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Tesla officially updates the Model S with new front-end, faster charger and ‘bioweapon defense’ [Gallery]

We had a sneak peak this morning, but now Tesla made it official. We first reported on an expected Tesla Model S facelift at the end of last year and even though Tesla denied working on a design refresh at the time, it became increasingly clear that it was in the works. We have since then received information from sources on exactly what that would look like, as well as new features to be introduced with the updated sedan.

We will update this post as new information is coming in:

Here are the new features Tesla shared via a press release:

  • The front fascia and headlights of Model S now have a design similar to that found on Model X.
  • The Tesla HEPA air filtration system which was previously only available on Model X is now available on Model S too. The filter is 100 times more effective than all other premium automotive filters removing at least 99.97% of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria and other contaminants from cabin air.
  • The standard charger in Model S is upgraded from 40 amps to 48 amps enabling faster charging when connected to higher amperage charging sources.
  • Two new interior décor choices: Figured Ash Wood Décor and Dark Ash Wood Décor.

The price increased by $1,500 across the board. The base Model S 70 now starts at $71,500.

It looks like the redesign increased the range without having to introduce bigger battery packs. The Model S 90D, Tesla’s vehicle with the best range, is now advertised with a range of 294 miles – up from 288 miles.

Tesla describes the new headlamps:

“Model S now features full LED adaptive headlamps. Besides enhancing the already great styling, they also boost safety: 14 three-position LED dynamic turning lights improve visibility at night, especially on winding roads.”

In the press release, Tesla announced that the updated vehicle is going into production at the Fremont factory today.

The company shared a few official pictures and rendering of the new Model S. Gallery:

I’m done updating the article for now, but Tesla has been making changes to the Model S design studio that are not mentioned in the press release. We will keep an eye out as I wouldn’t be surprised if more updates are coming.

The Model X design studio is also now online and Tesla introduced a new battery pack, 75 kWh, why not for the Model S too?

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Comments

  1. md - 8 years ago

    The interior led lighting around the doors seems to be brought up to X level too. Bjorn said in his X review the S didn’t have it. I suppose that’s what the door picture is about for the premium package.

  2. Miguel Nunez - 8 years ago

    Beautiful! Awesome Engineering!

  3. - (@outforbeer) - 8 years ago

    I like to see the black nose removed to look more like model 3

  4. Dafty Punk - 8 years ago

    I like the sliver of a nose grill look. Makes it look a little different then the porsche. I hope they use this design language on the 3 as well for consistency.

    • freeform1999 - 8 years ago

      Me too! When I A/B the photos of the S & 3 quickly they are just so similar in so many ways…
      except the 3 is smaller and has a different nose.
      One would think they just didn’t want to reveal the nose design before the S got it.
      It’s gonna be an interesting m3 reveal.2!

  5. Brandon R - 8 years ago

    When do you guys think the design studio is going to open?

  6. Jeremy - 8 years ago

    No ventilated seats! Frustrating for a SoCal owner…

    • MorinMoss - 8 years ago

      I don’t get why that wasn’t an option on the Model S from the start.

  7. imperatormaximus - 8 years ago

    I am close to buy one but the price now is 5000 EUR higher just for a Facelift. That is really terrible – I think I will go for BMW now.

    • Michael Will - 8 years ago

      Lol BMW doesn’t have anything even close like the model S. And who would buy into a new legacy gas car in 2016, at the very least it should be a plugin hybrid. I am getting the model X this month, wonder if there are changes coming for that one too….

      • imperatormaximus - 8 years ago

        of course Tesla is much better. But BMW is also a car and therefore a competition with some other advantages (e.g. smaller size, lower price, convertible available,…)

    • lucas (@thestigla) - 8 years ago

      Hahaha, don’t wait to long. There will be another “newer” BMW coming out in a few months.

      I think you are confused if you are wanting a smaller sized car that is cheaper and a convertible…. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

      • imperatormaximus - 8 years ago

        I want to buy new car very soon but parking space for Tesla S before which was impossible to find here. This might change very soon if something is available but before I cannot not buy it. And yes I do not want to invest in very old (BMW) technology as well.

  8. Trev Page - 8 years ago

    Love it or hate it but the new front-end is more aerodynamic. That’s why it’s going on all their cars. More range is always better regardless if you hate on the grill-less design.

  9. pguich - 8 years ago

    Beautiful – I love my car the way it looks now, but if a “retrofit” is available, I’d definitely be considering it.

  10. benji888578 - 8 years ago

    Nice! I like the new nose, never liked the faux black grille

  11. Thomas Earle Moore - 8 years ago

    Hope it fixes the “frunk dimple syndrome”! Though I will miss the Maserati look somewhat. No I won’t; I own one with that look!

  12. jednoucelovy - 8 years ago

    The white variant looks super beautiful from the front angle.

  13. Nick - 8 years ago

    What kind of recharge are we looking at (to 80%) with the new 48 amp charger?

  14. Ruslan Rodriguez - 8 years ago

    I wonder what about new seats like in Model X? Are they also became available?

  15. Abedoss - 8 years ago

    I think that at the end of 2017, when time to deliver Model 3 to reservers come, the Model 3 will have a similar front-end to the new Model S’ one.

  16. tommyg - 8 years ago

    This truly shows the flexibility, practicality, quality and longevity of their products/services…. I plan to buy a Tesla because they force me to pay attention

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