Skip advert
Advertisement

Tesla Model S review – interior and tech

The Model S has one of the most advanced, digitised interiors of any car, but it lacks the opulence of some rivals

Evo rating
RRP
from £79,980
  • Remarkable and addictive acceleration, low running costs
  • Regenerative brakes make it difficult to really connect with the car

Although it’s expensive and it exudes a level or luxury and refinement from its chassis and drivetrain that would shame Rolls-Royce, the interior of the Model S is remarkably functional and basic. Its storage compartments are lined in rubber and its interior lacks any sort of decoration, particularly if darker cabin colours are selected. But there is a pleasing simplicity to its design. There are very few buttons, for example, thanks to the huge 17-inch touchscreen display that takes up most of the dashboard’s real estate and controls most of the car’s functions. The latest models receive a new dashboard layout with a landscape display, faster computing and even an onboard gaming system, but we're yet to try this.

Some will be put off by the need to dive into menus to control heating or radio, and although this is often frustrating in other cars, the Tesla’s clear interface makes it much less distracting than most touchscreen systems.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Perhaps the cleverest aspect of the screen and your interactions through it is the ability for Tesla to update your car wirelessly overnight. It’s entirely possible to come downstairs one morning to find your car has suddenly gained a host of extra functions, improved menus, and occasionally, even better performance.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
News

£15k off Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio super SUV

If you have to have an SUV, a Stelvio QV is acceptable. Now it's being heavily discounted.
8 Jul 2025
New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo
Festival of Speed 2025
News

New cars at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed – all the debuts from Aston to Zenvo

The Goodwood Festival of Speed was spectacular yet again. Here are the highlights from the British motoring event of the year
14 Jul 2025
Porsche 963 RSP 2025 review – driving the ultimate one-off Le Mans racer for the road
Porsche 963 RSP review front
Reviews

Porsche 963 RSP 2025 review – driving the ultimate one-off Le Mans racer for the road

That the 963 RSP even exists is absurd. Driving it felt like a fever dream
13 Jul 2025