SBD Automotive's UX Team has completed testing the refreshed Tesla Model S. It is the first major update to the electric sedan since its introduction in 2012, and provides a wealth of new technologies aimed at enhancing and expanding the in-vehicle UX. The most striking feature in the new Model S is its redesigned steering wheel - now a yoke - which removes the top and bottom of the wheel.

The learning curve to effectively and safely use the new HMI of the Model S has been raised by the UX Team. Changes made to the HMI often rely on, and disregard, traditional control methodologies at the same time. For example, the touch-activated turn signal control on the wheel, rather than a stalk. It keeps the "down for left, up for right" concept, but when removed from the stalk, loses its intuitive nature, is often accidentally activated, and becomes a point of potential confusion or distraction. 

In the new S-Class, MBUX is housed in a 12.8-inch center display lifted from the dashboard and angled upwards for easier access. Its 12.3-inch digital instrumental cluster adds an optional 3D display to enhance core vehicle functionality – for example, adding depth to navigation.

This augmented reality navigation can be considered an impressive ‘wow feature’, but can have misleading results, which can be ambiguous and even incorrect.