I came here with this same question (I have one of the earliest “refresh” S Long Range models from 2021).
In summary, here’s what I’m aware of in terms of changes:
- AP HW 4.0
- New high res cameras w/ LED flicker mitigation and wider angle on repeater cams
- New Tesla-designed “Phoenix” radar (possibly not being used right now?)
- New FSD Computer (exact specs not yet published)
- Currently no new functionality aside from better dashcam video quality.
- FSD Beta not yet available, but hopefully coming soon
- No Ultrasonic Sensors (Park Assist uses cameras instead)
- New matrix LED headlights
- New tail light design
- New charge port design
- Upgraded infotainment computer with more RAM and storage - supports Steam
- New red paint color (ultra red)
- Larger rear display
- Updated roof glass
- Steering wheel available (and is default)
- Front display swivel enabled (I think?)
- New Tesla badging on trunk (I think?)
Anything I missed or got wrong?
It’s not a bad list of upgrades, but currently it’s hard to justify paying thousands or tens of thousands for them IMO, as irrationally tempted as I am.
The most valuable to me by far is theoretically the HW4 update. Right now it’s entirely theoretical, though, and we don’t really know when it will have meaningful differentiation via HW3 (assuming it eventually will). I also have some concern that they may release HW 4.x or even HW5 relatively soon - e.g., with one or more additional cameras, even more powerful computer, even better radar or more radars, etc. And we can’t necessarily count on retrofits (though one can hope). On the other hand, if HW4 suddenly becomes a lot better, it could drive demand and increase prices.
One thing I’ve been wondering is if all of these changes are reliably present on new vehicles. At one point I thought I’d heard that the matrix headlights were inconsistently present, but maybe that was just for the Model Y.
I’m also curious what build quality and fit-and-finish is like these days. My 2021 arrived in pretty good condition, but has been in for suspension squeaks, a couple of rattles, and a couple of other minor service issues. All taken care of painlessly, at least.
A few things they
could add that would increase the temptation for me would be: power frunk, range and/or charging speed improvements, better steering wheel and/or yoke (fix the dumb horn design, improve the turn signal controls, better dynamic steering ratio via drive-by-wire), or more storage space (e.g., bigger frunk or lower trunk).
Thing is, I’m very content with the car I have. The main thing that would drive me to a new one is Autopilot/FSD stuff. If they had a traffic jam L3 mode on HW4, I’d place my order right now. Thus far, they haven’t even hinted at that as a goal. I’m hoping once HW4.x is on all new production (presumably when the Highland Model 3 arrives), they’ll actually start acknowledging HW4’s existence and talking about their plans for it. Unfortunately, I worry Musk is going to keep them stuck in the current “offer L2 but talk about it like it’ll be L4-L5 any day now” state.
. Or you have too many miles on your 2021. There’s nothing like having the “newest”.
