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Tesla unveils new Model S and X

In the past few days, electric car giant Tesla has not only presented its encouraging business figures. On top of that, the company with the iconic Elon Musk at its helm presented the new variants of its Model S and Model X. In addition to a redesigned exterior, the interior is particularly impressive. Without further ado, Tesla has installed an infotainment system that boasts 10 teraflops of performance. Thus, the two new editions have nothing less than an integrated gaming console. Tesla’s specifications also sound groundbreaking in terms of engine performance. Thus, the two high-priced e-cars are said to boast up to 1,100 hp and a range of a remarkable 840 km.

Body design resembles Model 3

Surprisingly, the two top models of the e-car forge have taken their cue from the far less expensive Model 3 when it comes to body design. Tesla, for example, has replaced the previously predominant chrome with a somewhat more inconspicuous black. At first glance, this suits the Model S and Model X very well. After all, this makes for a much tidier design, which has already convinced many buyers of the Model 3.

But it’s not just the choice of materials that has changed. Tesla is also redesigning the bumpers of its top two models. The redesign ensures that the car not only looks sportier, but also has better aerodynamics to boot. But the visual overhaul was also sorely needed after nine years that have brought hardly any external changes.

Pioneering design in the interior

But the revised body quickly fades into the background when you take a look at the interior of the Model S and X. Here, Tesla once again takes a groundbreaking step. The meanwhile somewhat bulky looking portrait screen gives way to a completely renewed infotainment system in the new editions. The highlight here is a 17-inch screen that now comes in widescreen format. Thanks to a resolution of 2,200 x 1,300 pixels, it should be razor-sharp.

Image: Tesla

Unlike the previous Tesla display, this one now tilts to the right and left. The Model S and X once again feature two displays up front. In addition to the aforementioned main display, the driver has another one directly in front of his eyes. Thanks to the revised steering wheel, one should be able to have an accessible view of this display.

Gaming on four wheels?

But it’s not just the looks that have changed in the interior. Tesla has also given its infotainment system a whopping performance upgrade. As a result, the topic of multimedia is taking up an even larger amount of space at the U.S. e-car manufacturer. Strictly speaking, the company has installed a real gaming console. This is supposed to be able to offer up to 10 teraflops of computing power. This means that the infotainment system can keep up with the PlayStation 5 and the Xbox Series X. The pictures released by Tesla show the popular role-playing game The Witcher 3, among others. Wireless controllers are to be supported as input devices. Tesla also installs an extensive audio system so that not only the eyes but also the ears are impressed. There are 22 speakers as standard, which are supposed to have a combined output of 960 watts. Active noise cancellation is also on board.

Image: Tesla

Away from the completely revamped multimedia system, the interior has also seen some changes. For example, the updated center tunnel now features two charging cradles that can be used to charge your smartphone, among other things. There is still an armrest between the driver and front passenger that can be conveniently used as a storage compartment. At the back of the armrest is a display for the passengers sitting on the rear seat. But you can’t really call it a back seat. Tesla relies much more on two individual seats that are separated by a cup holder. In the Model S, however, the cup holder can be conveniently folded up so that even five people can easily fit inside the car. The Model S offers considerable space anyway. The rear seat can be folded down to increase the trunk space. Even an assembled bicycle should be able to find room in the Tesla.

More horsepower and range thanks to Plaid+

Also with the new Model S one can differ between different variants. In total, there are three different versions. All have adaptive air suspension, a premium interior and the extensive sound system on board as standard. Those who opt for the “Maximum Range” model have to put 86,990 euros on the table. For that, you then get the dual engine with an estimated range of 663 km, 250 km/h top speed, acceleration from 0 to 100 in 3.2 seconds and all-wheel drive.

The sports version of the Model S goes by the new name “Plaid.” Here, there is a triple engine that also comes with all-wheel drive. The range is a bit shorter at 628 km, but there is also a top speed of an impressive 320 km/h. The Sport model accelerates from 0 to 100 in 2.1 seconds and costs 116,900 euros. Those who want to combine sport and range can opt for the “Plaid+” variant. Here, the Model S offers 1,100 hp, a range of over 840 km and acceleration from 0 to 100 in just 2.1 seconds at a hefty price of 139,900 euros.

Expensive customization options

Fortunately, unlike common European carmakers, Tesla relies on extensive standard equipment. Nevertheless, you can also get additional features for a bit of extra money. This starts with the color. The new models come in white as standard. If you want something more unusual, you have to pay extra. Depending on the color, the costs range between 1,600 and 2,900 euros. Larger rims are also available at a surcharge of 4,700 euros. This is how the 19 inch rims grow to 21 inch rims.

Standard equipment includes an all-black interior. However, this can also be selected in black and white or in a beige shade for 2,100 euros. Probably the most exciting option is called “Full potential for autonomous driving”. Here you can get the extended autopilot for an extra 7,500 euros. The classic autopilot is again also on board as standard.

Model X has also seen some changes

Tesla has not only given its high-priced Model S a makeover. The Model X e-SUV also gets a revised design. As with the Model S, Tesla has rethought both the interior and body. The costs for the bulky e-car are roughly the same as those of the Model S. The dual-motor version starts at 95,990 Euros. Those who opt for the sporty “Plaid” variant, on the other hand, have to pay 116,990 euros. Tesla has not yet announced a “Plaid+” variant for the Model X.

Availability

The revised premium e-cars should probably be able to mix up the market properly. In Germany, we can look forward to the availability of the Model X and S later this year. The German website lists September and the end of 2021 as the release dates.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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