A new steering wheel

The update to the exteriors of both models remains modest, with less chrome and different rims, making the already attractive Model S look even sleeker and the Model X a little less bulky and appear lower.

However, the real revolution has taken place inside, where the interior of both models is more similar to that of the new Model 3. The most striking thing, however, is the state-of-the-art half steering wheel that instantly makes you think of concept cars at car shows that are never seen again.

Tesla, however, is taking the next step. After first removing the traditional buttons by centralising almost all functions on a large, central touchscreen – something that others are increasingly following suit with, although Americans are now doing something more expensive – the traditional, round steering wheel has gone and been replaced by a yoke-like, half steering wheel.

Strangely enough, Tesla itself doesn't mention it at all in the brief press release that accompanies the facelift, but that, too, is typical of the brand's different way of communicating and which, under the leadership of the flamboyant Elon Musk, has become the most valuable car manufacturer in the world if we look at the stock market value.

Full of innovations

The innovations in the passenger compartments of both vehicles are not limited to the new steering wheel – there are now also three screens. The 17-inch central display has a 2200x1300 resolution and can be tilted from left to right. It's now horizontal instead of vertical and – unlike the Model 3 – is still supplemented by a second display for the driver showing crucial driving information.

The third display, housed in the rear section between the front seats and which provides entertainment and controls for the rear passengers, is also new, allowing passengers to play games using the screen via Tesla Arcade. The manufacturer has said that the system has up to 10 teraflops of processing power and is comparable to the latest consoles on the market. We want to believe them, but as we don't know enough about it, we'll leave that one to the experts. And as the system is compatible with a wireless controller, all rear passengers can join in the games.

In addition to a new climate control system with three zones without physical vents, there's a 960-watt, 22-speaker audio system offering a remarkable stereo experience. New microphones also enable active noise reduction together with the audio system.