Tesla Model S adds 'Chill' acceleration mode

Tesla streamed out a new software update to its electric vehicles this week; included is a new acceleration mode called simply "Chill."

Earlier this week, the car reviewer DragTimesposted a video in which they stumbled upon the new mellow driving option while testing out the latest update in a Tesla Model S, the company's luxury-class electric vehicle. Here's how Tesla, in the settings on its touchscreen dashboard, describes Chill mode:

“You can now choose between two acceleration options in your vehicle: Chill and Standard. Chill makes acceleration more gradual – ideal for smoother driving and a gentler ride for your passengers.”

While experimenting with Chill in the Model S 100D, DragTimesfound its acceleration in standard mode hit 0 to 60 in just under 4 seconds. But when in Chill mode, the Model S hit 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds, which was described as "ridiculously slow, like what is even the point — no one wants to drive like that."

Well, some people probably do. Not everyone is keen on blasting to 60 miles per hour in 3.8 seconds, so this definitely makes for a "chiller" ride. This upgrade is a stark contrast to Tesla's Ludicrous mode, which earlier this year enabled a Model S to hit 0 to 60 in just 2.28 seconds.

According to the site Electrek, the Chill mode is available in two of its three models, the Model S and Model X, both of which are designed to accelerate quickly and hit high speeds. It's uncertain if the update also applies to Tesla's new affordable-class vehicle, the Model 3, which is currently mired in well-publicized production woes.

Reps for Tesla didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.