Tesla has announced that all new Model S and Model X
vehicles will now come equipped with all-wheel drive as standard. It was only three years ago that Tesla first
unveiled its dual-motor setup after Elon Musk shared a mysterious teaser image
on his Twitter. Since then, an increasing number of Tesla Model S and Model X
variants have been introduced with all-wheel drive straight out of the box.
All-wheel drive has also allowed the two vehicles to
redefine the boundaries of production car acceleration. It’s therefore of
little surprise that in its December newsletter, Tesla has decided to announce
that it will ditch rear-wheel drive variants of the Model S and Model X.
In the newsletter, the automaker pinpoints the
improved traction and all-weather usability of all-wheel drive as its key
benefits, although we’re sure the added straight-line performance provided by
dual electric motors has helped convince Tesla of its superiority over
rear-wheel drive.
Also, the lack of rear-wheel drive doesn’t mean that
all Model S and Model X vehicles are now focused more on acceleration than
range. For those wanting to travel long distances between charges, the Model S
and Model X 100D variants remain on offer, with 335 miles (539 km) of range for
the Model S and 295 miles (474 km) in the Model X 100D.
Tesla’s decision means the Model 3 is now its only
vehicle offered with rear-wheel drive. In the not too distant future, it too
will be available with a dual-motor setup.
