New Tesla Model S and Model X go left-hand drive only

Used examples of right-hand drive Model S and Model X cars might become much more sought after as Tesla stops production

Tesla Model S static

UK customers who have placed an order for the updated Model S or the Model X are receiving emails from Tesla stating that only left-hand drive cars will be available for the foreseeable future. 

On Tesla’s UK site it says all versions of the Model S and Model X are “only available as left hand drive”, although the firm’s other two models - the Model Y and Model 3 are still offered in right-hand drive form. 

Tesla has offered a few choices for its customers in the wake of the apparent decision to stop supply of right-hand drive Model S and Model X cars. Existing reservations can be switched to a Model 3 or Model Y, with £2,000 offered in credit. Another option is to cancel the order for a full refund or customers can just continue with the order and receive a left-hand drive model. Customers are able to call Tesla to discuss their options in further detail. 

The Model X receives a new key card for 2023, although there’s no word on whether cars fitted with the yoke steering can option a retrofit back to a traditional wheel like US customers can. There are also rumours of a larger rear infotainment screen coming to the Model S in 2023. 

It’s yet to be officially confirmed, but for the Model S and Model X left-hand drive models coming to Britain, we’d expect Tesla to calibrate safety systems and in particular the various sensors the cars have for driving on the left hand side of the road. It remains to be seen how the move to left-hand drive only for the Model S and Model X will affect pricing and sales in the UK.

Would left-hand-drive deter you from owning a Tesla? Tell us in the comments below...

Senior news reporter

A keen petrol-head, Alastair Crooks has a degree in journalism and worked as a car salesman for a variety of manufacturers before joining Auto Express in Spring 2019 as a Content Editor. Now, as our senior news reporter, his daily duties involve tracking down the latest news and writing reviews.

Recommended

Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2023
Fastest accelerating cars – header image
Best cars & vans

Fastest accelerating cars in the world 2023

Combustion-engined supercars are making a last stand against electrified machines
17 Oct 2023
Tesla Model 3 bids for ‘king of the EVs’ crown as new facelift hits the UK
Tesla Model 3 facelift - Munich
News

Tesla Model 3 bids for ‘king of the EVs’ crown as new facelift hits the UK

Tesla’s updated Model 3 is priced from £39,990 and gets up to 421 miles of range
17 Oct 2023
The most important cars of the last 35 years
Most important cars – header image
Best cars & vans

The most important cars of the last 35 years

We’ve reviewed hundreds of models over the past 35 years, but these are the ones that our team believes really made a difference
13 Oct 2023
Top 10 longest range electric cars on sale 2023
Longest electric car ranges
Best cars & vans

Top 10 longest range electric cars on sale 2023

Racking up the miles? These are the electric cars with the longest battery ranges that you can buy in the UK
7 Sep 2023

Most Popular

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style
Renault Scenic - front
Road tests

New Renault Scenic 2023 review: the famous nameplate returns in style

We get behind the wheel of new all-electric Renault Scenic to see what all the fuss is about
27 Nov 2023
UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case
MINI Hatch exhaust
News

UK firm fitting ‘pop bang’ aftermarket exhausts fined in landmark court case

A successful court action against a workshop advertising and fitting non-standard exhaust parts is ‘a lesson for businesses’ from the DVSA
23 Nov 2023
“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”
Opinion - Renault Twingo
Opinion

“Renault is taking over as the manufacturer of cars for the people”

Mike Rutherford thinks Renault is doing more than any other manufacturer when it comes to making affordable electric cars
26 Nov 2023