Tesla is in the process of a mid-cycle refresh to Model S and Model X, introduced in intermittent steps independently on both vehicles.
Full Self-Driving Hardware 4.0
Tesla began shipping Model X with Full Self-Driving Hardware 4.0 earlier this week.
Hardware 4.0 offers roughly double the processing power of its predecessor along with upgraded camera sensors and the surprising yet confirmed addition of a next-generation Phoenix radar module.
Tesla is still in the process of optimizing Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features for the new hardware. As a result, more advanced functionality is limited and the Full Self-Driving Beta isn’t available yet for new vehicles.
As Model X is the first vehicle in Tesla’s lineup to receive the new hardware, it’s believed that Tesla is in the process of transitioning Model S production lines over to support Hardware 4.0 over the next few weeks.
An Upgraded Glass Roof
Model S did however transition over to a brand new glass roof design, which was announced yesterday.
The aptly-titled ‘high-visibility Glass Roof’ lets in five times more light, while maintaining the same degree of UV protection as before.
The full Glass Roof gives passengers a brighter, more spacious experience and unobstructed views of the sky. Infrared and UV light is effectively blocked before entering the cabin, reducing heat and glare even when the sun is directly overhead.
Effectively, it’s optically clearer and offers an even better view of the sky.
It also weighs less, offering an improved center of gravity.
Model X uses a larger pane of glass, and hasn’t received the same update.
Tesla’s First New Paint Color… This Decade
Tesla introduced its first new paint color in over five years with the launch of Ultra Red.
Ultra Red is an extremely deep shade of red that’s distinctly darker than the previously-available Red Multi-Coat paint.
It beautifully complements the darker design elements on the latest chassis, including the black outlay for the rear Tesla logo.
It’s being offered for production at Giga Fremont, which has a decidedly less state-of-the-art paint shop than the newer Giga Berlin or Giga Austin, but still uses automated manufacturing techniques to apply the paint color.
The new paint color replaces Red Multi-Coat in the configurator for both Model S and Model X at a price point of $3,000.
Other Changes
The most notable difference on both vehicles at this point in their refresh cycle is that the Yoke Steering feature which headlined the current-generation design has now become an optional feature.
Tesla instead includes a more conventional round steering wheel, with the same driver’s display and the refreshed steering control’s signature lack of turn stalks and shifters.
Puzzlingly, Tesla still includes Yoke Steering as a feature of Model S and Model X with the tagline: “the ultimate focus on driving.”
It does nonetheless remain available as a no-cost option in Tesla’s configurator.
A high-resolution 17" center touchscreen offers a motorized left-right tilt for switching between the driver and passenger.
Model S remains the most aerodynamic car on the road with “refreshed, elegant proportions.” Model X also has the lowest drag coefficient of any SUV.
Otherwise, specifications for range and acceleration remain the same.
Pricing
What has changed is pricing: Model S now starts at $89,990, and Model X starts at $99,990 following respective price drops of $5,000 and $10,000.
Both start with Long Range All-Wheel Drive Dual Motor configurations.
More interestingly, Model S Plaid and Model X now simultaneously start at the same price point of $109,990.
Bonus: Model S Plaid vs Model X Plaid?
Now that Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid are available at the same price, buyers will need to decide which vehicle suits them better.
Those that want the greatest level of performance will want Model S Plaid, as it remains the quickest production car with a quoted 0–60 time of under two seconds.
Model X Plaid is approaching hypercar performance as far as acceleration regardless with its quoted 0–60 time of 2.5 seconds.
Model S Plaid comes with five seats, while Model X Plaid comes with six seats and the greatest differentiator to this comparison in our opinion: Falcon Wing Doors.
Note that Model X Plaid can’t be configured with a different seating layout.
Let us know which configuration and color is best in the comments below.
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