When Tesla unleashed a new 2021 Model 3 refresh, it included a new thicker steering wheel. Many suspected this new steering wheel may include a heating option, that is possibly locked away via software.
Hacker @greentheonly, well-known for leaking Tesla details from software code, noted back in October there would be a heated steering wheel as part of the Model 3 refresh.
All the Model3 refresh stuff: new interior (including the top console that nobody noted somehow), heated steering wheel, efficiency package M3 2021 and M3 SR+ 2020Q4 Shanghai (this one is believed to be LiFe batteries?), heated radar, usb-c in glove box, powered liftgate
— green (@greentheonly) October 22, 2020
Now, according to Morten Grove (@mortenlund89), Tesla Switzerland is saying this option is going to be available for new Model 3 owners in a coming holiday software update (via Teslarati).
1st @greentheonly said: heated steering wheels are coming to the Model 3
Then sw maybe indicated it
Then people said "the steering wheel seems thicker"
Now – Tesla Switzerland says option available to all new #Model3 #HoldiayOTA⛄️@ResidentSponge @teslawelt @EvaFoxU @EVNewsDaily https://t.co/kLVlhEj0bN— Morten Grove: Captain of all Tesla-Ships & CTs (@mortenlund89) December 2, 2020
A German screenshot was also shared on the TFF forums, with the image noting “heating warmer” and “switching on the steering wheel heating failed”, according to a Google Translate of the image.
Looking at the evidence available, it appears Tesla may be offering a heated steering wheel soon, available via software update. Will it be a free or paid addition? Tesla’s in-app purchases allow for heated rear seats in the Model 3, so it’s likely this one will cost money as well. Can’t wait for the stories of in-app ‘butt’ purchases of a heated steering wheel.
