The Tesla Model S And Model X Get World Record-worthy Upgrades!

• Cabin upgrades include a new 17-inch touchscreen, an airplane-style steering wheel, 8-inch display for second-row passengers as well as a redesigned dashboard layout.

• Both models get a new 1020PS Plaid variant to replace the Performance trim. 

• The new Plaid+ variant pushes over 1100PS with 837km of range.

• Both models are likely to make it to India only after the Model 3.

Tesla has kicked off 2021 by introducing a mid-life refresh for both the Model S electric sedan and the Model X electric crossover. The updates to the two models are pretty comprehensive, with new interiors as well as overhauled powertrain lineups. 

The biggest upgrade to the Model S and Model X is in the cabin. It starts with an all-new 17-inch landscape-oriented touchscreen infotainment system replacing the vertical-tablet style layout of the pre-facelift model. Despite the new touchscreen layout, the 12.3-inch digital display has been retained. It also gets an 8-inch display in the second-row rear centre console. 

Another notable upgrade is a new airplane yoke-style steering wheel, inspired by the Tesla Roadster concept. It's pretty much driver-focused with no stalks, instead the turn signals can be operated via wheel-mounted buttons. Other feature highlights include wood trims all over, nicely arranged wireless charging pads for a couple of devices, and a 22-speaker 960-watt premium sound system with active noise cancellation. The rear seats have also been upgraded with new bolstering on both sides.

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The other major updates to the two Tesla models are under the hood. While the dual-motor Long Range remains the base variant, the Performance trim has been replaced by a new Plaid trim. It features a tri-motor electric powertrain setup that makes 1020PS of outright grunt distributed to all four wheels. All this propels the Model S to a 0-96kmph sprint time of 1.99 seconds, with the Model X achieving that in 2.5 seconds. Top speed is now rated at 322kmph (Model S) and 262kmph (Model X). In terms of range, Tesla claims the two can run up to 627km (Model S) and 547km (Model X).

Exclusive to the Model S will be an additional range-topping Plaid+ variant pushing over 1100PS of power, a sub-2 second 0-96kmph sprint time, and an all-electric range of over 837km shattering all world records for a production EV so far. As for exterior tweaks, they’re fairly subtle for both models, with Model 3-inspired front fascia, new wheels, and a black exterior trim.

Back home, Tesla is planning to enter the Indian market and has already cleared the first hurdle with the official registration of its Indian entity. It is expected to kick off its innings here with the entry-level Model 3 sedan which could be priced around the Rs 60 lakh mark. There’s no word on when the Model S and Model X will make it to India, but it is likely only after the introduction of the Model 3.