When Tesla launched its updated Model S and Model X, the cars only came with the controversial yoke as driver input. At the time, CEO Elon Musk rejected the idea of a more conventional option. But consumers rule the roost – Tesla has brought back the round steering wheel as an option in the vehicle configurator.
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Importantly, it doesn’t add any cost to the vehicle when this option is selected. It doesn’t affect the delivery time, either. If you have recently bought a Model S or Model X and you are unhappy with your yoke steering input you can also take the vehicle back to Tesla and they will replace it with a normal steering wheel for the tidy sum of $700.
“This retrofit is only compatible with Model S and Model X vehicles configured with a Yoke Steering Wheel. Purchase price includes installation through Tesla Service,” Tesla notes. It adds that the wheel has “no stalks or shifters.”
Many Tesla fans have complained about the yoke steering wheel, as most felt it wasn’t practical for one-handed use and that it was awkward when driving at slow speeds. Some customers also called it a safety hazard, as it is much more difficult to make quick manoeuvres.
When the yoke came along, Tesla also replaced all the stalks with force touch buttons, another thing some drivers weren’t crazy about. As mentioned though, the new wheel option doesn’t have any stalks or shifters either, and the design appears to be based on the yoke in terms of spoke positioning, buttons, etc.
Back in September 2021 when Musk was asked if the round steering wheel would be an option, he simply replied “No” on Twitter. He explained that “yet another round wheel is boring & blocks the screen. FSD in panoramic mode looks way better with a yoke.”
