In the updated Tesla Model S and Model X, use the touchscreen drive-mode strip for normal shifting: with the car stopped, press the brake and swipe up for Drive, swipe down for Reverse, touch P for Park, or select and hold N for Neutral. If the touchscreen is unavailable, the center-console selector is the backup.
How to select Drive, Reverse, Park, and Neutral
- Make sure the vehicle is stopped and press the brake pedal.
- On the touchscreen drive-mode strip, swipe up to select Drive or swipe down to select Reverse.
- Touch P to select Park.
- Select and hold N to select Neutral.
Tesla identifies the touchscreen as the preferred manual shifting method. To change between Drive and Reverse, the vehicle must be stopped or moving below 5 mph (8 km/h). If speed makes the shift unavailable, the instrument panel displays an alert, sounds a chime, and keeps the current drive mode. Tesla Model S Owner’s Manual
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Where to find the backup gear selector
If the touchscreen is unavailable, the P/R/N/D selector on the center console activates automatically. Tesla also documents briefly pressing both steering-wheel scroll buttons at the same time to activate that selector. To shift using the center-console control, the front trunk, rear trunk, and doors must all be closed. Tesla Model S Owner’s Manual
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Using Auto Shift (Beta)
Auto Shift is an optional alternative to manually choosing Drive or Reverse for parking, backing out of a space, and multi-point turns. It is disabled by default, and availability or behavior can vary with market, vehicle configuration, purchased options, and software. Follow the instrument-cluster instruction and confirm the selected mode before pressing the accelerator. Tesla warns: “Never rely on Auto Shift (Beta) without confirming the selection before proceeding. Always remain attentive, monitor your surroundings, and maneuver safely.” Tesla Model S Owner’s Manual
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- 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼-𝗟𝗮𝗴 𝗚𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴： More than an accessory—it's an essential upgrade. Enhance safety by keeping your eyes on the road, end touchscreen reliance for gears, and rediscover the effortless joy of driving.
Neutral versus Tow Mode
Neutral lets the vehicle roll freely when you release the brake. For loading or transport, use Tow Mode instead: open Controls > Service > Towing, then choose Enter Tow Mode. In Tow Mode, the vehicle is free-rolling only at walking speed for short distances or winching. Cancel Tow Mode before selecting a drive mode. Tesla Model S Owner’s Manual
Check the instructions for your specific vehicle
Shifting and Auto Shift behavior can differ by software, market, and configuration. Tesla’s current Model S and Model X online manual indexes show software version 2026.32, but owners should use the manual displayed in their own vehicle for configuration-specific guidance. Model S Owner’s Manual · Model X Owner’s Manual
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