In the midst of mashing the dash on preorder reservations for its brand new Model 3 and recalling the Model X SUV for a backseat issue, Tesla has found the time to lace its flagship vehicle with some updates.
Multiple media outlets reported Tuesday that Tesla has given its Model S everything from a facelift to new hardware and even a couple of more efficient features.
Nothing about the Model S' updated look will strike you more than its new front-end design. Gone is the signature oval grille, which failed to make it a full four years since its June 2012 debut. Replacing it is a front-end design that's more along the lines and similar to the Model X SUV and even the new Model 3 sedan.
However, that's not the only thing that Tesla borrowed from the Model X for the Model S upgrade. In addition, customers will be able to add the same HEPA air-filtration system used on the Model X to the Model S as an upgradeable option.
Tesla claims the filter removes "99.97 percent of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria, and other contaminants from cabin air" — something that might be needed, especially to potential owners who reside in busy, often-gridlocked cities.
Part of its updated look and features also had Tesla increasing the capacity of the Model S' onboard charger from 40 amps to 48 amps, enabling the flagship sedan to recharge its batteries faster, as long as the charging stations can accommodate the higher power.
Obviously, this is better news for Tesla to break than Monday's announcement about the company's voluntary recall of 2,700 Model X crossover SUVS.
Tesla president of sales and service Jon McNeill explained to NBC News that the vehicle's third-row seat's locking hinge fails and the seat collapses due to the weight of the occupant wearing the seatbelt.
"It's actually with the leverage of weight in the seat pulling it forward," McNeill said. "So this would be an example of a front crash where the weight of the passenger seat belted to that seat could cause that latch to fail."
