2023 Tesla Model S spied in Australia ahead of launch

The Tesla Model S electric car has taken a big step forward in its return to Australian showrooms, as a left-hand-drive example is caught on the move in Queensland.

The Tesla Model S electric car is one step closer to Australia – following a two-year absence from local deliveries – after a US example of the updated model was spied on local roads.

Images posted to the Tesla Owners Australia group on Facebook show a black updated Model S – believed to be a dual-motor, 2021-built model, not the three-motor Plaid flagship – at a Tesla Supercharger station in Toowoomba, Queensland.

According to the photographer Peter, the Model S – which is left-hand-drive, and wears temporary-use Queensland registration – was being tested in “Australian conditions”, and was accompanied by two Model 3 sedans.

The updated Tesla Model S sedan and Model X SUV were revealed more than two years ago (January 2021), with pre-orders opening globally at the same time.

However, to date deliveries have begun in North America and left-hand-drive European countries, with China to follow by mid-year – after prices and arrival timing details for Australia were wiped from Tesla’s website 14 months ago.

Buyers can still place a $350 pre-order on a Model S or Model X in Australia, but it is fully refundable – pending vehicle and option pricing. Production of the updated Model S and Model X in right-hand drive is yet to begin.

MORE: Tesla Model S and Model X Plaid approach China and Europe, is Australia next?

The vehicle spied in Queensland is fitted with the controversial aircraft-style half steering wheel – known as a yoke, as it is called in aeroplanes – rather than the conventional round steering wheel which returned to the Model S and Model X in January 2023.

Tesla’s Australian website lists a choice of round or ‘yoke’ steering wheels – but it is unclear if this will apply to local vehicles, or if it is indicative based on US specifications.

Despite fears to the contrary, Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus has indicated a steering ‘yoke’ can be legal for use in Australia, as it has confirmed a similar design for its Lexus RZ electric SUV – as an option after the launch of models with a regular round wheel in May 2023.

MORE: Aircraft-style steering ‘yoke’ delayed on 2023 Lexus RZ450e electric SUV – report

The updated Model S can be distinguished in these images by its tail-light design, wider wheel arches, alloy wheels, and new interior with the yoke steering control, and horizontal infotainment touchscreen.

Up-to-date Australian arrival timing for the Tesla Model S and Model X is yet to be confirmed.

However, if past Tesla new model introductions are a guide, it may be due six to 12 months after left-hand-drive European deliveries begin – which would correlate to first Australian arrivals before the end of this year.

This would translate to a three-year hiatus for the Tesla Model S and Model X in Australia, as it is believed the final examples of the pre-update model were delivered locally in late 2020 or early 2021.

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