Undoubtable assets aside, we found the Tesla Model S as being an under-engineered machine with a sub-par interior. After receiving tons of less-than-flattering comments on our Model S review, we've finally come across a Tesla owner who has taken matters into his own hands, commissioning a complete overhaul for the cabin.
At first, a Russian guy installing BMW parts inside his Model S might lead to stereotypical conclusions, but the way in which this man has addressed the ergonomics and quality issues of his Tesla is simply brilliant.
To answer a potential trolling question, we'll mention the twin-iPad infotainment system, as well as the digital instrument cluster, has been left in place. However, pretty much every other major part of the interior has been redone.
Starting from the upper side of the custom cabin work, the changes targeted the bar of the panoramic sunroof, which has quality and soundproofing drawbacks, as well as those annoying sun visors, whose absent lighting and ridiculously-sized mirrors can easily frustrate one.
The front seats, as well as the rear bench, come from a BMW 7-Series, while the same can be said about the center console and the front armrest. Actually, in the standard Model S, you can't talk about a "front" armrest, since there's nothing to hold your forearms in the back. Well, thanks to the 7er accommodation, rear passengers now have their own armrest. Welcome to 2015.
The man removed the front doors cards, only to discover empty spaces in the areas where storage compartment could've been installed. Of course, this has now changed.
And thanks to that center console swap mentioned above, you'll have to say goodbye to your flying items. From now on, you'll be able to find your mobile phone in the exact position you placed it upon entering the vehicle.
In terms of materials, this Tesla now packs the right kind of leather, Alcantara and Piano Black trim for the dash.
Judging by the number of USB ports installed inside this Model S, as well as by the 110W charger in the rear console, this guy knows his way around gadgets.
Not since Nick Murray explained why his 911 was a lemon have we seen this kind of uber-reasonable attitude from the owner of a premium machine. However, while Nick lost us when he ditched his 911 for an M4, we like this man's balanced attitude.
For one thing, the final part of his 23-minute clip sees him talking about the bits and pieces that could still be improved on his Tesla. Spoiler alert: we are a bit surprised to see he still hasn't changed the standard audio system, which is far from delivering the aural pleasures that should come with a 100-grand car.
And while Tesla may have left certain bits out due to the incompatibility with the EV nature of the car, it's all discussed in the video.
In case you're considering a similar treatment for your Tesla, the man mentions the cost of the customization job as rising to 15-20 percent of the Tesla's original price. From mental sanity to the health of your back, we reckon it's all worth the money.
For those of you who want to dig even deeper into this Model S matter, the second video below offers a review of the customised Tesla, coming from the Moscow Tesla Club. And no, they're not afraid to expose the drawbacks of the mods.
In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist. Full profile
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