Tesla Will Ditch its Yoke, Offers Back Round Steering Wheel Options

The “yoke” steering wheel was originally introduced by Tesla back in 2021 as part of the marque’s initiative to further ‘futurise’ the already avant-garde cabin space its models harness. Primed in updated Model S and Model X variants, the yoke has garnered rather rave and contrasting reactions from customers and professionals alike.

In spite of Tesla's CEO Elon Musk being adamant on the yoke, the American EV firm has finally subdued to mounting pressures, plans to ditch the yoke-only option and bring back the standard round steering options for both aforementioned models.

According to Electrek, Tesla has recently updated its online store site to now include a no-cost option for round steering wheel in both the Model S and Model X. Wannabe pilots, video games enthusiasts or any general yoke fans can still opt for the yoke steering on either of those models at no additional cost. Unfortunately, customers who own a Tesla with yoke installed need to fork out an extra US$700 (RM3,063) to retrofit the traditional round steering wheel.

Plus, famed tech and automobile YouTuber Marques Brownlee or MKBHD has pointed out via his Twitter that this round steering option offered by Tesla does not come with the standard indicator stalk, so drivers will still have to use the finicky touch-sensitive indicators mounted on the wheels itself. Eager Tesla owners who despise the yoke still need to wait until March 2023 for the traditional steering wheel options to roll out of Tesla’s webstore.

This option does not concern other Tesla models like the Model 3 and Model Y, as both cars already come standard with the round steering wheels with dedicated indicator stalks. Aside from the much-anticipated return of the round steering wheels, Tesla has also added few other subtle updates for both aforementioned models, from raised “TESLA” lettering on the car’s tailgate, red brake callipers option, brakes upgrade for the Model S Plaid, and many more.

The Tesla Model S is currently on-sale at US$106,990 (RM468,241) for the US market spec, while the zipper, range-topping Plaid variant goes for about US$137,190 (RM600,412). Meanwhile, the US-spec Model X commands a price tag of US$122,190 (RM534,764) for the base dual-motor all-wheel-drive (AWD) model, while the Plaid costs US$131,790 (RM567,778).

Though this news might not bring that much gravitas for Malaysian Tesla owners, due to the fact that the marque has not officially set base in our country, it is important to note that this change might affect future recond Tesla models coming into our country via a plethora of used cars outlets.