Tesla Model S and X get a boost: bumper camera, RGB ambient lighting and more - other models next

Tesla Model 3 to be equipped with the bumper camera next (image: Tesla)

Tesla Model S and Model X will be equipped with new features such as a bumper camera, RGB ambient lighting and more, following the example of the Cybertruck, which already has such a camera. Model 3 and later Model Y will follow. For many owners of older Tesla models, the burning question is whether there will be a retrofit.

Nicole Dominikowski (translated by Nicole Dominikowski), Published 03/02/2024 🇩🇪 🇵🇱 ...

E-Mobility

Tesla's Model S and Model X are now available for the first time with significant changes such as RGB ambient lighting and a front-facing bumper camera. It was only a few months ago that you could follow discussions on Reddit from worried users who weren't sure if it made sense to buy a new car, as the expected new front camera might not be available for retrofitting to older models.

Unfortunately, the situation is still unclear, so those who are wondering whether a retrofit will be possible will have to be patient. Secondly, there is no word yet on which models this will be for. This may be annoying for some buyers, as investing in a new car is expensive and not being able to retrofit important features makes it even worse. However, those who are concerned that the new feature is urgently needed for Autopark, Autopilot or Full Self Driving (FSD) can breathe a sigh of relief, as the new equipment is not required for these features.

We’ve been told to not expect or anticipate a retrofit. If there is any hope for such, it wouldn't be for several months so not worth bugging them about it.
— Teslascope (@teslascope) March 1, 2024

As well as the Cybertruck, which already has a front camera, the company has plans for other vehicles such as the Model 3 Performance, Model 3 and, a little later, possibly next year, the Model Y. For now, the new front camera is not intended for fully autonomous driving and its use is mainly limited to slow driving manoeuvres such as parking and detecting obstacles. However, this could be the case in the future or later this year.