Tesla Model S

Tesla Cancels Model S Center Console Options

Published

10 years ago

May 26, 2015

Rob M.

If you’re a Model S owner who has been on the wait list for a Premium Center Console solution from Tesla, raise your hand. Now, if you have a carbon fiber interior trim or obeche wood, keep your hand raised. You, my friend, are part of the group who will not be receiving your long awaited center console because Tesla has just cancelled delivery of it. Owners with the Piano Black trim will still be eligible although I’m not quite sure that’s a good thing (see video at end of post).

Tesla Console Order Issues

Shortly after ordering my Model S on March 10 of 2014, I reserved a Tesla Premium Center Console with the Obeche Wood Matte Décor to match my interior trim. From that point on, the communication from Tesla merchandise, or lack there of, and actual fulfillment of the reservation was shameful.

So, what happened, according to Tesla Motors?

March 10, 2014:

We estimate that the console will be available to those recently added to the list in August.

May 2, 2014:

Consistent with that mission, we have added improved parts to the center console. The updated estimate for resuming the shipping of the consoles is currently slated for early June.

August 1, 2015:

Center consoles in other décor finishes will be available in limited quantities starting early 2015.

January 2, 2015:

We do not anticipate the console with your décor to become available until spring 2015.

May 19, 2015:

We have made the difficult decision to offer only the Piano Black Front Center Consoles on Model S.

After that tremendous wait and poor customer experience, why would anyone actually click that “PURCHASE” link?

While these fulfillment issues were taking place, Tesla meanwhile offered a Premium Rear Console (in all finishes) – something they seem to have delivered on with no quality or availability problems.

>>>> REVIEW: Tesla Model S Premium Rear Console

How is it possible for such an advanced company to screw up such a simple project like a center console?

According to forum chatter, Tesla evidently used one supplier for the front console (perhaps with an exclusivity agreement), but after experiencing quality and fulfillment issues, they switched suppliers for the rear console, but at the expense of may disappointed and frustrated Model S owners.

What is more frightening about this experience as a shareholder, Model S owner and Model X reservation holder, is that interest for the Powerwall and Model X fall into the same category as being “reservations” rather than orders. Granted, Tesla probably isn’t relying on a third party aftermarket supplier to produce the Powerwall and Model X, but it still begs the question,

Can Tesla deliver on other reservation types or will we have another Console-gate on our hands?

I sincerely hope that by sticking to their wheelhouse, Tesla will be able to deliver on other new products that come along. The Model X has had at least 3 major slippages in initial delivery dates since I started tracking it.

Tesla Center Console Quality issues

During my extended wait for the factory Tesla Model S Center Console, I did a bunch of research and reading that ultimately led me to an aftermarket center console insert (CCI) solution from EVannex.

I did, however, really like the design of the cupholders in the factory Tesla center console, and the fact that both can be hidden from view. I didn’t get a chance to “test” the cupholders with my beloved Dunkin’ Donuts cup, but they looked like they would be up for the task.

Also the console seemed to have a lot more storage in the area near the cupholders than the EVannex CCI offering.

That’s where my ‘likes’ come to an abrupt halt. I didn’t particularly like the phone holder area. I’d never use it, favoring the pocket on the front of my driver’s seat over that. The space within the center console is not useful for much else, either open or closed — it has an odd shape, grooves etc. And when closed, you get the full piano black glare:

I had a chance to inspect the quality of the factory Tesla Model S center console solution, installed within the car, and much to my dismay, I found it to be not up to par. Keep in mind that this was a console installed by Tesla Service (the only way one can have a Tesla Console installed).

Below is my video showing the quality of the center console as seen from a Model S on the showroom floor (Paramus, NJ, April 11, 2015):

From the video you can really see the wobbliness of the unit even though I barely applied any force.

Summary

It’s evident that Tesla was not prepared to take on the demand and challenges that came with their Premium Center Console offering. Yes, they ran into delivery and quality problems, but what’s more disappointing is how they handled those issues.

Rather than fixing the issue by working with other third party suppliers, Tesla decided to drop much of the center console offering. This was a bad call in my opinion and sends the wrong type of message to product reservation holders.

Tesla, you can do better.

Lifestyle

Tesla Model S Plaid battles China’s 1500 hp monster Nurburgring monster, with surprising results

There is just something about Tesla’s tuning and refinement that makes raw specs seem not as game-changing.

Published

2 weeks ago

September 27, 2025

Simon Alvarez

Credit: Carwow/YouTube

The Tesla Model S Plaid has been around for some time. Today, it is no longer the world’s quickest four-door electric sedan, nor is it the most powerful. As per a recent video from motoring YouTube channel Carwow, however, it seems like the Model S Plaid is still more than a match for some of its newer and more powerful rivals.

The monster from China

The Xiaomi SU7 Ultra is nothing short of a monster. Just like the Model S Plaid, it features three motors. It also has 1,548 hp and 1,770 Nm of torque. It’s All Wheel Drive and weighs a hefty 2,360 kg. The vehicle, which costs just about the equivalent of £55,000, has been recorded setting an insane 7:04.957 at the Nurburgring, surpassing the previous record held by the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT.

For all intents and purposes, the Model S Plaid looked outgunned in Carwow’s test. The Model S Plaid is no slouch with its three motors that produce 1,020 hp and 1,420 Nm of torque. It’s also a bit lighter at 2,190 kg despite its larger size. However, as the Carwow host pointed out, the Model S Plaid holds a 7:25.231 record in the Nurburgring. Compared to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra’s record, the Model S Plaid’s lap time is notably slower.

