Tesla recently did some clean up in the Model S and Model X online configurator by removing several options and features. Some changes were controversial among Tesla buyers, but now we learn that no option entirely went away and everything is actually still available as ‘off-the-menu items’.
As we reported last weekend, Tesla updated its online design studio for Model S and Model X, increasing the base price of both vehicles, and introducing several changes to the options available.
Several options were removed including:
- Black Textile interior
- Rear-facing Child seats
- 21″ Black Arachnid Wheels
- Panoramic Sunroof is gone
- 72 amp on-board charger for single phase markets
- The 6-seat with center console configuration for Model X
In internal communications obtained by Electrek, Tesla said that the changes are “to simplify the product offerings and provide the best experience for customers.”
At the time, Tesla communicated to employees that only the black textile interior could still be ordered as an ‘off-the-menu item’, but sources have now told Electrek that Tesla added all the removed options on the list.
Tesla also confirmed that those options can still be ordered at their old prices and they are simply not in the online design studio anymore.
The automaker has often enabled buyers to order features after being removed from the online configurator for a limited period of time.
In this case, it sounds like the features will be available indefinitely in a growing list of ‘off-the-menu items’ from Tesla.
Electrek’s Take
The Panoramic Sunroof was probably the most controversial option removed by Tesla since it was the only roof option that enabled the installation of a roof rack.
Now the good news is that it sounds like it’s still a possibility, but it needs to be ordered directly with a Tesla salesperson instead of configured online.
I am not sure how this “simplify the product offerings and provide the best experience for customers.”
As I stated in my last article about this, I feel like Tesla already had the most simple options as a premium automaker. I don’t see how removing those options from the online design studio makes a big difference and it actually just complicates things by still making them available – just not online.
Don’t get me wrong, I want Tesla to offer these options. I just wish they were clearer about the availability.
Otherwise, what’s the goal here? To discourage people from buying those options? But why? It’s unclear. Were they more difficult to produce?
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