Lifestyle
Tesla Cybertruck Interior: How the design has changed in the past four years
It is no secret that since the November 2019 unveiling of the Tesla Cybertruck, a lot has changed. From the size of the initial build that made it on stage in Hawthorne, California, to the various configurations that were once planned to be offered, there is one thing that has changed drastically: the interior, which has been overhauled since its early designs for more space and functionality, rather than to seat an additional person.
Tesla Chief Designer Franz von Holzhausen has called the Cybertruck a vehicle that the automaker will likely never have a “pencils down” approach for. This mentality, in particular, has culminated in years of modifications, changes, and redesigns to the body, interior, and even the powertrains for the upcoming all-electric pickup.
How has the interior changed? It is easier to tell you what has not changed, but it is more entertaining to compare the early builds of the Cybertruck to what is being seen as of this past weekend, as it is likely the recent sightings will be much closer to the actual product that is delivered to customers, which could be within the next 2 or 3 months, according to CEO Elon Musk.
Let’s take a look at the initially-displayed interior that Tesla unveiled for the Cybertruck in 2019.
(Credit: Tesla)
Looking at this press image that Tesla released around the time of the Cybertruck unveiling, we can notice several things:
- Yoke Steering
- Three front-row seats
- Marble dash that is made from recycled paper materials
All of these things have been changed, modified, or taken out of the vehicle in the past three-and-a-half years.
Yoke Steering
The initial Yoke Steering Wheel was exactly that: a Yoke. Tesla first adapted Yoke Steering on the Model S and Model X Plaid. It was a polarizing design that was loved by some and hated by others, but the Cybertruck was technically the first vehicle to really feature the design in Tesla’s lineup, as these images came before the release of the Plaid vehicles.
However, recent designs have shown that Tesla will instead adopt what looks like a hybrid of the two, featuring an enclosed top portion, but it still had a compact design that is similar to the yoke in terms of size.
We saw this for the first time at Investor Day in March.
Tesla cybertruck with more “round” steering yoke. pic.twitter.com/wspu40VpO3
— Sofiaan Fraval (@Sofiaan) March 1, 2023
This has seemingly been fitted on numerous Cybertruck builds as of late, as sightings of the truck during this past weekend’s appearance at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles have the same “closed” Yoke design that is seemingly a mix of that and the regular round design.
Credit: Greggertruck | Twitter
Front Row Seating Changes
Initial iterations of the Cybertruck showed a three-seat front row, with the middle seat being a fold-down as large pickup trucks on the market currently have.
“Bench seats,” as they are commonly referred to, offer versatility for an additional passenger. They can also fold down and present a center console for storage, cup holders, and an arm rest.
However, as seen above, it appears Tesla will not equip bench seats in the Cybertruck like it planned to early on. This is instead going to be a permanent center console. This may have been a result of the smaller dimensions of the vehicle, which the automaker revised in an attempt to make it fit in regular parking spots and Boring Company tunnels.
Credit: Greggertruck | Twitter
Marble Dash
We reported just after the Cybertruck unveiling that Tesla would use recycled paper composite materials that create a durable and sustainable dash that looked clean and contributed to the vehicle’s eco-friendly nature.
Tesla Cybertruck’s ‘marble’ dashboard is actually made from paper and it’s genius
The initial design of this was extensive, as the early images show the marble dash extending back toward the windshield considerably. Tesla still has the marble dash design in the newest Cybertruck designs, but it is considerably different than before.
It has been scaled back considerably as the vehicle has progressed through design changes.
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Cybertruck
Chattanooga Charge: Tesla and EV fans ready for the Southeast’s wildest Tesla party
From Cybertruck Convoys to Kid-Friendly Fun Zones: The Chattanooga Charge Has Something for Everyone
Hundreds of like-minded Tesla and EV enthusiasts are descending on Chattanooga Charge this weekend for the largest Tesla meet in the Southeast. Taking place on March 20–22, 2026 at the stunning Tennessee Riverpark.
