Tesla makes changes to their lineup on a chaotic basis, but it appears the Model S is about to get a significant refresh.
Citing several former and current employees, CNBC is reporting Tesla’s factory in Fremont, California is being prepared to produce the all-new Model Y and an updated Model S.
The latter car is expected to go into production in September and it will reportedly feature a host of updates including a new interior which follows in the footsteps of the Model 3. As a result, we can expect a minimalist cabin which could eschew the current car’s digital instrument cluster and touchscreen infotainment system with a portrait orientation. Both will presumably be replaced by an all-new ‘floating’ display similar to the one used on the Model 3.
Besides the new infotainment system, the car could adopt seats sourced from higher-end versions of the Model 3. There could also be a new dashboard and a revised center console – among other things.
Performance changes are more mysterious, but the report suggested the updated Model S could share its electric motors with the higher-end versions of the Model 3. The report also says there will be an updated battery that increases the range to 400 miles (644 km). That’s an impressive distance for an EV, but it’s only 30 miles (48 km) further than the current Model S Long Range.
Also Read: It’s Official: 2017 Tesla Model S Facelift
It remains unclear if the update will also include exterior styling changes, but it appears the car will be built on the same production line as the Model X. This will reportedly happen to accommodate Model Y production which could begin as early as next year. If that’s the case, the entry-level crossover could arrive well ahead of its planned launch in the fall of 2020.
