Tesla has officially introduced an updated Model S, confirming the rumours that were reported on earlier in the week.
The refresh brings with it some modest but welcome changes to the most popular model the Californian EV maker offers, mostly to bring it up to visual and feature parity with models that have been subsequently brought out such as the Model X and Model 3.
The first change of note would be the new front fascia that forgoes the central grill design entirely (though it was previously just a gloss black panel), now adopting the Model X’s more minimal look. There are still heat exchangers just above the front apron, however.
Tesla is clearly pushing to achieve a lower drag coefficient, with Elon Musk specifically stating his hope for the production Model 3 to have a 0.21cd. In between that newer face are adaptive LED headlamps.
Apart from that, the Model S gains the aggressive medical-grade HEPA air filtration system that is claimed to remove at least 99.7 percent of harmful particulates from the air, including all allergens, bacteria, and most viruses. It also comes with the Bioweapon Defence Mode first seen on the Model X which creates a positive pressure inside the cabin itself to block out those pesky post-apocalyptic mutant spores.
The 40A charger that was previously included with the Model S is now reported to have been upgraded to a 48A unit that, when paired with a high-output outlet, allows for a 20 percent quicker charge time.
Nearly all the rumoured changes to hit the Model S did indeed turn out to be accurate, save for the introduction of a higher maximum configurable battery capacity. Currently, the Model S’s largest battery stands at 90kWh, while it was suspected that a 100kWh pack would make its debut in this refreshed Model S.
