Tesla Motors revealed its first-ever “hardware” update to its Model S electric sedan, a facelift that sees the car's glossy black faux grille replaced with a nose borrowed from the company’s new Model X SUV.
The result is a minimalist, sleeker-looking front end that further sets the car's design apart from most other conventional gasoline-powered sedans that require engine ventilation through a grille.
Model S cars built in the company’s Fremont, California assembly plant after April 12 will feature the newly redesigned headlights and front fascia, and will offer the Model X’s "bioweapons defence mode" HEPA air filtration system, which the company has said is even effective in combatting bioweapons attacks, as an option.
The Model S’ onboard charger now has a capacity of 48 amps instead of 40, allowing it to charge even quicker at high-amperage charging facilities. And two new wood interior trim options have been made available.
Related: Tesla unveils affordable Model 3 electric car
Tesla Motors has never followed the model-year scheme nearly every other automaker uses to denote changes in styling and options, instead offering software updates on a regular basis to a piece of hardware that’s remained generally the same.
Prices on the 2017 Tesla Model S are up across all trims; the car now starts at $71,500 USD for the base Model S 70.
