Eventually, Tesla’s longest-running vehicle received a much-needed update. Although the 2021 model year does not drastically change the electric sedan, it does breathe new life into one of Tesla’s premium offerings. With more and more carmakers unveiling plans for their own electric luxury sedan, it’s now more important than ever for Tesla to keep its cars fresh.
 |
Above: A Look at the New Tesla Model S Redesign of 2021 (Source: Tesla)
Is this latest refurbishment of the Model S a major transformation? It really depends on your point of view. Either way, regardless of your initial impressions, it makes some serious changes. Although you can not really see much from the outside, the changes on the inside seem to differ drastically. The technology, acceleration and scope have also essentially improve.
ABROAD
As noted, the refreshing exterior is not entirely different. Unless you’re an experienced Tesla veteran, you can not really tell the difference between a refreshed model and one from last year. The biggest visual difference is in the front fender that got extra body wrinkles.
The headlights and taillights also appear to be brighter and more radiant. The refreshed Model S (and X) put the Model 3 and Y together to drop the chrome finishes. You will notice that the decoration around the windows and door handles is now obscured.
INTERIOR
While the exterior has only a few (minor) updates, the interior has some drastic changes. Some of these changes may actually point to Tesla’s overarching vision of a self-governing future ahead.
Let’s start with the steering wheel. Well, it lacks a top and bottom. The new yoke steering wheel is reminiscent of one found in race cars, evoking a sense of high performance. There are also no stalks behind the steering wheel, as all the functions are connected to the buttons on the steering wheel. Without stems, shifting gears in the electric motor is a bit different than most other traditional vehicles on the road.
The center console also received a major upgrade, dropping the old vertical orientation screen. Instead of protruding as in Model 3 and Y, the new horizontal screen is embedded in the dashboard with a slight tilt mechanism. The new screen is obviously better for media consumption, and Tesla noted that the center screen has the latest generation of the game console.
Other features on the dashboard include the Air 3 and Y air vents. This gives the dash a cleaner feel as it lacks the traditional striking openings found in every other vehicle.
The rear of the cabin also received an update with a new rear console as well as an 8-inch screen. In addition, there is no more latch on the inside of the doors for both the Model S and X, just the buttons, just like the 3 and Y.
GAMES
Tesla is making their cars fairly capable gaming centers. Over the past few years, the brand has built up a Tesla Arcade through its ongoing software updates. The games were simple at first, but gradually became more robust and full of features.
Above: Understanding the Changes to the New, Refreshing 2021 Tesla Model S (Source: Cleanerwatt)
With the new V11 update, the company wants to continue to raise the bar regarding in-car games. Some of the refresh photos for the refresh show the Witcher 3 on the center console, and Elon Musk said the car should be able to drive Cyberpunk 2077. Both of these games are a significant step up from everything Tesla has put out so far. through their ongoing software updates.
SMART MOVE
The new yoke has been the subject of controversy for more than one reason. Besides missing an top and bottom point, Tesla has removed the stems. As such, the Model S will find out through its camera system what gear you should be in and then shift. For those who want to be able to move themselves, there is an option to disable the feature and swap themselves via the center console.
CLIMATE
With the updated dashboard, Tesla has eliminated visible air-conditioning vents. Although this ventilated design has been on the 3 / Y for a while, the sleek air conditioning was absent on the Model S and X. The new setup makes it look like air is coming from the screens in the dashboard, amazing all your friends who do not Familiar with the secrets of your car.
The system now has three zones of control and retains its preconditioning functions as well as heated seats.
ACTIVE AUDIO CANCELLATION
In an effort to make the model of the Model S more comfortable, Tesla has updated the sound system. There are 22 speakers throughout the car, as well as new microphones to enable active noise cancellation, blocking much of the road noise. Think of AirPod Pros, but for your car.
PERFORMANCE
Along with the design changes, the performance upgrade here really offers a bang. According to Tesla, the battery modules, batteries and drive units have been updated. Surprisingly, the Model S still seems to be using the old 18650 cell rather than the latest 4680 or even 2170 cells found in Model 3 / Y.
Nevertheless, it appears that there are some notable improvements in the chemistry or thermal effects, as the refreshment has a boost in its range. The long-distance model S has a range of 412 miles with a top speed of 155 km / h and a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds.
The real improvements are seen in the Plaid versions of the refresh. The previous Performance version got a third car and the name ‘Plaid’. With this extra car, the Model S Plaid can hit 200 mph and boasts a 0-60 time of 1.99 seconds.
The Plaid + is a very different animal. The well-known Tesla is another year away, but it promises insane performance. Although it beats the regular Plaid just slightly in 0-60 time with “<1.99 seconds" and fits at top speed, the Plaid + will offer more than 520 miles range. With this writing, Plaid + will secure first place as the fastest production engine in the world.
==
An earlier version of this article appeared on EVBite. EVBite is a specific news website for electric vehicles aimed at keeping consumers abreast of developments in the ever-growing EV landscape.