PRX-21 -- The Pre-Refresh 2021 Model X Thread

[tps5352]

Is this a viable idea? A thread for people who knowingly or unknowingly ordered a pre-refresh Model X just before or just after the January 27, 2021 refresh announcement.

Place to discuss, seek help on, commiserate about:

• The unintended ordering of a PRX-21. ("I should have waited!")
  
• Versus, why the purposeful decision to avoid a refreshed car? ("But I like stalks!")
  
• Interesting efforts to find and secure a PRX-21 inventory car somewhere else (e.g., far away in another state or territory).
• Versus efforts to cancel or update an original order so as to eventually get desirable refresh features.
  
• The post-refresh delivery period for a PRX-21 car being shipped to you--differences (if any) between ordering already-built/have-to-be-shipped versus have-to-be-built cars; problems; frustrations; anticipation; and shared information.
• Anything special about inspection for an inventory car? (Same as always, correct?)
• Share stories.
• Information exchange, especially for first-time buyers.

One obvious difference: an already-built inventory car may arrive with parts (e.g., wheels) you immediately want to change. I had questions about that:

Suppose you put a deposit on a new, already-built inventory car. And say it comes with wheels you'd like to change...

For example, if you are a first time buyer, how do you order parts from Tesla for a car you don't yet legally own? (Possible answer: You can't.)

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[garyhartaz]

Simple, knowing they were likely to complete an interior refresh to "standardize" screen layout was my biggest decision. I prefer and love the portrait screen orientation!

I am not a fan of the "airwave" system nor am I a fan of the new console layout. I love the wood trim in my PRX-21 and not that sterile "Walnut Décor" - gasp. The automatic trunk is interesting as long as doesn't use that horrible "foot kick" proximity but I don't mind using my remote now.

I am not sorry I paid less as I don't need the car to have a "gaming rig" nor do I need to be the "beta early adopter" who gets to sort out the new steering features and other "gadgets" that certainly will be buggy right at delivery!

I belive us PRX-21 owners will have a "sought after" status as being the last stable version of that model configuration made.

No regrets whatsoever here because nothing in the refresh is "earth shattering" and worth the bump in price! Plus, I didn't have to shell out $10k for FSD to boot and mine was only $7k thanks to an offer right before the price increase and before the VIN was issued.

 

[tps5352]

I can totally understand waiting to get the new features. The new computer system and (video) security features sound awesome.

But for me the decision to get a PRX-21 was mostly about these refresh features:

• Stalk-less steering column (specifically no obvious Forward-Reverse control)
  
• Yoke (even Max Verstappen would have difficulties)
  
• Horizontal touch-screen (I too prefer the vertical orientation)
• Spartan, minimalist decor (perhaps I would like a Steam-Punk, Victorian-era-themed cockpit?)
  
• Emphasis on gaming (Mr. Musk better get FSD going sooner rather than later)
  
• Rear screen (which would never be used in my car; the Super Mario Bros. would get lonely back there)
• Price increase (who wants that?)
  
• (minor) Decline in (M-X LR) range (temporary step in the wrong direction)
  
• Lack of new batteries

That said, based on reports about what I guess is a revamped skateboard design, I suspect that Model X versions will "eventually" get new batteries (in late 2021 or 2022?). That will be great for buyers then. Technology marches on, God bless it.

I personally think increased range is one of the most important features, both for what it gives to drivers immediately, and for what it communicates (i.e., confidence) to the general (still skeptical) public . Ranges of 400 to 500 miles will mark the beginning of the end for ICE cars. The yet-to-be released Model S Plaid+ will be amazing if it delivers the promised range. (Seems to be stealing the 2022 Roadster's thunder, but that is another story.) In the same way that upcoming electric pickup truck rivalries will be, a little Lucid-Tesla-Porsche luxury-sport sedan battle should prove to be a real shot-in-the-arm for the electric car industry as a whole (even if most customers can't afford the high-priced models). Increased range will eventually filter down to the more affordable models.

