Feedback and suggestions regarding the Model S Beta

[gg_got_a_tesla]

After the whirlwind ride in the beta last weekend and then, an up close experience with the red signature beta at the Tesla Menlo Park store earlier today, here are my gripes with the Model S Beta that I honestly feel Tesla ought to address to keep me interested:

1) The interior was very lacking; it looked stark, spartan and hardly luxurious. To compare it to the competition (such as a BMW 5 or a Lexus GS), I didn't have the same sense that I was experiencing something special in the Model S Beta as I did when checking out the finished BMW or Lexus at their dealerships! Unlike the exterior which was excellent, the interior looked like it was just cobbled together without the same degree of attention to detail. To use a harsh word, it looked cheap!

2) The leather seats were very ordinary and not worthy of a $57k+ car. They weren't supportive enough in both the front and back. And, both the driver and the passenger seats ought to be 8-way adjustable.

3) The standout feature of the interior, the 17" touchscreen, looked sorely out of place. It looked like a bland computer monitor slapped in there; it didn't blend in into the dash like it did in the prototype. It had other problems such as heavy glare and poor off-angle viewing from the front passenger seat.

4) Where's the in-dash storage space? There ought to be a lot of it given the frunk right ahead.

5) My only gripe with the exterior is the wonky-looking chargeport door! It didn't blend in at all and stuck out like a sore thumb. At the least, the door (and its peer reflector on the passenger side) ought to be extended all the way to the top to make it more organic; here's a mockup:

Attachment 2964

UPDATE: Heard from a Tesla employee on 10/09 confirming that many of these concerns (such as the seats, the fit and finish) were already scheduled to be addressed and that, they are actively watching this forum and others for feedback such as this. So, bottomline, do take all my points above with a bag of salt I've updated my title to a more harmonious "Feedback and suggestions regarding the Model S Beta".

Doug, thanks for updating the thread title!

Made a follow-up post with more info from talking to the Tesla employee: Feedback and suggestions regarding the Model S Beta

[Mycroft]

I think those are all good points gg. We'll have to see what Tesla comes up with when the car is more finalized. They should be publishing features and options before production of the RC.

[AnOutsider]

I agree on the interior wholeheartedly. It was the most disappointing part of the car for me. The tail lights are growing on me, but they are indeed a weak point on the exterior for me.

Also, I think the karmas gauges look better. If I'm not mistaken, they're a mix of screen and physical bits.

[Soflauthor]

@gg: I agree completely with your points (1) to (4). Let's hope Tesla acts on the growing criticism of the interior.

[Todd Burch]

When I talked to a salesperson at Tesla a few weeks ago in LA, I got the distinct impression they got the interior together last minute. He didn't say that explicitly, but what he said gave me that impression. My guess is they're still working on the interior.

[richkae]

I agree the interior was weak, and I do not like the taillights.
Anyone notice in the interior shots there is a big shade over the speedo LCD? If that is necessary for the speedo LCD, why is it not for the center screen?
I hope they have a solution for the glare - the Prius has a small touchscreen in the center, and it is unusable if the sun comes in at the right angle.

[Mycroft]

I agree that bringing the console back would be better. Better cup holders, place for shift buttons/stick, more asthetical placement of the 17" screen and lots of storage possibilities.

[MDR]

agreed on all points, especially the seats. For a car that promises class leading handling i would expect much more lateral support.

other observations:
-no storage/pockets in doors or seat backs.
-didn't see any cup holders for back seat occupants.
-no side bars/grab bars.
-need sliding sun screen for panoramic roof. (I’m pretty sure someone a Tesla said that was in the works)
-the nose cone is better but still needs some help. not really sure what, perhaps just less glossy.
-that chrome accent strip below the doors just looks weired to me. Gives the illusion that the doors extend down more than the other body panels. Maybe it should run the full length from wheel opening to wheel opening or just be eliminated entirely.

[vfx]

I thought the gauge cluster outline would be more cool if it matched the outside shape of the front grill.


Softer like the Alfa interior feels.

[bonnie1194]

I thought the gauge cluster outline would be more cool if it matched the outside shape of the front grill.
.

I like that idea - starts to drive the look of the brand.