10 of the coolest Tesla features

What are some of the coolest features in a Tesla?

From caraoke, to dog mode, to hidden Easter eggs and much more, Tesla cars have been engineered with a range of cool features and secret settings that you might not even know about.

If you've got your heart set on an electric car lease, any of the Tesla models are worth the hype. Known for their unique quality, Tesla makes use of innovative designs, high-quality materials and impressive technology.

We've rounded up some of the coolest Tesla features that'll make you fall in love with your lease all over again. From the genuinely useful to the downright fun, these are the features that make any Tesla lease so much more than just getting from A to B.

Autopilot

First on our list is the infamous Tesla autopilot – though it's more of a driver’s assistant.

It’s also worth noting that the full self-driving capability isn't available in the UK just yet, with Tesla working on legislation to bring it to our shores.

However, UK Tesla drivers still get access to some impressive autopilot features. The basic autopilot can handle steering, acceleration and braking within its lane on motorways and dual carriageways, making those long drives a little less taxing.

While the Smart Summon feature (which lets you park or retrieve your car using a command button) is currently available in the US, Canada, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico, Tesla has confirmed it'll roll out to other regions in future updates – so UK drivers have something to look forward to.

How does it all work? Each Tesla model has a 360-degree view of its surroundings thanks to its range of cameras and sensors, creating a comprehensive picture of what's happening around your car.

It's worth remembering that while Tesla continues to develop these features, autopilot is designed for use with a fully attentive driver

Ludicrous Plus Mode

Feel the need for speed? Then you'll want to know about Ludicrous Plus Mode – though it's worth noting this feature was discontinued in 2021 for the 2022 model year and replaced with Plaid Mode on newer models.

If you have a 2016-2021 Tesla Model S or Model X, you might have access to this legendary performance feature.

Ludicrous Plus Mode takes Tesla's already impressive acceleration and cranks it up to eleven by heating the battery to its optimal temperature and engaging Launch Mode for maximum thrust.

The process isn't quite instant – you'll need to tap the "Ludicrous Plus" button on the touchscreen and wait for the battery to reach its ideal operating temperature (which could take a few minutes if you've been driving, or up to an hour if the car's been sitting idle).

Once it's ready, you can activate Launch Mode by fully depressing the brake pedal, waiting for the "optimal temperature" message, then releasing the brake.

The results? A Model S could sprint from 0-60 mph in just 2.3 seconds – genuinely neck-snapping acceleration that'll pin you to your seat.

Just remember, Tesla recommends using Ludicrous Plus Mode sparingly, as extended use can cause extra wear on the motors and other systems. But for those occasional moments when you want to experience what proper electric performance feels like, it's an absolute thrill.

Dog Mode

We know that leaving pets in hot cars can lead to tragic consequences, yet people still take the risk. So, Tesla came up with a brilliant solution: Dog Mode.

This clever feature maintains a comfortable climate for your furry friends while the vehicle is parked – you simply set the temperature just like you would at home, and the car keeps the cabin at that exact temperature until you return.

Whether it needs heating or cooling, the Tesla's climate control system will automatically adjust to keep your pet happy.

Since you can’t tell just by looking in a car whether it’s hot or not, Tesla displays a helpful message on the car's infotainment screen once Dog Mode is activated.

The screen shows a cute picture of a dog alongside the message "My driver will be back soon" and displays the current temperature inside the car, letting concerned bystanders know that your four-legged friend is safe and sound.

The system is designed with safety in mind – you can only activate Dog Mode if your battery is above 20%, ensuring there's enough charge to keep your pet comfortable with a buffer to get home.

If the battery drops to 20% while Dog Mode is active, Tesla will send you a phone notification reminding you to return to your car.

To activate Dog Mode, simply tap the fan icon in the bottom navigation bar, select "Dog" from the climate modes, set your desired temperature, and you're sorted. The feature automatically turns off once you return and start driving.

It's a fantastic example of how electric vehicles can offer benefits that traditional petrol cars simply can't match – no engine needed, just pure electric convenience for your pet's comfort.

Automatic cabin overheat protection

Similar to Dog Mode, Cabin Overheat Protection is a safety feature that cools the cabin when it starts to get too hot.

This clever feature will prevent damage to interior components, help extend range in extreme conditions and will prevent discomfort when you get back in your car.

Unlike Dog Mode, which you activate manually, Cabin Overheat Protection kicks in automatically once your Tesla reaches around 40°C inside, so you don't have to worry about anything.

The system will run for up to 12 hours or until your battery reaches 20%, whichever comes first.

It's another brilliant example of Tesla thinking ahead to keep both you and your car comfortable, even when you're not around.

Sentry Mode

When enabled, Sentry Mode keeps your Tesla's cameras and sensors switched on and ready to record any suspicious activity around your parked car.

Think of it as an intelligent vehicle security system that's always watching.

When a threat is detected or the car senses sudden jerky movements (like being towed or shaken), Sentry Mode springs into action.

The headlights start pulsing, an alarm goes off, and a message displays on the touchscreen to warn any individuals that the car's cameras are recording them.

