Tesla Model S and Model X to ‘soon’ work with keyless and smartphone entry – like Model 3

Tesla Model S and Model X can be unlocked and started without the key fob using just a smartphone, but it’s not on par with the keyless entry system that Tesla included in the Model 3.

Now, CEO Elon Musk says that the same feature is coming to the automaker’s flagship premium sedan and SUV.

The Model 3 doesn’t come with a key fob.

Instead, Tesla made a keycard that can unlock the Model 3 by placing it near a sensor on the B pillar.

But that’s not the primary way that Model 3 owners use to enter and start their vehicles.

Tesla instead built the experience around its mobile app, which can be linked to a vehicle to activate ‘keyless entry’.

With the feature, owners can simply walk up to their Model 3 and the vehicle detects the phone approaching and unlocks itself.

Tesla Model 3: how the keyless and phone entry works and user manual

In Model S and Model X vehicles, owners have the same experience if they have the key fob on them, but if they want to use their phone, they have to open up the mobile app and click on unlocking and starting the vehicle from the app.

The feature was originally built around remotely giving someone access to the vehicle via the app more than using it as a primary key.

But now Musk says that Model S and Model X owners will have the same features as the Model 3:

All X & S will soon work with no key if your phone pairs w Bluetooth, signal strength is high & you enable feature

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 10, 2018

Musk has been talking about releasing a lot of new features lately, like a dashcam feature using its Autopilot cameras and a feature to alert family members of a Tesla owner’s arrival when selecting “home” as a destination in the navigation system.

But as we reported earlier this week, it looks like new features are dependent on Tesla completing the Model 3 software, which has been the focus for the past 6 months.

Tesla released another Model 3 software update with new features this week and it brings it a lot closer to completion.