- tesla is offering a better infotainment system for its model s and model x cars built before march 2018.
- the availability is rolling out over the next few months, and owners will be contacted by tesla.
- replacing infotainment hardware might be the next thing tesla gets other automakers to do in the future.
if you're rolling in an older tesla model x or model s, you may have noticed that your vehicle doesn't have all the cool new features found on vehicles built after march 2018. a lot of that has to do with the vehicle's hardware. it can't handle all the options available in the latest cars. but if you’re jonesing to play video games in your tesla, have sentry mode, and enjoy fast online access, you can have it now, and it'll only cost you $2500.
unlike most tesla upgrades that are typically just a software push, this one comes with a swanky new computer that makes the system peppier and adds 3d rendering support. that enables a whole suite of new features that would otherwise not be available in those older vehicles.
tesla has been at the forefront of over-the-air (ota) upgrades in the automotive world. the company has prided itself on being able to evolve a vehicle after it leaves the lot. this has pushed other automakers to do the same thing with their vehicles. volvo, ford, honda, and others are launching vehicles with ota update support.
this latest upgrade is something different. tesla is going to upgrade the infotainment computer in a car that has been on the road for at least two years. no one else has done that. the general feeling is that if you add just enough power behind the screen it'll be future-proof—or at least future-proof enough to keep owners happy for about five to seven years.
but you can't just call up tesla and get a new computer put into your older model s or x. the company is slowly rolling out the availability of the upgrade via invitations. right now, it's scheduling vehicles with its computer version 2.5 and full self-driving capability. in late march, owners of autopilot-equipped computer 2.0 vehicles with full self-driving capability will be emailed about scheduling their update. and finally, in early april, all other older model x and s vehicle owners will start being contacted about the upgrade. currently, the update is available for u.s. customers only.
if you're unsure which autopilot computer you have in your tesla, the company says: select controls, then software, and confirm autopilot computer type. then press additional vehicle information.
the weird thing is that, while the hardware upgrade does add a slew of new features, it also removes the am/fm and siriusxm radio. you'll have to hope your favorite wacky morning dj has the capability to stream in addition to making goofy noises and sophomoric quips about the state of the world.