Last updated on July 24th, 2020 at 11:32 am
We’re not huge fans of having just a central LCD, as with the Model 3 and Y. But the S also has conventional set of readouts behind the steering wheel – albeit still from an LCD rather than true analogue dials. By default, the information provided includes a numerical speed, speed limit indication, and sensor view of your car alongside any cars around it. There’s a dial on the right of this showing drivetrain temperature, and current kW usage which acts like a rev counter, as well as showing regenerative braking in action. The graph in the middle illustrates your Wh/mile energy consumption. The left-hand side illustrates auxiliary features such as what music you’re listening to.
All the car’s settings are accessed via the huge 17in portrait LCD panel in the centre. You can lock the doors and fold the mirrors from the Quick Controls section. The Suspension menu lets you adjust the ride height and adaptive damping. There’s control over how the lights work. Under Driving you can change the acceleration from Chill up to Ludicrous+, as well as separately adjust the steering, regenerative braking and stopping mode.
Autopilot lets you configure functions like speed limit warnings, forward collision warnings, and lane departure avoidance. The Vehicle section includes child-protection lock settings and how the mirrors behave, while Display configures the LCD interface itself. You can view the stats from up to two extra trips on top of the current one and the overall odometer. There’s control over how the navigation functions, as well as the security features of the car including the built-in dashcam.
When navigating, the map can fill the entire 17in screen, which makes for a huge view of the route. Alternatively, you can add music controls, including TuneIn, “Caraoke” and Spotify. You can also download apps to the system, including games. Fancy a quick side of backgammon while driving? Obviously this isn't really possible, but you can at least play it when stationary. You can even browse the Web using the built-in Internet access. There’s a huge wealth of customisation available via the 17in LCD, and while you might hanker for individual controls for some functions, the interface is extremely logical, and anyone used to smartphones or tablets will get used to it. Most functions are much easier to find than on a Mercedes or BMW.
The premium upgrade bundle includes a premium audio package, although Tesla doesn’t go into huge detail about this other than that it’s tuned for the Model S’s quiet interior. There’s also one year of premium connectivity included, which provides satellite maps with live traffic, in-car Internet-streaming music and media, video streaming, the aforementioned Internet browser and even karaoke (amusingly named caraoke – geddit?)
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