Tesla has discontinued the steering yoke option for the base variants of its Model S and Model X electric vehicles, restricting the feature to the high-performance Plaid versions following a recent round of minor updates to the flagship models.
The latest refresh for the Model S and Model X introduces a new front bumper camera, improved ride comfort, updated paint options, and revised exterior styling for the Model S Plaid. While the updates are subtle, Tesla has emphasized enhancements in suspension tuning and cabin insulation to deliver a quieter and smoother driving experience.
NEWS: Tesla has discontinued the Yoke steering wheel on the Long Range Model S and Model X. It's still available as a $1,000 upgrade on the Plaid trims. pic.twitter.com/JQjML8GjtG
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) June 13, 2025
Tesla’s decision to limit the yoke steering wheel to Plaid trims marks a shift from its 2021 approach, when the yoke was standard across both models. That move sparked mixed reactions—critics raised safety concerns, while some enthusiasts praised the yoke’s futuristic appeal. Tesla later responded by making a traditional round steering wheel standard and offering the yoke as a paid upgrade.
The automaker’s website now shows the yoke as a $1,000 option exclusive to Plaid variants of the Model S and Model X. Base models will continue to ship with the round steering wheel as standard.
The steering change comes amid broader discussions around Tesla’s update strategy, which some have compared to iterative enhancements seen in the consumer tech industry. Despite calls for more significant redesigns, Tesla has opted for measured refinements to its flagship EVs, keeping focus on performance and driver experience.