Electrek got more information about Tesla’s new Model S and Model X and some of the smaller changes yet to be announced.
Tesla officially unveiled the new refresh of Model S and Model X yesterday, but it was surprising enough that it was on the sidelines of the company’s Q4 2020 financial release.
CEO Elon Musk has confirmed that Tesla will take another call later this week or next week to discuss the new Model S and Model X in more detail.
But in the meantime, Electrek found more information from sources familiar with the new versions of the electric vehicles.
We’ve already taken a deeper dive into Tesla’s new steering wheel, which is definitely one of the most interesting changes made with the new Model S and Model X.
Let’s now look at some more features and changes that Tesla has not yet announced, or to inform the details here:
Tesla moves to phone key with card for Model S and Model X
Like Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla makes the primary key for Model S and Model X through the Tesla app with the updated version launched yesterday.
Tesla will provide key cards to set your phone as a key, and there are sensors on the B-pillar and the boot to unlock and turn on the vehicles.
However, the carmaker plans to also supply key fobs for the more premium vehicles.
Tesla Model S and Model X get chrome removed
Like Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla does not use chrome trim around the windows and door handles, but it does not have the same satin black clear finish as the smaller vehicles.
Tesla would rather use a “premium glossy black finish” for the new Model S and Model X.
New Tesla Model S and Model X battery
Tesla is introducing new battery modules and overall package architecture in the new Model S and Model X, but it is not the use of the 4680 cells or the structural battery that was announced on Battery Day last year.
In fact, Tesla has not even upgraded to 2170 cells, and it still uses the 18650 cells in Model S and Model X. However, the 18650 has been updated to the latest chemistry.
The changes are mainly focused on thermal performance. The automaker, for example, has developed new coolant channels to allow cross-flow, making the temperature more consistent across each channel in the battery.
There are two major performance improvements made possible by the new battery’s thermal performance: faster charging that now matches Model 3 and Model Y at 250 kW and repeatability of power for a constant back-to-back quarter-mile runs or rounds.
Cup holders and first row storage
Tesla has designed some retractable headrests under the sliding door of the new center console in the new Model S and Model X.
The carmaker is also introducing new bags on every front door.
New second-row seats from Tesla Model S
With the Model S refresh, Tesla redesigned the second-row seat to have a more sloping seating position. It also strengthens more head and legroom, as the first row is now further forward.
The second-row seats can also fold flatter than in the previous version of the Model S.
The new foldable center console offers not only an armrest and cup holders, but also built-in inductive phone chargers as on the front.
New screens in the new Model S and Model X
Of course, the second row now also has its own screen – that makes it three screens in the new Model S and Model X.
The middle touchscreen’s center screen is now horizontal, but it’s still 17 centimeters (2 inches larger than in Model 3 and Model Y), and it now tilts (left and right).
The new second row screen is also a touch screen and the carmaker is finalizing the user interface interaction between all the screens.
What about the ‘frunk’?
Tesla has slightly modified the front trunk (frunk) in Model S and Model X to accommodate the new drivetrain, but this apparently does not affect the storage space in any significant way.
Tesla Model S and Model X Tribal Updates
This is a similar situation for the suitcases, which has changed, but the overall storage space is about the same. In the Model X, you can now fit full-size golf clubs that lie horizontally and the ModelS package can now be stored flat in the compartment under the floor of the trunk.
Tesla’s Next Generation Airwave Climate Control
The new Model S and Model X are equipped with Tesla’s next-generation Airwave climate control, built on the climate control system first introduced in Model 3.
However, Tesla has improved the design and now uses screen and other glass surfaces in the car to direct airflow and create the impression that the air is blowing out of the screens.
It allows for an instrument cluster display while maintaining a full airflow to the driver, as in Model 3 and Model Y.
The holes are also even better hidden than in Model 3 and Y, resulting in a very simple inside.
Press door opening buttons
With the new door openings with power pressure, Tesla has also added release handles that should only be used if there are problems with the former.
New tires and wheels
Tesla claims that it is now using new “advanced tires” in the new Model S and Model X, which should lead to a better rolling softness and make the ride even smoother.
New interior sensors in new Tesla Model S and Model X
With the update version, Tesla introduced the same cabin camera found under the rearview mirror in Model 3 and Model Y.
The new Model S and Model X also have an inside radar for intrusion detection and occupant detection.
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