CARS.COM — Hot on the heels of the unveiling of the new Model 3 compact electric sedan, Tesla Motors has revealed the first-ever styling changes to the bigger, more expensive Model S. The most obvious are changes to the sedan’s front-end styling, where a new face and headlights bring the Model S in line with the Model X SUV’s face, eliminating the vestigial grille and replacing it with a slimmer opening and cleaned-up bumper.
Other changes to the latest version (Tesla doesn’t designate model years like other automakers) include some tech updates as well. The Model S’ standard onboard charger gets a mild boost from 40 to 48 amps, enabling faster charging under certain conditions.
Inside, the HEPA air filtration system that was previously only available on the Model X now joins the Model S’ options list. Tesla says it’s 99.97 percent effective at removing airborne contaminants. Two new interior décor choices are also newly available: Figured Ash Wood or Dark Ash Wood.
The updated model has just begun production at the company’s plant in Fremont, Calif., with deliveries expected by mid-May, according to Tesla’s website.
Aaron Bragman
Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman has had over 25 years of experience in the auto industry as a journalist, analyst, purchasing agent and program manager. Bragman grew up around his father’s classic Triumph sports cars (which were all sold and gone when he turned 16, much to his frustration) and comes from a Detroit family where cars put food on tables as much as smiles on faces. Today, he’s a member of the Automotive Press Association and the Midwest Automotive Media Association. His pronouns are he/him, but his adjectives are fat/sassy.