 

[ithinkmac]

Got my PRX-21 by design. Need it for 2020 tax season. Knew refresh is coming (also knowing that it was mostly interior change). Like others, I like the vertical orientation of the screen. More useful during driving part. Horizontal screen is great for entertainment when parked.
It was the best version of the 1st gen design. Glad I got it. No regrets. Will probably trade in my '16 for the newer 4680 X when it hits.

-ThinkMac-

 

[Drrobmiller]

I bought the latest "pre-refresh" model X because I was worried they were going to go with the boxier, horizontal gaming screen interior.
I couldnt care less about games and not hung up that netflix is a smaller screen when viewed on vertical screen.

I prefer the vertical screen layout,...its not high up and prevents glare, more centered and not in the way while looking out the window.

I do like the yoke and rear screen to control climate in the back. But with FSD package , you are looking at a 10k dollar extra jump compared to the FSD package last year. (I bought my car in April 2020)


What I'm worried about is the future FSD software updates....are we pre refresh cars X and S now gonna lag behind because now all the teslas are on horizontal screens? I purchassed the car and invested in the FSD hoping that my car will perform FSD similar to the newer cars, assuming the sensors and camera count stays the same. I'm also under the impression by purchasing FSD my car would get HW/ MCU chip updates in the future. I totally understand if newer cars come out with better sensors or camera count...that cant be helped.

Thank god the newer refresh to my knowledge has the same amount of exterior sensors and cameras,...the I would be very upset.

For FSD potential yes I know, not for a while....Please tell me these updates will not go away if any newer cars come out with lets say HW 3.5 or 4.0 for the FSD,...and MCU 3 or higher for the graphics incoordination with FSD


Rob

 

[tps5352]

...worried they were going to go with the boxier, horizontal gaming screen interior...I couldnt care less about games...prefer the vertical screen layout,...

Roger that.

I do like the yoke...

By chance, are you a pilot? I wonder if a larger percentage of professional/amateur pilots prefer the yoke?

...looking at a 10k dollar extra jump...

I know. More money for less, in some instances--like the M-X LR range. I suspect that Models X and S will get improvements when the new batteries come out. But that doesn't help current buyers.

...worried about...FSD software updates....

Yes. Having PRX-21 cars lag behind on updates is definitely a valid concern.

 

[jboy210]

Until the new car starts shipping it is hard to access the full impact of the changes. But, the yoke, and more importantly lack of stalks is concerting for me. I much prefer tactile controls easy to operate without visual confirmation.

 

[jboy210]

By chance, are you a pilot? I wonder if a larger percentage of professional/amateur pilots prefer the yoke?

I have done some flying, about 1700 hours in piston singles and twins. As much as I like the yoke in planes, I think it may be less useful in a car. You don't do 3 point turns in reverse under power parking a plane.

 

[Drrobmiller]

Hey there

no, I’m not a pilot. like that the yoke let’s you see the front hud screen better and also no stalks.
However, probably clumsy with 3 point turns or just situational awareness when you need to maneuver big time, like avoiding an accident, etc.

also like the entire steering wheel when using the heated wheel,...larger surface area to snuggle on with.

It does look cool though,...doubt it could be put in older models? Would need screen controls I guess.

rob

 

[Genie]

Hello, 1st time EV owner here. I received my 2021 X Performance on 12/19/20. I did not know about the upcoming refresh and really don’t care- I got exactly the car I ordered and I love it. If the refresh used newer batteries or something I might feel different, but this is what I wanted.
I only briefly looked at a Y in the showroom and didn’t care for the horizontal screen. If the yoke had been standard I would have paid extra for a wheel. I’ve never used a yoke, just happy with a wheel.

 

[Monark1954]

I received my Dual motor/Performance X in dec -20.
Ordered before new interior was known.
Attracted by:

· The increased range announced in the end of 2020 in Europe and special compared to actual range in my 90D -16 it´s what I need during winter and with towing.

· FSD as it was with auto lane change, my X 90D compared with my model 3 both with FSD. I wanted auto lane change in my X and hope of more FSD that not was possible in my 90D.

· The Performance version has the same new price as my 90D from -16 and the difference up to performance was less than 2016.

