Photo: Tesla
Despite lackluster sales, the Model S and Model X have not been forgotten. Tesla announced that the Plaid variants of its flagships now feature new sport seats as standard. Upon closer inspection, they look similar to the ones spotted on the refreshed Model 3 Performance prototypes.
Tesla is well known for producing most of the components that go into its vehicles. This contrasts with the legacy carmakers, which rely on third-party suppliers for most of the car components. Tesla's vertical integration goes as far as producing its own audio systems and seats. Unsurprisingly, these in-house components have been among the most praised features of Tesla vehicles.
Tesla seats are among the most comfortable in the industry, but this is not always what car owners want. For models with sportier credentials, having great support is more important than comfort. Sadly, although Tesla seats have been comfortable, the EV maker has paid less attention to lateral support during cornering. Although this doesn't sound like a big issue for those who drive mostly straight, winding roads or racetracks pose significant challenges.
The Performance and Plaid models are those affected, considering they have the sportiest characteristics. They can enter a corner quite fast and get safely on the other side, but if your body is not effectively held in place, you'll be thrown side to side while holding to the steering wheel like it's your last chance. You get the idea why Tesla needed better seats for its sports models. Thankfully, its engineers acknowledged these issues and started working toward fixing them.
Last year, around the time we saw the first seats of the refreshed Model 3, somebody leaked pictures of a new sports seat with an integrated Plaid badge. Later, rumors indicated that the Model 3 Performance could come with similar seats. The new bucket seats were first spotted in a Model 3 Performance prototype in January, and everyone was surprised to see a Ludicrous badging integrated between the seat back and the headrest.
Although the refreshed Model 3 Performance was already tested by influencers in Malibu earlier this month, the sporty sedan has yet to open the order books. On the other hand, the new sport seats have already begun deliveries in the Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. Tesla confirmed that the new bucket seats have been installed on all Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid vehicles delivered after April 1.
According to the official announcement on X, the new Plaid sport seats offer increased lateral support thanks to their track-inspired bolstering. Tesla claims the "high performance suede" offers increased grip and reduced weight. At the same time, the new seats keep the comfort features of the previous parts, including the 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation.
Tesla seats are among the most comfortable in the industry, but this is not always what car owners want. For models with sportier credentials, having great support is more important than comfort. Sadly, although Tesla seats have been comfortable, the EV maker has paid less attention to lateral support during cornering. Although this doesn't sound like a big issue for those who drive mostly straight, winding roads or racetracks pose significant challenges.
The Performance and Plaid models are those affected, considering they have the sportiest characteristics. They can enter a corner quite fast and get safely on the other side, but if your body is not effectively held in place, you'll be thrown side to side while holding to the steering wheel like it's your last chance. You get the idea why Tesla needed better seats for its sports models. Thankfully, its engineers acknowledged these issues and started working toward fixing them.
Last year, around the time we saw the first seats of the refreshed Model 3, somebody leaked pictures of a new sports seat with an integrated Plaid badge. Later, rumors indicated that the Model 3 Performance could come with similar seats. The new bucket seats were first spotted in a Model 3 Performance prototype in January, and everyone was surprised to see a Ludicrous badging integrated between the seat back and the headrest.
Although the refreshed Model 3 Performance was already tested by influencers in Malibu earlier this month, the sporty sedan has yet to open the order books. On the other hand, the new sport seats have already begun deliveries in the Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. Tesla confirmed that the new bucket seats have been installed on all Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid vehicles delivered after April 1.
According to the official announcement on X, the new Plaid sport seats offer increased lateral support thanks to their track-inspired bolstering. Tesla claims the "high performance suede" offers increased grip and reduced weight. At the same time, the new seats keep the comfort features of the previous parts, including the 12-way power adjustment, heating, and ventilation.
New Model S Plaid Sport Seats
— Tesla (@Tesla) April 12, 2024
If you know what high-G cornering means, these seats are for you
- Increased lateral support
- Modular seat architecture for comfort & support, plus same 12-way power adjust, heating & ventilation
- High performance suede for increased grip &… pic.twitter.com/Up7fCVo6SL
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