Tesla has repeatedly rolled out new features, including a semi-autonomous driving feature known as autopilot, via over-the-air software updates in an effort to improve its all-electric Model S sedan.
This time, Tesla is tackling the hardware.
Starting Tuesday, all Model S vehicles produced at Tesla’s factory in Fremont, Calif. Will look a little more like its sister car, the Model X crossover. The front fascia of the Model S will have a similar design as the Model X, which was introduced last year. It will also have adaptive LED headlights. The changes are already live on the Tesla website. These new standard features come with a price. The base price of Model S is now $71,500, a $1,500 increase.
The new version is pictured below on the right. The original Model S is pictured on the left. Notice the front grill—synonymous with gas-powered cars—is now gone.
The Model S will now have a HEPA air filtration system—also standard in the Model X—that removes at least 99.97% of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria, and other contaminants from cabin air, touts the California automaker.
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Tesla is also upgrading the standard charger from 40 amps to 48 amps in order to enable faster charging when connected to higher-amp outlets. The company is also adding two new interior choices: figured ash wood and dark ash wood.
These Tesla fans camped out to reserve a Model 3:
The physical updates to the sedan come at a pivotal time for Tesla, which is in the midst of developing the Model 3, the brand’s most important introduction to date. The Model 3 won’t even be produced until the end of 2017—or likely 2018—which means Tesla needs to maintain demand for the Model S and newer Model X.
Tesla also opened its design studio on Tuesday for the Model X, which lets customers pick the paint color, interior finishes, and other add-ons. The base price for the Model X is $83,000.