· Charge speed, my 90D was/is limited to 90 kW. A new X/S in Europe is possible to charge with 140 kW with CCS adapter. (Maybe 2020.48.37 will change that for my 90D -16)


What to do when the new refresh that now is planed for deliver in September in Europe was known?

I could take it for granted that Europe receive a full CCS connection with out adapter to get 250 kW. It´s not official confirmed, and it is a discussion if some sales representative guess or know about it.

The upgraded terminal management for the battery is quite interesting, could give shorter charging times and durability for heavy towing.

Games does not matter for me, not interested. But maybe the new screen will get FSD functions earlier.

Depreciation. Will PRX-21 lose more or lose less value the first years compared to the coming new?
+ Some people will like the old interior and don´t want the higher price.
- Some people want more charge speed if we get it in Europe, and they also like the new interior.


What was my decision?

I order a new Plaid X for delivery in September and my PRX-21 is for sale through a car dealer.
If I haven´t sold my PRX-21 when it´s time for payment? That´s a later question.

 

[Richbot]

I knew the refresh was coming and took delivery anyway. If the thing burned to the ground tomorrow I'd go looking for a Raven pre-refresh to replace it with the insurance money; though having many vehicles at home to choose from I would probably just drive those while we wait to see the new interior in the flesh first. I'll tell you what I'm not sad about and that's not paying 12% more money for the car when there are a lot of features I'm not stoked about. I was really expecting the base price to hold the line with additional features, and hoping for a Standard Range ~285-mile model to make another appearance at around a $70k start. That, I would trade my '21 LR+ 7-seater for tomorrow, and pocket the extra money. I don't need my family wagon to do a 12-second 1/4 mile, but I do like money.

I'm sure they'll ride the new-hotness wave for a while and the prices will drop again. They can't really afford to cede market share with no other utility vehicle product on the horizon anytime soon except Cybertruk which is in the same vaporware category for me as everything else until they actually start rolling out of the factory

 

[tps5352]

...If the refresh used newer batteries or something I might feel different...yoke...

I received my Dual motor/Performance X in dec -20...

I knew the refresh was coming and took delivery anyway...

2021 will be an interesting year, for several reasons.

• Will the World finally get a handle on Covid-19 and its disturbing mutations?
• After a bullish Stock Market run, will the bears run amok later this year?
• How will the Models S and X Refresh play out?

As someone said, we aren't really going to know (about that last bullet point) until refreshed cars start delivery. From recent "spy" reports it appears (but is still not definite) that Elon has been having a little fun with us about the "yoke." What else hasn't he been 100% truthful about? (Maybe the car deciding which direction it will go in?)

Picking up on speculations by others, I believe that Models S and X will eventually get the new batteries that will allegedly power the Model S Plaid+. The key question is when? If I took delivery of the (more expensive) Model X Long Range in, say, May 2021 and the range of later cars dramatically increased in November, I'd be more than a little annoyed. Will buyers in early 2021 have an affordable option to replace their battery pack? Who knows?

But speculations aside, I agree with several of the commenters here: my decision to go non-refresh was due to:

1. Too many added features I didn't need/want.
2. Too many missing features I did want.

For example,

• I wanted more range (in Model X LR). I got less range.
• I wanted some sort of powered frunk-hood closing device. AFAIK, such a feature is not included, right?
• I wanted Apple CarPlay. I got,...no ACP. (Although I am coming around to the idea that this is a good thing.)

But in no way do I begrudge or downplay the wisdom of people electing to get refresh models. The new computer and security features are attractive. We do not even know all the features the refresh models will offer. Hopefully, we will all be happy.

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[SabrToothSqrl]

Can we call the new one Model XS.... like INSX? lol.

 

[tps5352]

One thing I have had problems with: transport of my new car from out-of-state.

Did anyone else by a new or demo inventory car from out-of-state (greater than 250 miles way), only to run into problems with having Tesla ship it to their home state?

Share your stories here.

 

[tps5352]

...Did anyone else by a new or demo inventory car...

"Buy." "B-U-Y!" Darn it. I keep doing that.