Are Tesla Model S and X Buyers Ready for the Model 3's Minimalist Interior?

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Tesla Motors’ refresh for the Model S and and Model X has been in the works for quite some time, with efforts focused on the vehicles’ interior above everything else. While we’re not about to call the present-day cockpit of either vehicle dated, they’ve been operating mostly unchanged for quite some time.

However, the update will surely rub some customers the wrong way. That’s because the new interior design is expected to be heavily influenced by the minimalist cabin of the Model 3. Scheduled for the second half of 2019, both of Tesla’s larger models will see their own adaptation of “less is more,” with a full exterior refresh to follow in 2021. Both are big deals for the company, which typically introduces small changes to its vehicles every so often rather than expansive alterations.

All of Tesla’s vehicles offer clean lines inside and out, but the 2019 interior refresh is said to transform the brand’s more expensive models. According to Electrek, which somehow managed to take possession of concept images, the cockpits of the Model S and X will do away with a full-sized instrument cluster and adopt the Model 3’s all-purpose horizontal center touchscreen.

That said, the current designs do include a very small digital speedometer tucked away behind the steering wheel. Above it is the same single-vent air conditioning system that runs along the entire dash of the Model 3. According to internal documents, the design is geared toward autonomy — which could indicate Tesla has made some progress on the self-driving front (or is just hedging its bets). But it does look like the automaker dumbed down the interior to create a cohesive look between models, while at the same time cutting costs.

In fact, Tesla listed saving some dough as one of the primary goals of this design refresh. Whether this will ultimately result in a higher profit margin and/or lower entry price is anyone’s guess, though. We’d lean toward the former and hope for the latter if pressed to speculate.

That doesn’t mean it’s inelegant, just incredibly simple. It also shouldn’t alter how you interact with the vehicle all that much. Tablet controls have always been the brand’s mainstay and phone integration isn’t going anywhere. However, if you’re the sort of person that doesn’t want to use drop-down menus to adjust the steering wheel, then these aren’t the models for you.

We’re curious to see what the final execution looks like, but you can take a gander at any Model 3 and walk away with a pretty good idea. Tesla also said saving money and freeing up space on the dashboard could lead to superior materials, nicer cushions, rear seats with second-row console, wireless device charging, and improved front storage. Even if you hate the look, those are all mighty fine inclusions.

[Images: Tesla Motors]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

A staunch consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulation. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied with the corporate world and resentful of having to wear suits everyday, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, that man has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed on the auto industry by national radio broadcasts, driven more rental cars than anyone ever should, participated in amateur rallying events, and received the requisite minimum training as sanctioned by the SCCA. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and managed to get a pizza delivery job before he was legally eligible. He later found himself driving box trucks through Manhattan, guaranteeing future sympathy for actual truckers. He continues to conduct research pertaining to the automotive sector as an independent contractor and has since moved back to his native Michigan, closer to where the cars are born. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer — stating that front and all-wheel drive vehicles cater best to his driving style.

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  • NoID NoID on Aug 03, 2018

    Having spent a little bit of time in a Model, I can tell you that the simplicity is actually somewhat unnerving. I felt out of place without all those buttons, dials, and gauges. I'm sure I could get used to it, maybe even appreciate it. But in the moment I felt isolated and cold.

  • TS020 TS020 on Aug 04, 2018

    Can't wait for the next cost-cutting update where they replace the steering wheel and pedals with an Xbox controller. At least you'll be able to have the aircon go colder or hotter by simply pressing LB and RB instead of digging through submenus

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