You'll receive a notification on your phone through the Tesla app, and any footage of the event will be saved to a USB drive (if you've got one plugged in). The system even records the 10 minutes leading up to the event, so you get the full picture of what happened.

You can activate Sentry Mode through the touchscreen or simply by saying "Keep Tesla safe" or "Keep my car safe" using voice commands. The system requires at least 20% battery to operate, and it'll automatically turn off if your battery drops below that level.

Pretty clever way to keep your car safe, even when you're not around.

Netflix, TV streaming and games

Tesla has an infotainment system like no other and is constantly updating its apps.

Whether you want to catch up on that new Netflix series, watch a recent YouTube video, or play a quick game, Tesla can give you that immersive experience on its infotainment system.

The majority of the entertainment features are only available when the Tesla is parked (for obvious safety reasons), but it gives you a brilliant way to pass the time when waiting for your Tesla to charge or waiting at school pick-up time.

From Netflix and YouTube to Disney+ and even classic games like Cuphead and Beach Buggy Racing, Tesla turns your car into a proper mobile entertainment centre. You can even connect wireless controllers for a more console-like gaming experience.

It's like having a cinema and games console built right into your dashboard.

Caraoke

If you like singing and jamming out with friends when you're on a road trip, you'll love the Caraoke feature.

Tesla's clever take on karaoke (get it? Car + karaoke = caraoke), this musical feature allows you to sing your heart out to popular songs right from your car's touchscreen.

You can browse through various songs, disable the main vocals to leave just the instrumentals and background vocals, and even toggle the lyrics on or off.

While caraoke can technically be used while driving, the lyrics are intended only for passengers – Tesla's made sure that any driver information isn't obstructed, but you'll still need to keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.

The feature requires Premium Connectivity to work, so you'll need a decent data connection to access the song library.

How about a caraoke party in your garage to celebrate your next electric car lease? Just remember to keep the neighbours happy by watching the volume.

Three types of keys

Your Tesla can support three different types of keys: a phone key, key card or key fob.

The phone key has been designed to access your Tesla in the most convenient way possible. Your phone's Bluetooth signal is detected as you approach the car, and the doors unlock when you pull a door handle.

Likewise, when you walk away with your phone, the doors automatically lock.

The key card fits perfectly in your wallet and works like a contactless payment card. To lock or unlock your Tesla, it needs to be tapped against the card reader located just below the camera on the driver's side door pillar.

You also have the option to purchase a key fob accessory, which looks like a miniature Tesla – pretty cute, really.

The key has buttons to unlatch the front trunk (or 'frunk' as Tesla calls it), open the rear boot, and lock or unlock the car. You can even use it to remotely start the climate control.

It's brilliant having multiple options – phone for everyday convenience, card as a backup, and the fob for when you want to feel like you're driving a proper luxury car.

Tesla Model X's auto-opening falcon doors

The Tesla Model X has the infamous falcon wing doors which can automatically open when you approach the car with your key, if you've enabled the setting.

Dubbed as one of the best Tesla Model X features, these upward-opening rear doors aren't just for show – they're genuinely practical for getting into tight parking spaces where conventional doors would hit the car next to you.

It's not just the rear doors that have this smart trick either; the front doors can open as you approach too, making you feel like you're stepping into something from a sci-fi film.

The falcon wing doors use sensors to detect obstacles above and around them, so they won't bash into low ceilings or other cars when opening. Pretty clever engineering, really.

The Model X is still available in the UK, but there's a catch – new models are now exclusively left-hand drive, which might not be ideal for UK roads. You can still find used right-hand drive models.

It's a large, premium SUV with a price tag to match, but if you're after the ultimate family car with serious wow factor, it's still worth considering.

Easter eggs

What is a Tesla Easter Egg, you ask?

No, it isn't Elon Musk sending you a chocolate egg every year.

They're hidden bonuses within the Tesla's software – often a fun nod to events, popular culture, or just Tesla's quirky sense of humour. They're not actually anything useful or practical, just delightful little surprises that make you smile.

Not all models have them, and they can often change with software updates, so you might discover new ones or find that old favourites have disappeared.

Some of the fun Easter Eggs include Santa Mode, which is activated with a "Ho Ho Ho" voice command and changes the image of your parked car on the touchscreen to Santa on his sleigh – perfect for getting into the festive spirit.

Romance Mode puts a video of a roaring fire on the infotainment display, raises the cabin temperature and plays romantic music.

There's also been a Back to the Future themed Easter egg that could only be activated when your Tesla had exactly 121 miles of range, complete with several references to the timeless classic.

It's these little touches that show Tesla doesn't take itself too seriously – and neither should you when you're driving one.

These features show why Tesla continues to lead the electric vehicle revolution – it's not just about getting from A to B, but transforming how we think about cars entirely.

With continuous software updates bringing new capabilities and improvements, your Tesla will keep surprising you long after you've driven it off the forecourt. It's this innovation that makes Tesla stand out in a crowded market.