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

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]