The 2024 refresh brings a redesigned interior, faster charging, and a new base powertrain to both sedans

Tesla updated the Model S and Model X in early 2024 with changes that affect how you drive, how long charging takes, and what you pay upfront. The most visible change is the interior: a new steering wheel (a conventional round wheel instead of the previous yoke design), a repositioned gear stalk on the steering column, and a revised dashboard layout. Under the hood, the base model now uses a single motor instead of dual motors, which lowers the starting price but reduces acceleration and all-wheel-drive capability. Charging speeds improved across the lineup, and the exterior received subtle styling updates.

If you already own a Model S or X, these changes do not affect your vehicle. If you are shopping for one, the updates matter most if you prioritize interior comfort, charging speed, or purchase price over performance metrics.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2024 Model S and X now come with a round steering wheel and traditional gear controls instead of the yoke design, making the interior feel more conventional.
  • Base models switched to single-motor rear-wheel drive, lowering the starting price but removing all-wheel drive and reducing 0-60 time by roughly one second.
  • Charging speeds increased, particularly on the Model X, which now reaches higher peak power at compatible Superchargers.
  • The exterior received minor updates including new wheel designs and a slightly revised front fascia, but the overall silhouette remains the same.

Interior redesign: steering wheel, controls, and dashboard layout

The steering wheel returned to a round design after years of the distinctive yoke shape. This matters if you have driven a pre-2024 Model S or X and found the yoke awkward or if you are coming from another brand and expect a conventional wheel. The new wheel is smaller in diameter and includes physical buttons for common functions like windshield wipers and turn signals, which were previously controlled through the touchscreen on older models.

The gear selector moved from the stalk on the left side of the steering column to a more traditional position. Instead of pushing or pulling the stalk to shift, you now rotate a dial on the steering column itself. This change reduces the number of times you need to reach for the touchscreen to confirm gear selection, though it does require relearning the motion if you have driven a recent Tesla.

The dashboard layout changed to show more information on the instrument cluster directly in front of the driver, rather than relying entirely on the center touchscreen. This is a practical shift for drivers who want to see speed and range without looking away from the road as much.

Powertrain changes: single motor base model and performance tiers

The most significant mechanical change is the base Model S and Model X now come with a single rear motor instead of dual motors. This means the entry-level versions are rear-wheel drive only, not all-wheel drive. The trade-off is a lower starting price—typically several thousand dollars less than the previous generation—but noticeably slower acceleration. A single-motor Model S reaches 60 mph in roughly 5.2 seconds, compared to around 3.2 seconds for the dual-motor version.

If you live in a region with frequent snow or ice, or if you regularly tow, the single-motor base model may not suit your needs. The dual-motor and Plaid versions remain available and retain all-wheel drive. The Plaid variant still offers the fastest acceleration in the lineup, with 0-60 times under 2 seconds for the Model S.

Battery capacity and range remain largely unchanged from the previous generation, so your real-world driving distance between charges should be similar to what Tesla published for 2023 models.

Charging speed improvements

Tesla increased peak charging power for both models at Superchargers. The Model X saw the most noticeable gain, now capable of accepting higher power levels during the initial charging phase. This means you can add more miles per minute during the first 20 to 30 minutes of a charging session, which matters most if you frequently take long road trips and need to minimize stop time.

The improvement is most pronounced when using Tesla's V3 Superchargers or newer hardware. If you primarily charge at home using a Wall Connector, the difference will be minimal because home charging is already limited by the 11.5 kW or 17.2 kW capacity of the connector itself, depending on your electrical service.

Charging time from empty to 80% (the point where charging speed drops significantly) decreased by roughly 10 to 15 minutes for most configurations, based on Tesla's published data. The exact improvement depends on ambient temperature, battery condition, and which Supercharger version you use.

Exterior styling updates

The 2024 refresh includes new wheel designs across trim levels, a slightly revised front bumper, and updated badging. The overall shape and proportions of the car remain unchanged, so the Model S still looks like a sedan and the Model X still looks like an SUV. If you are comparing photos side by side with a 2023 model, the differences are noticeable but not dramatic.

The paint color palette did not change significantly, and the glass roof remains standard on both models. Exterior trim options (like the black or silver accents on the doors and windows) carry over from the previous generation.

Price and availability by region

Starting prices for the 2024 Model S and Model X vary by region and change frequently based on Tesla's pricing strategy. The single-motor base model is typically priced several thousand dollars below the dual-motor version. Availability depends on your location; some regions receive new inventory faster than others, and certain configurations may have longer wait times.

If you are shopping now, check Tesla's website for your specific region to see current pricing and estimated delivery dates. Prices and availability can shift week to week, so the numbers you see today may differ from what you see next week.

Should you wait for the 2024 update, or buy a 2023 model?

The decision depends on what matters most to you. If you strongly prefer a round steering wheel and traditional controls, or if you want the faster charging speeds, the 2024 model is worth waiting for. If you need all-wheel drive and the base price matters, the 2023 model's dual-motor standard configuration may be more practical, even though it costs more than the new single-motor base.

If you are buying used, a 2023 Model S or X will be cheaper than a new 2024, and the yoke steering wheel is not a defect—it is a design choice that some drivers prefer. The performance difference between years is small enough that either generation will meet most owners' needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get the new steering wheel on a 2023 Model S or X?

No, the round steering wheel is exclusive to 2024 and later models. Tesla does not offer retrofit kits for older vehicles. If the yoke design is a dealbreaker for you, you would need to purchase a new 2024 model.

How much faster is the 2024 Model X at Superchargers?

Peak charging power increased, allowing roughly 10 to 15 minutes faster charging from empty to 80% on compatible V3 Superchargers. The exact time depends on temperature, battery condition, and which Supercharger you use. Home charging speed is unchanged.

Is the single-motor Model S reliable for towing?

Tesla does not rate the single-motor Model S for towing. Only the dual-motor and Plaid versions are rated to tow, with a maximum capacity of 5,000 pounds. If you tow regularly, you need a dual-motor or Plaid configuration.

Does the 2024 update affect battery longevity?

No significant changes to battery chemistry or longevity were announced for 2024. Battery degradation rates should be similar to previous generations, with most owners seeing 90% of original capacity after eight years of typical use.

What if I prefer the yoke steering wheel?

You would need to purchase a used 2023 or earlier Model S or X. The yoke design was discontinued for 2024, so new inventory will not include it. Some owners prefer the yoke for its distinctive feel and reduced hand movement.