Since the refresh Model S design was revealed earlier this year, the most controversial aspect was the all-new yoke steering wheel. Although the unconventional steering wheel had been seen in prototype vehicles like the Roadster and Cybertruck already, this was the first time Tesla planned to introduce it in a production car.
Its reception was luke warm, with some Tesla fans loving the bold new look, while others complained that the unusual shape would make driving more difficult and dangerous.
Interestingly the option for a traditional round steering wheel existed in the source code of Tesla’s online configurator, giving hope to some that it would eventually be offered.
Elon Musk has now confirmed he has no plans to bring a “normal” steering wheel to the refresh Model S, and presumably the Model X as well. Musk simply replied “No” when asked if there was a chance it would become an option.
No
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 23, 2021
If you have been following Tesla and are familiar with how Musk operates, this should really come as no surprise. Through Musk the company is always pushing the boundaries of what is considered conventional, and this is just the latest example of it.
The criticism of the yoke steering wheel has so far mostly come from those who have never tried it. Those that have actually tried it, which is so far not many people, say that it doesn’t take long to get used to and they now prefer it.
https://twitter.com/DriveTeslaca/status/1405595599324336128
