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

This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars
Lamborghini Revuelto
Opinion

This is why youngsters aren't interested in cars

Youngsters not into cars any more? The remedy’s obvious, reckons Richard Porter
7 Feb 2025
New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era
Jaguar 2026 front
News

New Jaguar GT seen on the road: 1000bhp production car prepares to launch Jag’s new era

Jaguar’s new electric GT continues testing ahead its late-2025 reveal
7 Feb 2025
Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers
Best GT cars 2025
Best cars

Best GT cars 2025 – the ultimate continent crossers

The best GTs must marry the opulence, comfort, refinement and appointment of a luxury saloon, with the style, performance, engagement and sense of occ…
10 Feb 2025