Can the 1500hp Xiaomi SU7 Ultra take down the 1,020hp Tesla Model S Plaid? 👀😮 pic.twitter.com/VVt6w3ImZs— carwow (@carwowuk) September 27, 2025

Real-world tests

As could be seen in Carwow’s drag races, however, Tesla’s tech wizardry with the Model S Plaid is still hard to beat. The two vehicles competed in nine races, and the older Model S Plaid actually beat its newer, more powerful counterpart from China several times. At one point in the race, the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra hit its power limit due to its battery’s temperature, but the Model S Plaid was still going strong.

The Model S Plaid was first teased five years ago, in September 2020 during Tesla’s Battery Day. Since then, cars like the Lucid Air Sapphire and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra have been released, surpassing its specs. But just like the Model Y ended up being the better all-rounder compared to the BYD Sealion 7 and the MG IM6, there is just something about Tesla’s tuning and refinement that makes raw specs seem not as game-changing.

Check out Carwow’s Model S Plaid vs Xiaomi SU7 drag race video below.

News

This signature Tesla feature is facing a ban in one of its biggest markets

The report indicates that Chinese government agencies have concerns “about failure rates and safety issues with the flush design.”

Published

4 weeks ago

September 10, 2025

Joey Klender

A signature Tesla feature is under fire in one of the company’s largest markets, as regulators in one EV hot spot are mulling the potential ban of a design the automaker implemented on some of its vehicles.

Tesla pioneered the pop-out door handle on its Model S back in 2012, and CEO Elon Musk felt the self-presenting design was a great way to feel like “you’re part of the future.”

It is something that is still present on current Model S designs, while other vehicles in the Tesla lineup have a variety of handle aesthetics.

How to repair your Tesla Model S Door handle (DIY Kit)

According to Chinese media outlet Mingjing Pro, the company, along with others using similar technology, is facing scrutiny on the design as regulators consider a ban on the mechanism. These restrictions would impact other companies that have utilized pop-out handles on their own designs; Tesla would not be the only company forced to make changes.

The report indicates that Chinese government agencies have concerns “about failure rates and safety issues with the flush design.”

However, EVs are designed to be as aerodynamically efficient as possible, which is the main reason for this design. It is also the reason that many EVs utilize wheel covers, and sleek and flowing shapes.

However, the Chinese government is not convinced, as they stated the aerodynamic improvements are “minimal,” and safety issues are “significantly elevated,” according to The Independent.

The issue also seems to be focused on how effective the handle design is. According to data, one EV manufacturer, which was not specified in the report, has 12 percent of its total repairs are door handle failure fixes.

There are also concerns about the handles short-circuiting, leaving passengers trapped within cars. Tesla has implemented emergency latch releases in its vehicles that would prevent passengers from getting stuck in their cars in cases of electric malfunctions or failures.

However, evidence from the Chinese Insurance Automotive Technology Research Institute (C-IASI) suggests that 33 percent of door handles using this design fail to function after a side impact.

Obviously, Tesla and other automakers could introduce an alternative design to those vehicles that are affected by the potential restrictions China intends to impose. The regulation would take effect in July 2027.

News

Tesla pushes crazy ‘Luxe’ incentive package on flagship Model S and X

Tesla is pushing more customers to the Model S and Model X with a new incentive package.

Published

2 months ago

August 16, 2025

Joey Klender

Credit: Tesla

Tesla has pushed a crazy new incentive package, known as the “Luxe Package,” on the flagship Model S and Model X, along with a $10,000 price increase on each trim level.

The move aims to likely bolster margins for the company on the two cars while also giving those who choose to buy the Tesla lineup mainstays a variety of awesome advantages, including Free Supercharging, Full Self-Driving, and other add-ons.

Tesla is offering a crazy Supercharging incentive on its two ‘sentimental’ vehicles

Last night, Tesla launched the “Luxe Package” for the Model S and Model X, which includes the following four add-ons:

Full Self-Driving (Supervised) – Your car will be able to drive itself almost anywhere with minimal driver intervention
Four-Year Premium Service – Wheel and Tire Protection, Windshield Protection, and Recommended Maintenance
Supercharging – Charge for free at 70,000+ Superchargers worldwide
Premium Connectivity – Listen to music, stream movies, monitor live traffic, and more – no Wi-Fi needed

Full Self-Driving is priced at $8,000. Free Supercharging for the life of the car is between $10,000 and $15,000 over the life of the vehicle, although Tesla has valued it at $5,000 in recent promotions.

Free Premium Connectivity is roughly $1,000, and the four-year tire, wheel, windshield, and maintenance plan is about $3,200.

🚨 Tesla increased the price of both the Model S and Model X by $10,000, but both vehicles now include the “Luxe Package,” which includes:

-Full Self-Driving
-Four years of included maintenance, tire and wheel repairs, and windshield repairs/replacements
-Free lifetime… pic.twitter.com/LKv7rXruml

— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) August 16, 2025

In all, the value is over $25,000, but this is loosely based on usage.

The Model S and Model X are low contributors to Tesla’s overall sales figures, as they make up less than five percent of sales from a quarterly perspective and have for some time.

As they are certainly the luxury choices in Tesla’s lineup, the Model 3 and Model Y are the bigger focus for the company, as a significantly larger portion of the company’s sales is made up of those vehicles.

The Luxe Package is an especially good idea for those who drive high-mileage and plan to use the Model S or Model X for commuting or long drives. The free Supercharging makes the deal worth it on its own.

As for the price bumps, each of the vehicles are now priced as follows: