Last updated 11-Feb-2024
Over the years Tesla have made numerous changes to the car design and model line-up. We've tried to capture the history of each of the key hardware changes and model updates and in which year they occurred. The exact date is of little benefit as the transition is often blurred with cars appearing in different parts of the world with different specifications, for instance the 82kwh Long Range battery fitted to the Model 3 has varied by factory and country the cars have been delivered to.
The following is a list of the main changes we can find. We are sure there are some changes we may have missed, either due to small production numbers or country specific (Canada for instance had a compliance version of the Model 3) but feel free to email us with any significant errors and we'll happily take a look and see if we agree. We're also only recording the history of when features actually arrive, not when they are announced or promised.
We also have a list of the Tesla software release notes over the last few years, with the ability to filter by subject area to see how it has evolved.
2024 MS MX
Technical changes to the EPA calculations has resulted in a drop of official range for the Plaid. The LR models also have a drop in top speed but hold the range rating, we suspect a change to more efficient tires.
2024 MS MX
Yoke steering wheel updated, horn is now central and the old horn button brings up the cameras. The old one also had wear issues.
2023 MS MX
The option to specify a round steering wheel, and not just the yoke is now available. Brakes on the Plaid have also been updated.
2023 MS MX
Autopilot HW4 changes formally applied for as part of type approvals. This includes some technical changes to the area around the rear view mirror and forward facing cameras including new housing, new mirror mounting, dipped/high bean sensor and GNSS antenna. It is also expected to include a reduction to 2 (from 3) cameras although with a much higher resolution. Updates to the computer are also included.
2023 MS MX
Changes to the maximum speed and braking systems to allow for the carbon ceramic option on both the MS and MX. The inverters will also be updated.
2023 MS MX
CCS adaptor (also requiring a service visit for associated changes) has been released in the US. Only the MS and MX initially. This type of adapter has been available in Europe and other regions for a number of years before Tesla changed to deliver all cars with a native CCS port.
2023 MS MX
Ultra Red colour released for the Model S and Model X replacing Multi-coat Red which in turn is slowing being replaced with Midnight Cherry Red, although at the time of launch was only available on Model Y cars made in Germany
2023 MS MX
Tesla announce they will not be bringing the refreshed Model S or Model X to RHD markets.
2023 MX
Tesle introduce Matrix headlights on the Model X. While the unit is matrix, the headlights do not currently have any matrix features such as you find with other makes of car.
2023 MS MX M3 MY
Tesla starts to introduce cameras that can be physically wiped clean. The guidance previously was to only spray with water as contact could scratch the glass. We believe this is part of the HW4 update
2022 MS MX
The charge port area is being redesigned which will allow a native CCS port in the 2021 Model S and Model X. The charge port area is also being adopted by the US spec cars albeit using the traditional charge port connector for that market.
2022 MS MX
Small detail changes seen on the MS believed to be on the MX including a new charge flap design (presumably compatible with native CCS for Europe) and rear light details and trim. Headlights also appear updated.
2022 MS MX
The bezel around the rear screen has been made much smaller.
2022 MS MX
The amount of DDR memory in the MCU was increased to 16GB
2021 MS MX M3 MY
Subscription version of FSD now announced in the US. Up to date information can be found on our FSD FAQ
2021 MS MX M3 MY
Tesla introduce driver testing before allowing the deployment of the latest version of City Streets FSD beta. This is for US and Canada only
2021 MS MX M3 MY
Supercharging network being trialled in some countries with other makes of car, this is limited to the countries whree CSS is the charging standard. The main issue seen so far is where cars have the charge port on the opposite side resulting in 2 charging bays being required to charge.
2021 MS MX
Cars built prior to November 2017 will need hardware updates to the cameras to enable FSD beta using Tesla Vision. This is in addition to the AP computer that has previously been known to need upgrading to HW3. Owners without FSD will need to pay before thay can purchase FSD.
2020 MS MX
Started to convert EAP to AP on CPO cars, and changed premium connectivity on used cars to a subscription model. This follows the previous changes to supercharging which was also removed from all used cars sold by Tesla.
2020 MS MX
Increased the battery range of the MS and MX Long Range creating the Long Range+. The increase is relatively small and buyers should be aware that this coincides with Tesla changing the warranty documentation to say they can remove range without penalty through a software update.
2020 MS MX
Upgrade option to MCU2 from MCU1 allowing owners to then have the benefits of the additional MCU2 features. This is initially linked to those who also have FSD as some of the driving benefits/visualisations of FSD require the MCU2 hardware.
2020 MS MX
Performance boost for Raven Performance models and new Cheetah stance launch. (SW 2020.12.5)
2020 MS MX M3 MY
A new suspected deep sleep mode to preserve battery life when the car is being left (SW 2020.12.5)
2020 MS MX M3 MY
Side cameras when in reverse (SW 2020.26). The side cameras now appear beneath the rear camera when selecting reverse. These cameras point backwards and not down so they do not operate as a surround view type camera setup.
2020 MS MX
Enhanced suspension options and dynamic brake lights (SW 2020.32.1)
2020 MS MX
Plaid announced and order book opened. Model S deliveries start in 2021, and Model X deliveries in 2022, initially limited to the US, Canada and Mexico markets. European deliveries expected late 2022.
2020 MS MX
New battery with slightly better range and performance (code BTXA)
2020 MS MX M3 MY
Improved security with the introduction of optional multi factor authentication to the Tesla login. This does not however prevent issues with API tokens.
2020 MS MX M3 MY
Boombox feature added (the car needs to have the external speaker) and other tweaks as part of the end of year release.
2019 MS MX M3
Enhanced Autopilot (EAP) features split, TACC and Lane keep becoming Autopilot and included in the standard car spec and the remaining features moving to Full Self Driving.
2019 MS MX
Smart air suspension changed to an Adaptive air suspension system on the MS and MX
2019 MS MX
Free unlimited supercharging stopped for all cars, then reintroduced on the MS and MX for the first owner only.
2019 MS MX
EU/Asia chargers updated to include CCS capability. Retrofit to older cars also became available
2019 MS MX M3
V3 superchargers launched and increases to V2 supercharger speed.
2019 MS MX
MS and MX front and non P rear motors changed to the permanent magnet version first seen in the M3. This improved the range of the MS and MX and with the adaptive air suspension system has been known as Raven.
2019 MS MX
As part of the motor change and Raven, model numbers on MS and MX changed to model names e.g. Standard Range, Long Range and Performance etc. Tesla also dropped publishing many of the detailed configuration codes on their new car listings.
2019 MS MX M3
Sentry mode introduced for those with HW2.5 and above.
2019 MS MX
The European UMC is changed to a 16A single phase version although connectors are available to make it a 32A single phase.
2019 MS MX M3
Navigate on Autopilot became available
2019 MS MX M3
Pedestrian sound generator added for some markets
2019 MS MX
Autopilot HW3 upgrades being selectively performed for cars with FSD option
2019 MS MX M3
Version 10 introduced including, subject to region and hardware, Smart Summon, Karaoke, Music and Podcasts and video streaming to the browser. Scheduled departure also added.
2019 MS MX M3
5% Power increase and 1 foot driving (Permanent magnet cars only, ie Raven MS and MX, and M3)
2019 MS MX M3
Ability to read and respond to text messages on all models
2019 MS MX M3
Autopilot enhancements regarding variable speed depending on adjacent lanes and stop sign identification. The ability to use these features typically varies by country.
2018 MS MX
MCU upgraded to the MCU2, a faster system. This also resulted in the loss of AM radio
2018 MS MX M3
Wifi changed to also support 5GHz.
2018 MX
Tow bar became standard fit having previously been an option.
2018 MS MX
Premium pack, Premium Hifi and Cold Weather become standard on all models.
2018 MS MX
Bezel/surround colour changed to a smoked/grey colour.
2018 MS MX M3
Tesla introduce Pin to Drive, an optional security feature.
2018 MS MX
AP Hardware updated to HW2.5
2018 MS MX M3
Dashcam introduced for those with HW2.5 and above.
2018 MS MX
MS and MX key fobs changed to a version 2 which can be reprogrammed.
2017 MS MX
Interior options start becoming bundled as part of the basic car specification.
2017 MS MX
Tesla improves performance of the 75D which for many cars could be performed by a software update became known as Uncorking. 60Ds which were software limited 75Ds could also be uncorked if they upgraded the battery first.
2017 MS MX
Unlimited free supercharging became a referral benefit which did not transfer to the second owner
2017 MS MX
A number of EAP features finally arrived including basic summon.
2017 MX
Active spoiler dropped on MX
2016 MS MX
MS and MX 60D were introduced as software limited 75 batteries.
2016 MS MX
MS P100D introduced superseding the P90D. The P100D initially had ludicrous as an option.
2016 MS MX
Mobileye Autopilot dropped and replaced with Tesla's own system, the hardware known as AP HW2. The first software package was called Enhanced Autopilot. The software took some time to be delivered through over the air updates.
2016 MS MX
Full Self-Driving Capability became an option although even in 2021 it offers virtually nothing beyond EAP.
2016 MS MX
A new vegan interior option and next-gen premium in-house seats for all its models
2016 MX
Second row seats change to a folding bench on 5 and 7 seaters.
2016 MX
Model X design changed to add a door close damper on the falcon wing doors preventing the paint wearing through
2015 MX
Model X production starts with AP1 hardware.
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