portrait orientated central touchscreen and animated instrument panel was something rare on the market foreshadowing the virtual cockpit systems that soon followed.

Fast forward a few years and not only has Tesla beginning to branch out brand wise with the Model X,3 and future Y, but the world is wise to just how funky infotainment systems can be, whether it be an EV or not.

We don’t need to be satisfied with AM/FM and a tacho, and in fact we no longer need to be satisfied with the infotainment system we had when we rolled our new purchase out of the showroom doors.

Over-the-air updates means new features can be added within the bounds of the hardware limitations. Back in 2016 Tesla had indeed just rolled out Spotify Premium and the beginnings of the Autopilot autonomous driving system. Things have moved on since then.

Jumping into a new Model X, we are very much taken with the new User eXperience (UX) which essentially has decided that people like having that huge map screen as the default “background” on the main screen.

Gone is the choice of full or half screen split. Instead Tesla has adopted the Map screen as background with overlays for other Infotainment components and flexibility with the well-used audio feature allowing the display to be set to take up as much screen real-estate as the user wishes.

It is a simple, welcome, supple solution that allows low-brain-energy customisation of the display.

Meanwhile, the instrument panel remains rather smart and static. Energy use display to the right, important driving info in the centre and an intuitive adaptable display to the left, for example showing detailed navigation info when on a trip.

Let’s get the fun updates out of the way. In particular the “Easter Eggs”, a term generally used in video games for hidden code or undocumented quirks put in by developers showing that despite the seriousness of the software involved, people programming in secreted stuff to find is just good for laughs.

Tesla has decided to surface these gems in a far more obvious way than previously; Hit the “T” button at the top for the vehicle info screen, and swipe down to show the “Easter Egg” icons.

Romantic Mode sets the scene, changing the main screen to a log fire and meanwhile the 3G SIM imbedded in the infotainment systems seeks out the best Sade and Barry White tunes to play along with the crackle of the flames.

At the other end of the scale is the Emissions Test System, a chance to use the surround sound system to its most humours effect. Select short, or extended fart noises to inflict – or blame – on the passengers. Or why not link to the indicators to make each urban corner a LOL moment.

Change the Navigation screen to a Martian landscape – sure you won’t find your destination but it will impress those of us looking to escape our Earthly shackles.

There are Christmas themed light shows and more cowbell than you will every need as a result of other barely-hidden programmer virtual jokes.

The main attraction is the Atari video game classics. Exactly what we all hoped that lovely big touch-screen could be used for. It is almost impossible to play Asteroids, but you can knock off a few games such as Lunar Lander, Missile Command (our favourite), Super Breakout or Centipede using the steering-wheel and buttons as the controller.

Obviously not whilst driving.

Improvements have been made to Autopilot, which is still the best system for lane-keeping and surrounding traffic we have seen. Changing lanes is now automatic, with the flick of the indicator and a light touch on the wheel.

The system will only change lanes if safe, and now recognises the difference between pedestrians, push and motor bikes as well as cars and trucks. It is however all still in “beta” stage of development, so don’t expect to hand over complete responsibility to the Autopilot just yet.

In fact, Tesla’s version of auto drive is behind a number of other comparable systems with features such as road sign recognition on the “coming soon” list.

We did have some disconcerting times, after a full day of driving, first the dash display froze, followed some twenty minutes later by the main screen fading to black. This meant the driver was completely uninformed about crucial information such as speed, and less importantly, but still needy, battery charge level.

This required a pull over and reset of the system (after some frantic “Googling” work with the smart-phone). After a reboot, we were back on the road with no issue.

Speaking of smart-phones, the Tesla will now accept a sat-nav destination fed to it from Google Maps via the brands App.

It’s a handy little App, allowing the ability to remotely a number of functions of the car including the internal temperature (also known as Dog Mode, for keeping any temporary pooch housing safe), unlocking the car, or even just locating the vehicle.

The Summon feature is also nice, giving the ability to move the Model X in or out of a tight parking spot without the need to squeeze those gull-wing doors open. Tesla are also advertising this feature will soon gain a major update where Summon can be used to bring the car to where you are standing within a multi-story parking complex.

The wow and whimsy factor still abounds with the Tesla tech, it can delight and excite you with its use.