All-Wheel Drive Now Standard On All Tesla Model S and X Vehicles

Vanja K. / December 23, 2017 / 1347 Views

Posted in: Electric Cars, Tesla, Tesla Model S, Tesla Roadster

Tesla Motors have just announced that all their new Model S and Model X vehicles will come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. This further strengthens their position on the luxury mid-size sedan and crossover market, ensuring that all their models benefit from all-weather traction & usability. It was just shy over three years ago what Tesla first unveiled their all-wheel-drive models, equipped with a dual-motor setup. Ever since then, more and more would-be owners have decided on the dual-motor configured Model S and Model X vehicles.

While all-weather traction is the most important and most impacting aspect, the blistering fast acceleration of the Tesla Model S P90D is only capable thanks to the dual-motor/all-wheel-drive system employed. The only thing that owners might dislike this setup is weight and cornering performance, which puts the Model S cars at a disadvantage against some more track-oriented competition. But, in recent times, we’ve seen its direct competitors – BMW M5, Audi RS6 and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG – all become full all-wheel-drive models as well. So, the market is slowly turning, no doubt about it.

Also, the lack of rear-wheel drive doesn’t mean that all Model S and Model X vehicles have now become more focused more on acceleration than its range. For those wanting to travel long distances between charges, the Model S and Model X 100D variants remain on offer. The first with 335 miles (539 km) of range and 295 miles (474 km) in the latter, the Model X 100D.

Additionally, this decision by Tesla means that the Model 3 is now its only vehicle offered with rear-wheel drive. In the not too distant future, it too will be available with a dual-motor setup. Like many others, we welcome this decision not only for the sheer drivability in bad weather but also due to improved performance and straight-line speed, safety and it will certainly provide for good news to all the people ordering either a Tesla Model S or a Tesla Model X in the forthcoming months.

Vanja K.

Been in the automotive industry ever since he got out of high school. Loves 911s, and everything BMW makes, even the new cars. He also enjoys racing events, even as a spectator, hanging on the side of the pit wall and taking pictures and drinking espresso that makes want to write more. Too tall to drive almost any supercar, but that doesn't stop him from bashing out people that do. Follows the aftermarket tuning industry in depth. Loves to spend time at BMW Welt. Enjoys too much coffee.