The Tesla Model S Receives A Handsome New Face For 2016

Over the years, we’ve grown accustomed to grilles; an integral/functional part of any vehicle powered by an internal-combustion engine. But this familiarity has been a problem for automotive designers, who have the difficult job of penning new fascias for electric vehicles. I mean, let’s face it, a grille on an EV is nothing more than an aesthetic feature, but manufacturers are afraid to ditch them entirely - to do so would risk alienating new customers.

Thankfully, the designers at Tesla, ever the pioneers, have taken the brave decision to remove the grille for its facelifted Model S, leaving just a thin strip to define the car’s bonnet. And do you know what? It looks fantastic.

Other changes for the new model year are less obvious. They include: restyled headlights, two new interior trim options (Figured Ash Wood or Dark Ash Wood) and the innovative air filtration system from the Model X - a system which Tesla claims is 100 times more effective than other ‘premium’ systems. Disappointingly, there have been no changes to the Model S’s drivetrain, so we’ll have to sit tight and wait for the faster P100D.

What has been upgraded is the charger, which is now a 48 amp unit to reduce charge times.

The starting price for the entry-level 70D is £58,300; a steep number, but you have to factor in the £4500 Green Car Grant from the government. Order books for the facelifted model are now open.