Tesla Dropped the Mic !!! The Model S and X put on a show this week after the earnings call. Tesla.com updated their lineup of Model S and X vehicles with some dramatic flair.
This was on top of their first profitable year by posting a profit of $575M for Q4 earnings. It is amazing that a company which just a small number of years ago were struggling to be able to meet production of the Model 3 and now going from strength to strength.
Speculation
The refresh of the Model S and X has been rumoured for a while since the modified Model S achieved some phenomenal lap times at the Nürburgring last year.
At the time the exterior refresh seemed to be the only update with and increase in motors and performance. These exterior changes were subtle as they conformed to the same shape as the original 2012 design.
Many speculated that any changes to the interior would more than likely align with the Model 3 and Y.
Some of this speculation certainly hit the mark however there were a number of areas that many had not guessed.
The Model S is the “flag ship” of the Tesla fleet. It helped to bring the fledgling startup in 2012 into the broader market. Reliability, quality of design and quality of manufacturing gave the Model S exceptional standing at the time of its release. That reputation continues to this day.
It was imperative that if Tesla were to update any of the Model S’s features it would have to build upon that success, whilst bringing the vehicle almost 8 years old now, into the next decade.
Tesla has not disappointed. Its ability to take the pieces of the Model 3/Y and morph them into the luxury sedan has proven to be a challenge they can meet.
The updated interior of the Model S reflects similar characteristics to the Model3/Y including the display and other standardized functions. They did deviate in the styling by the inclusion of an extra display and a new steering wheel.
Refresh S and X
The Model S and X have had a refresh of the interior as outlined in the images below.
The centre display features a 17” Horizontal orientated display as opposed to the vertical display from older vehicles. The instrument cluster conforms carefully into the new dash. Retaining the aesthetics of the original design.
Yoke steering wheel
One of the best examples where Tesla dropped the Mic is the “YOKE” steering wheel. It appears similar to the one found in the cyber truck. This particular change will have buyers either loving it or hating it. However there has been images of a standard steering wheel being available.
A new minimal dash similar to the Model 3/Y and the center console phone charger is also present.
On the doors there is the same button exit to open the door. This again is a throwback to the Model 3/Y.
Back seat additions
Interior Model S 
interior of Model X
Beyond these subtle changes a more significant change has been made to the back seat of the vehicle with the inclusion of a 3rdscreen. This third screen has been indicated to be able to change the environmental setting in the back and also deliver games and movies to the seats in the back.
Whether this is practical is yet to be seen as the location of the screen does appear to be quite low in comparison to the people seating position. Time will tell. Dedicated charging ports have also been included allowing charging of devices.
Roof
Tesla Dropped the Mic by updating the exterior of the Model S with the inclusion of the panoramic roof. The influence upon the Model S is taken directly from the Model Y, the panoramic roof. Gone is the sunroof and the cross beam that divides the front and back and instead the panoramic roof takes its place.
Falcon wing doors
The Model X retains is large windscreen and Falcon wing doors. I would believe that it also retains the Fabergé egg status that Elon alluded to with the last Model X.
Model X 
Model X frame
As for the specs it would seem that both vehicles have had a significant bump in performance and drag coefficient with the plaid models.
These changes are in combination with exterior changes the most resolved update that Models S and X have had since their unveiling many years ago.
It is something that customers have been asking for many years. It is hoped that these changes will help to drive new customers into the luxury vehicles and deliver greater distribution of the Tesla Brand to new customers.
Australian Conundrum
Earlier today while scrolling through the conversations of EV’s in Twitter an Australian EV enthusiast highlighted something I had not truly comprehended. They explained that in Australia in 2021 the only vehicle that is available to be delivered is the Model 3.
As many of you may have seen I have posted a number of times on Twitter to Elon Musk regarding the availability to order the Model Y. Up until the refresh of the Model S and X austrlia had the ability to order Model s/x and 3 and have them delivered within weeks.
It seems that Australia now has no other option when purchasing a tesla to choose the Model 3 if you wish your vehicles to be delivered in 2021. Currently when ordering a Model S or X the delivery date just says, EST delivery:2022 as shown in the image below.
This would be lessened if the ability to order and have delivered the Model Y to Australia would be enabled.
I will give Tesla and Elon the benefit of the doubt and suggest they did not realize this oversight. However now that I and others are aware, I hope we can pass this information along so that, at a minimum, Model Y ordering could be enabled with a delivery date before the beginning of 2022.
Leading the pack
I still believe that the Tesla brand is leading the pack when it comes to reliable and appealing EV’s and as I have said a number of times before Model Y is built for the Australian consumer.
It’s capabilities and cargo carrying ability aligns with the current feelings of SUV in Australia. SUV market has been growing exponentially across the world and Australia is no different.
The rise of the Australian Dollar and the growing acceptance for electric vehicles will only strengthen the uptake of electric vehicles in Australia and the globe which will inevitably help to reduce emissions from vehicles by increasing the purchase of electric vehicles.
Tesla Dropped the Mic !!! The new refreshed Model S and X will become a sort after commodity. Its interior refresh helps to capitalize on the consistent design choices Tesla is making and will continue to excite buyers with their performance and safety.
As the world moves towards a renewable future including electric vehicle transport it is encouraging to be part of the story and help to share the passion for EV’s and the impact this will have on the environment around us.
Dave
