Tesla Model S gets a facelift – with a new nose probably destined for the Tesla Model 3 too

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The Tesla Model S has been given a bit of a makeover for 2016, with a new front-end treatment that will probably find its way on to the new Model 3.

All the headlines from Tesla this month have been on the startling success of the new Model 3 launch, with more than 325,000 orders received for a car that probably won’t see the light of day until 2018.

But Tesla’s first ‘real’ Tesla – ignoring the Lotus-based Roadster – has now come in for some tweaks and a bit of a facelift, and in the process almost certainly gives us a heads-up on what the front end of the new Model 3 will look like when we see it in production guise.

Elon Musk’s Twitter feed has had plenty of comments about the ‘blank’ front of the Model 3, and the makeover for the Model S is probably the way to go.

In comes a new look with the artificial grille gone to be replaced by a front panel with a shallow decorative insert at the top, new shape bumper with bigger vents and updated headlights with LED lights.

Inside, Tesla has added new trim options – Dark Ash Wood Decor and Figured Ash Wood Decor – and a new HEPA air filtration system borrowed from the Model X SUV.

Drivetrain options remain unchanged, with the UK getting the P90D, 90D and 70D, so it looks like the rumour of a new P100D model are unfounded.

Tesla say the Model S facelift will start rolling out almost immediately, so if you’re waiting for your Model S you could well end up getting the new version. Whether Tesla will want to tap you up for what appears to be a $1500 (in the US) price increase on the back of the updates remains to be seen.