Two years ago, Tesla Model S and Model X were offered with a so-called airplane-style steering wheel, which attracted a lot of customers. For some time now, it has been possible to install a regular round steering wheel afterwards – but now they are sold out.
Tesla’s round steering wheel has proven to be so popular that it is now sold out, in just one week, at least in the USA.
The price for the brand’s round steering wheel is $700, which includes installation. As of writing, the steering wheel is out of stock.
This is reported by Inside EVs.
Controversial solution
The airplane-style steering wheel, which looks cool – and which Lexus now offers in its cars, was controversial at launch for several reasons.
Partly it was simply a matter of design, not least because people are used to steering wheels on cars being round – assuming they are not in a racing car – and partly because the steering ratio was not adjusted, which made it tricky to use.
The quality of the steering wheel has also been criticized. In Lexus’ case, the Japanese have adjusted the steering ratio, making it smoother to use.
Like Tesla’s steering wheel, however, Lexus’ steering wheel has also received mixed reviews.
Tesla’s round steering wheel – a popular option
Tesla’s business model is built heavily on offering extremely few options, something that streamlines the entire manufacturing process, which is the basis for the brand’s impressive profit margins.
However, at the beginning of the year, Tesla introduced the option of purchasing a round steering wheel if one wanted to.
Now the existing stock has sold out, and it has not yet been communicated when the stocks are expected to be replenished.
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