If you were there last year, you’ll know that it’s the ultimate experience to see the wildest Teslas in action, see the best in EV tech, and arguably the most fun – finally put a name to the face and connect with those social media buddies IRL! Oh, and that epic night time Tesla light show is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will transform the Riverpark into something out of a sci-fi film that’s remarkably unforgettable and must be seen in person.
This year’s event takes everything up a notch, with over 100 Cybertrucks expected to be on display, many sporting jaw-dropping modifications and custom wraps that push the boundaries of what these stainless steel beasts can look like.
Whether you’re a diehard Tesla fan, EV supporter, or just EV-mod-curious, the sheer spectacle is worth the drive.
The Chattanooga Charge doesn’t wait until Saturday morning to get started. The weekend technically kicks off Friday, March 20th, and the venue sets the tone immediately. Come share roadtrip stories over drinks at the W-XYZ Rooftop Bar on the top floor of the Aloft Chattanooga Hamilton Place Hotel, with sunset views over the city.
Come morning, nurse your hangover with a some good coffee, and convoy with hundreds of other Tesla and EV drivers through Chattanooga to the event for some morning meet and greets before the speaker panel starts and the food trucks fire up.
Tesla owner clubs travel from across the country to be here, not just to show off their vehicles,, but to connect, share, and celebrate a shared passion for the future of driving.
Sounds like a plan to me. See you there, guys. Don’t miss it. Get your tickets at ChattanoogaCharge.com and join the charge. 🔋⚡
Chattanooga Charge is a premier Tesla and EV gathering inspired by the X Takeover, known as one of the largest Tesla event gatherings. What began as a bold idea from the team at DIY Wraps/TESBROS, hosted in their hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee, the event quickly became a movement across social media. The first annual Chattanooga Charge united over 16 Tesla clubs from 16 states, proof that the EV community was hungry for something big in the South. Year after year, the event has grown in scale, ambition, and heart.
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.
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.
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.
Lifestyle
500-mile test proves why Tesla Model Y still humiliates rivals in Europe
On paper, the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6 promised standout capabilities against the Model Y.
BYD is seeing a lot of momentum in Europe, so much so that mainstream media has taken every opportunity to argue that the Chinese automaker has beaten Tesla in the region. But while BYD sales this year in Europe are rising and Tesla’s registrations remain challenged, the raw capabilities of vehicles like the Model Y are difficult to deny.
This was highlighted in a 500-mile challenge by What Car? magazine, which showed that the new Tesla Model Y is more efficient, cheaper to run, and more reliable than rivals like the BYD Sealion 7, and even the nearly 400 KW-charging MG IM6.
Range and charging promises
On paper, the BYD Sealion 7 and MG IM6 promised standout capabilities against the Model Y. The Sealion 7 had more estimated range and the IM6 promised significantly faster charging. When faced with real-world conditions, however, it was still the Model Y that proved superior.
During the 500-mile test, the BYD nearly failed to reach a charging stop, arriving with less range than its display projected, as noted in a CarUp report. MG fared better, but its charging speeds never reached its promised nearly-400 kW charging speed. Tesla’s Model Y, by comparison, managed energy calculations precisely and arrived at each stop without issue.
Tesla leads in areas that matter
Charging times from 25% to 80% showed that the MG was the fastest at 17 minutes, while Tesla and BYD were close at 28 and 29 minutes, respectively. Overall efficiency and cost told a different story, however. The Model Y consumed 19.4 kWh per 100 km, compared to 22.2 for MG and 23.9 for BYD. Over the full trip, Tesla’s charging costs totaled just £82 thanks to its supercharger network, far below BYD’s £130 and MG’s £119.
What Car? Magazine’s testers concluded that despite BYD’s rapid sales growth and the MG IM6’s seriously impressive charging speeds, Tesla remains the more compelling real-world choice. The Model Y just offers stability, efficiency, and a proven charging infrastructure through its Supercharging network. And as per the magazine’s hosts, the Model Y is even the cheapest car to own among the three that were tested.
Watch What Car? Magazine’s 500-mile test in the video below.
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