Tesla Makes Yoke Steering Wheel A $1,000 Option

Tesla has upped the price of the yoke steering wheel from $250 to an eye-watering $1,000. Available on the range-toppingModel SandModel X, the configurator for these vehicles shows the price of the controversial tiller has quadrupled recently, making it even less desirable than before.

Initially, the yoke was standard equipment on the Plaid derivatives, but Tesla decided to offer these performance derivatives with amore conventional steering wheelearlier this year. The yoke has received a lot of criticism due to its unconventional design andcumbersome operation.

Then, less than four months later, the automaker decided to place a $250premium on the yoke steering wheeloption. At the time, we were already confused by this move, as owners were willing to pay $700 toreplace their original yokeswith the conventional round steering wheel.

So why would Tesla make the yoke even more expensive than before? We don't have the answer, but we're guessing a handful of Tesla customers are willing to pay extra for the unconventional steering wheel. Let's not forget that the yoke has had its fair share of quality issues.

In some instances, the vegan leather upholstery was剥落的边缘. One owner reported premature wear at 12,000 miles, while another said it happened to him at just 4,000 miles. This isn't the first time we've seen evidence of Tesla's questionable build quality; the seat upholstery has been known to have somebizarre defects.

The increased yoke pricing is just the latest in a series of changes from the manufacturer. Ignoring therefreshed Model 3for a minute, Tesla removed the Model S and Model X Standard Range variants justweeks after they were introduced.