For the Tesla Model S to truly make a hit in current US market it needs to be offered with all-wheel drive – it’s as simple as that. All manufacturers are aware of the appeal of extra traction in colder climates, and Tesla wouldn’t mind a boost in their sales either.

Now, The Verge reports that the Silicon Valley-based manufacturer is actually readying an all-wheel drive model, which it will sell as the very top of the line. This makes us think of the all-electric Mercedes-Benz SLS, which is also all-wheel drive and as Chris Harris found out, it uses the advantages of this type of drivetrain to great effect.

If this turns out to be true, then they’ll probably be adopting the Model X approach, with an additional electric motor at the front axle, taking up some of the space in the frunk (you know, front-trunk).

Performance is said to be “better or equal” to that of the current Performance variant of the Model S, so an official sub-4 second time to sixty is not out of the question.

By Andrei Nedelea

Story References: The Verge via Jalopnik

Note: Tesla Model X’s powertrain pictured in the opening photo

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