Model updates just a game to Tesla
The Version 9.0 update brings a pixelated punch to the Model X, writes David Linklater.
No, the Model 3 is not here yet. But Tesla is rolling on with upgrades to its existing range, comprising the Model S sedan and Model X SUV/people-mover thingy (as featured here).
Another new model – how often does Tesla update?
There are new models . . . and new models. As with many aspects of the Tesla brand, you have to reconsider what an ‘‘update’’ really means in Model X world.
Truly new models are a rare thing for Tesla. But what the company does often is update the car you’ve got with new software, which is sent to the vehicle wirelessly.
So, just like your mobile phone, the car reboots overnight (well, you can choose when) and when you wake up, you’ve got the very latest operating system – like our test car’s Version 9.0.
Got it. So what’s new?
The list of detail changes is as long as your arm. But there are a few key, quite significant changes that hit you straight away.
The inappropriately named but quite impressive Autosteer and Auto Lane Change Level 2 automated (not autonomous) settings have been enhanced. Following a drastic wind-back of Autosteer in the previous update following some high-profile crashes in the United States – to the point where it was a bit tricky to keep it active at times – Version 9.0 has smoothed things out nicely again.
With Autosteer enabled, Active Lane Change operates automatically once you put the indicator on. It’s still much, shall we say, ‘‘braver’’ than Mercedes-Benz’s similar system. But it really works.
Tesla Models now have Obstacle Aware Acceleration – another safeguard from, shall we say, ‘‘idiots’’, which prevents full-bore acceleration if there is a slower moving vehicle ahead.
The massive touchscreen has been tweaked and is now more intuitive. Instead of having to switch around splitscreens when you want multiple displays, the navigation map (also tweaked with different graphics and menus) is basically the background for everything.
There’s also now a Controls and Settings shortcuts menu at the bottom, with the most commonly used functions assigned as Quick Controls.
We could waste words on more features (changes to the Tesla mobile app, climate controls, blind spot monitoring . . . even a dashcam mode).
But by far the most significant Version 9.0 change is the ability to play retro Atari video games on the screen, using the steering wheel and its remote buttons as controls.
When parked, of course.
Even since our test drive there’s been a further minor software update that has added a driving game (Pole Position) and it even allows you to plug a proper console controller into the USB port. That’s how they roll at Tesla. Nerds.
Any other cars I should consider?
It’s a fully electric luxury SUV, so the Tesla Model X is unique. For now.
The interesting thing about 2019 is that the Model X is going to suddenly have a whole lot of competition: Audi E-Tron, Jaguar I-Pace and the MercedesBenz EQC. For 2020, there’s also the BMW iX3.
Pretty sure you can’t play classic video games in any of those though.