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If you’re ordering your new Tesla, you will need to choose between the standard Tesla black interior or pay extra for the white interior.
The white and black interiors have the same vegan leather, so the choice is based on aesthetics.
To help you make the difficult decision between the two, we’ve compared both of Tesla’s interiors and highlighted the main differences so you can decide between them.
Main Interior Features Of Tesla Black
If you decide on going all black with your Tesla’s interior, these are the standard interior features the car will come with.
- Dashboard with wooden details.
- Black steering wheel.
- Black leather seats.
- Black console and door.
Main Interior Features Of Tesla White
Most of the interior features of the Tesla White remain the same as the Tesla Black, with a few accents of white on certain parts of the car.
- White dashboard accents.
- White leather seats.
Differences Between Tesla White & Tesla Black
As we mentioned earlier, Tesla white and Tesla black interiors have the same Tesla vegan leather, so you might be wondering what are the main differences between them.
Well, it all comes down to aesthetics and the different colors’ durability after long-term usage.
We’ve listed the significant differences to consider below.
The Style
Both the Telsa white and black interiors are designed to be sleek. However, it is a running opinion in the Tesla community that the white interior looks better.
Many argue it makes the car look more spacious, which I agree with, and brightens the inside. It is helpful if you plan to tint all your windows out too, since it stops the car from feeling too dark on the inside.
If you choose the white seats, you will find that the seating surfaces are white, and a white bar will replace the wooden insert on the dashboard of the black interior Tesla.
You should note that the white and black seats in Tesla are very snow-white, so it would be best to test them out in-store so you can get a feel for how bright they are.
Cost
The black interior is standard when you buy your Tesla at no extra cost.
Going for the part white and black interior will cost you around another $1,000 or £1,100 for the Tesla Model 3.
Look at our table below to learn more about white interior costs for Tesla Model Y and Model 3.
| Country | Black | Model Y White (Local Currency) | Model 3 White (Local Currency) |
| United States | No extra charge | $1000 | $1000 |
| Canada | No extra charge | – | $1300 |
| Mexico | No extra charge | – | $21600 |
| Belgium | No extra charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Czechia | No extra charge | Kč32 000 | Kč32 000 |
| Danmark | No extra charge | kr9500 | kr9500 |
| Deutschland | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Estonia | No additional charge | €1000 | €1000 |
| Greece | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Spain | No additional charge | €1050 | €1050 |
| France | No additional charge | €1190 | €1190 |
| Croatia | No additional charge | €1194 | €1194 |
| Hungary | No additional charge | Ft458 000 | Ft458000 |
| Ireland | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Iceland | No additional charge | kr150000 | kr150000 |
| Italia | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Latvia | No additional charge | €1000 | €1000 |
| Lithuania | No additional charge | €1000 | €1000 |
| Luxembourg | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Nederland | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Norge | No additional charge | kr10000 | kr10000 |
| Austria | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Poland | No additional charge | zł5500 | zł5500 |
| Portugal | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Romania | No additional charge | EUR1200 | EUR1200 |
| Slovakia | No additional charge | €1000 | €1000 |
| Republika Slovenija | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| Switzerland | No additional charge | CHF1200 | CHF1200 |
| Sweden | No additional charge | kr13000 | kr13000 |
| Finland | No additional charge | €1200 | €1200 |
| UK | No additional charge | £1100 | £1100 |
| Israel | No additional charge | ₪4000 | ₪4,000 |
| United Arab Emirates | No additional charge | AED4500 | – |
| China | No additional charge | ¥8000 | ¥8,000 |
| HongKong (China) | No additional charge | HK$9600 | HK$9600 |
| Macau(China) | No additional charge | MOP$9900 | MOP$9900 |
| Taiwan(China) | No additional charge | NT$37500 | – |
| Japan | No additional charge | ￥126000 | ￥126000 |
| Singapore | No additional charge | $1500 | $1500 |
| Thailand | No additional charge | – | – |
| Korea | No additional charge | ₩1286000 | – |
| Australia | No additional charge | $1500 | $1,500 |
| New Zealand | No additional charge | $1700 | $1700 |
Date: 6-1-23
Most people who opt for the white seats think this extra cost is worthwhile.
Cleaning & Maintenance
One of the biggest misconceptions about buying a Tesla with a white interior is that it will be harder to clean and potentially stain.
Although dirt is more visible on the white seats, they don’t stain thanks to the vegan leather’s hydrophobic coating; spills just bead up, and you can wipe them off.
This was proved when Elon Musk made the ‘red wine challenge’ which saw Tesla owners pouring red wine on to their white seats (I know) to test just how stain proof they are.
Luckily, the wine did in fact wipe off with no residue.
You need a standard auto cleaner detergent and a cloth to remove dirt.
The black interior has the upper hand when showing dirt since it’s harder to see. Therefore, you can get away with cleaning them less often.
However, sweat, scratches, or sun creams appear like a wet mark on these seats and will stay until you wipe them.
Comfort
Some Tesla owners have argued that the white seats feel more soft and comfortable than the black ones, even though they have the same material.
This could be because they make the car feel more sleek and airy, making them feel more comfortable in turn. There might have also been a design upgrade in the last few years.
Heat Reflection
If you live in a hot climate, white Tesla seats will always be the winner since they reflect light and don’t absorb it like black seats.
But this is not a deal breaker since you can use the climate control app with the Tesla to set the temperature of your car at any time. You also can install a sunshade roof to reduce the temperature inside the car.
Durability
In the long term, many would assume that the black interior will outrun the white interior regarding durability.
However, both last as long as each other; they don’t rip or stain and are kid and pet-proof.
Just ensure you’re cleaning your seats regularly when dirt builds up.
The Pros & Cons Of White & Black Teslas
We’ve summarized the pros and cons of each colored interior below to help you decide if those white seats are worth the extra money.
White Interior
Pros:
- These seats are unique and stand out since many opt not to pay for the upgrade.
- It looks excellent in bright sunlight.
- The white seats texture feels softer than the black (although this could be a design upgrade from 2021).
- White seats are clean, sleek and don’t show dust or light-colored dirt like black seats.
- Cleaning takes a few minutes, and they are stain resistant.
Cons:
- It costs extra money.
- There is more maintenance cleaning involved.
- They show visible specks of dirt.
- Dye transfer from clothing is more prominent.
Black Interior
Pros:
- Cheaper to buy.
- Requires less frequent cleaning.
- Doesn’t show dirt.
- Durable and stain resistant.
- No dye transfer.
Cons:
- It doesn’t give that same ‘premium look,’ which is spacious and airy.
- Shows sweat/oil marks.
- Absorbs heat (not a big issue though with climate control).
- Doesn’t feel as soft.
Our VerdictIs
In my opinion, I think it’s worth the extra money, and most Tesla owners on the forums agree.
There’s just something about those white and black trimmed seats that make your Tesla feel cleaner and more spacious; plus, they are easy to clean.
But the decision ultimately comes down to you and your budget.
If you have kids and pets in your car often, you must prepare to clean more since the white seats will show visible dirt and pet hairs.
Are you hesitant to choose what color car, click to read this article to help you can make a quick decision.