The 2024 Model S gets a new interior, updated infotainment, and a redesigned steering wheel, but the battery and motor options stay largely the same
Tesla refreshed the Model S in early 2024 with visual and interior changes that make it feel newer without changing how it drives or how far it goes on a charge. The exterior got a restyled front bumper and new headlight design. Inside, you get a completely redesigned dashboard with a horizontal touchscreen (instead of the vertical one in older models), a new steering wheel that looks like a yoke or a traditional wheel depending on which version you choose, and updated materials throughout the cabin.
The powertrain stayed the same: you still choose between a single-motor rear-wheel-drive version or a dual-motor all-wheel-drive version. Battery capacity and range figures did not change. If you already own a pre-refresh Model S, the mechanical parts that matter most to you — the battery, the motors, the charging speed — are not different enough to make upgrading worth the cost. If you are shopping new, the refresh makes the interior feel more modern and the controls easier to reach, which matters more than you might think after eight hours in the car.
Key Takeaways
- The 2024 refresh changed the interior layout, dashboard design, and steering wheel, but not the battery capacity, range, or motor options.
- The new horizontal touchscreen is easier to reach while driving than the old vertical screen mounted high on the dashboard.
- Pricing for the refreshed Model S is higher than the pre-refresh version, so compare the actual cost difference against the interior improvements that matter to you.
- If you own a pre-2024 Model S, the refresh does not change performance or efficiency enough to justify trading in your current car.
Interior and Dashboard Changes
The biggest change is the dashboard itself. The old Model S had a single vertical 17-inch touchscreen mounted high and to the right, which meant you had to reach or look away from the road to adjust climate or music. The new Model S has a 12.3-inch horizontal touchscreen positioned lower and more centered, closer to where your hands naturally rest. This is not a minor convenience — it cuts the distance you have to move your eyes and hands during normal driving.
The steering wheel is now available in two styles: a traditional round wheel or a yoke-style wheel (the flat-bottomed design Tesla introduced in the Model S Plaid). You choose which one when you order. The yoke looks distinctive but requires getting used to if you have driven other cars; the traditional wheel is more familiar if you switch between vehicles. Both are standard equipment, not an upgrade.
Materials throughout the cabin are softer and more refined than the pre-refresh interior. The seats have new upholstery options, and the overall trim feels less sparse. These are subjective improvements, but they matter if you spend time in the car regularly or if you plan to keep it for many years.
Battery, Range, and Performance Stay the Same
The refresh did not change the battery packs or motors. The rear-wheel-drive Model S still uses a single motor and comes with either a standard or long-range battery. The all-wheel-drive version still has dual motors. Range figures are the same as the pre-refresh model: the RWD version is rated for around 272 miles, and the AWD version for around 358 miles, depending on which battery you choose. These numbers come from EPA testing and vary based on driving conditions and how you drive.
Acceleration and top speed are unchanged. The RWD Model S still reaches 60 mph in around 5.1 seconds. The AWD version is faster at around 3.2 seconds. If you are comparing a 2024 refreshed Model S to a 2023 pre-refresh Model S, the driving experience is nearly identical.
Charging speed is the same too. Both versions support Tesla's Supercharger network and home charging via a Wall Connector. A Supercharger adds roughly 200 miles of range in 20 minutes, though this varies by the charger's power output and your battery's current state of charge.
Price Increase and What You Are Actually Paying For
The refreshed 2024 Model S costs more than the pre-refresh version. The exact increase varies by configuration and changes with Tesla's pricing adjustments, which happen frequently. As of early 2024, the RWD version started around $43,000 and the AWD around $47,000, but check Tesla's website for current pricing because these numbers shift.
The price bump covers the new interior, the redesigned dashboard and steering wheel, and the updated infotainment system. You are not paying for better range or performance — you are paying for a more modern cabin and easier-to-use controls. If the interior of your current car is fine and you drive mostly on highways where the vertical screen is less of a distraction, the cost difference may not be worth it to you. If you spend a lot of time in stop-and-go traffic or take long road trips where cabin comfort matters, the refresh becomes more valuable.
Infotainment and Software Updates
The new touchscreen runs the same Tesla operating system as before, but the interface is reorganized to match the new horizontal layout. Climate controls, navigation, and media are easier to find because they are positioned lower and do not require as much scrolling. The screen itself is smaller (12.3 inches instead of 17), but because it is positioned better, it feels more accessible during driving.
Software updates continue to roll out to both pre-refresh and refreshed Model S vehicles, so you are not locked out of new features if you own an older version. Tesla adds features like improved Autopilot functionality and new entertainment options through over-the-air updates, regardless of which generation you own.
Should You Trade In Your Pre-Refresh Model S
If you own a pre-2024 Model S, the refresh is not a reason to trade in your car. The battery, motors, and charging capability are the same. The interior is nicer, but not so much nicer that it justifies the cost of selling your current car and buying a new one. You would lose money on the trade-in and pay the full price of a new vehicle just to get a better dashboard layout and softer seat materials.
The only scenario where trading in makes sense is if your current Model S has a mechanical problem that is expensive to fix, or if you are already planning to buy a new car anyway and want the latest interior design. Otherwise, keep what you have.
How the Refresh Compares to Other Electric Sedans
The Model S refresh keeps Tesla ahead of competitors in range and charging speed, but other electric sedans have caught up on interior quality. The BMW i7, Mercedes EQE, and Lucid Air all offer more traditional interior layouts with physical controls for climate and audio, which some drivers prefer to touchscreen-heavy designs. The Hyundai Ioniq 6 and Chevrolet Blazer EV cost less and offer good range, though not as much as the Model S.
If you are comparing the refreshed Model S to these alternatives, the Model S still wins on Supercharger access and range per dollar. The refresh makes the interior more competitive on design and usability, but it does not change the fundamental trade-off: the Model S is the longest-range option with the most charging infrastructure, but it costs more upfront and has fewer physical controls than some competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get the new interior in a pre-2024 Model S?
No. The new dashboard, touchscreen, and steering wheel are only available in 2024 and later models. Tesla does not offer retrofit kits for older vehicles. If you want the new interior, you would need to buy a new car.
Does the refresh add new battery options?
No. The 2024 Model S uses the same battery packs as the pre-refresh version. You still choose between standard and long-range options in the RWD version, and the AWD version comes with the long-range battery. Range and charging speed are unchanged.
Is the yoke steering wheel worth choosing?
That depends on your preference and what other cars you drive. The yoke looks modern and feels different, but it requires adjustment if you are used to a traditional wheel. If you switch between the Model S and other vehicles regularly, the traditional wheel is easier to adapt to. Both are included at no extra cost, so choose based on what feels right to you.
Does the new touchscreen work better than the old one?
It is smaller but positioned better, so it is easier to reach and see while driving. The software is the same, so the features and speed are not different. The improvement is ergonomic — where the screen sits and how far you have to move your hand — not about what it can do.
Will my pre-refresh Model S get the new software interface?
No. The new interface is designed for the horizontal touchscreen layout. Pre-refresh Model S vehicles will continue to receive software updates, but they will be optimized for the vertical screen. You will not get the new dashboard layout unless you buy a refreshed model.