Tesla Makes Steering Yoke Optional on Model S, X; Offers Retrofit
Tesla is walking back its switch to a steering yoke in its Model S sedan and Model X SUV, allowing new customers to choose between the yoke and a traditional steering wheel at no cost. Additionally, the automaker is offering a $700 retrofit for existing customers who wish to replace their yoke with a steering wheel, which its website says will be available beginning in March as of this writing.
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The switch to a steering yoke design was controversial because of its relative difficulty of use during low-speed maneuvers when compared to a traditional wheel design. The yoke has a traditional wheel’s steering ratio that requires multiple turns at low speed for parking, multipoint turns and around-town driving, and there’s no top rim to grab to more easily turn it. On the other hand, it looks pretty cool and works fine at higher speeds where smaller steering inputs are needed. In Tesla’s eyes, eventually these vehicles are supposed to be driving you around (we’re not going to debate the merits of Full Self-Driving here, however).
When the design first appeared, some fans took to Twitter (before it was owned by Elon Musk) to ask if a wheel might ever be an option for buyers who didn’t want the yoke. Musk replied with a succinct “no” at the time; as of this writing, the automaker nor Musk has not released any official statement that might indicate why things have changed.
Tesla says the steering wheel will be heated and wrapped in “vegan leather” and markets it as enabling owners to “travel in luxury” — we just think it’s safer. Current owners can visit the automaker’s retrofit webpage and ask to be notified when the steering wheel is available; Tesla’s current estimate is March 2023. New customers can select either a steering yoke or wheel when configuring their ideal Model S or Model X, and Tesla currently says the $700 purchase price includes installation.
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