Tesla’s 2025 Holiday Update is turning out to be much more valuable than it was expected, particularly to the owners of the Model S and Model X. As Tesla started rolling out software version 2025.44.25.5 (also called FSD v14.2.1.25), it has quietly extended its visualization system based on Unreal Engine to the 20212025 Model S and X lineup (also called P2). Earlier, these next-generation visualizations were limited to the 2026 Model S and X, so this update was a pleasant surprise for current owners.
Although not explicitly mentioned in Tesla’s release notes, the Unreal-based UI refresh is an intuitive advancement toward the user-vehicle interface and the interaction between the user and the data, environment, and system feedback. First impressions indicate that this is among the most aesthetically striking updates of Tesla in the recent past.
Smarter FSD Visualization with Dynamic Zoom
One of the most noticeable changes appears when the car is placed into Drive. In the case of the P2 Model S and X, Full Self-Driving (FSD) visualization has switched to a more zoomed-in view, providing a clearer, closer view of the vehicle’s immediate environment. It is easier to comprehend lane positioning, surrounding cars, and road geometry when driving manually.
After FSD is activated, the screen fades back to the safe, zoomed-out scenery, which provides a wider view of the situation. Although this behavior is presumably on purpose, some owners have already commented that they want to have an option to make the zoomed-in view stick around when using FSD.
Refined Exterior Vehicle Visualization
The other significant advancement is in the first step when one enters the car. The instrument display has been totally renewed with the external vehicle model. The new visualization utilizes the available screen space more to create a bigger and more prominent vehicle render.
The lights have also been enhanced greatly, which makes this car look more realistic and higher-end. The reflections, contours, and depth on the surface are also made stronger in comparison to the older visualization, which is comparatively flat. This is the only thing to make the interface more modern and more polished.
📸 TESLA UNREAL VISUALIZATION MEGATHREAD FOR S & X
With the initial public rollout of Tesla Software v2025.44.25.5 (aka FSD v14.2.1.25), pretty much the entire fleet will soon have the 2025 Tesla Holiday Update. One of the coolest undocumented features in the Holiday Update is… pic.twitter.com/arITju8TJw
— Dan Burkland (@DBurkland) December 13, 2025
The interior graphics have also undergone significant improvement. Shapes, sizes, and design accents of seats have now been made much more precise. This is an extra touch that enhances clarity to make seating configurations or checking cabin design, and gives the impression that Tesla is heading towards a game-engine-like interface. The strength of Unreal Engine can be seen especially in better shading and depth, bringing out the realism without crowding the screen.
Interactive Vehicle Model in Control Settings
It has also introduced a new interaction, giving the ability to swipe and turn the vehicle image anywhere under the Car Settings Controls settings. The tactile, intuitive experience was not achievable in earlier versions, and this interaction was more of a hands-on experience when controlling vehicle functions.
This feature is, besides visual appeal, a basis of the future interactive diagnostics, personalization, or educational overlay.
Enhanced Park Assist Experience
The Unreal Engine effect can also be seen in Park Assist. The new vision is more efficient in the utilization of the screen, as it gives clearer spatial recognition when navigating narrow areas. The appearance of the vehicle model has become a little glossier and is positively affected by the better lighting and reflections.
The new Park Assist interface is more sophisticated and informative, particularly when the car is needed to drive at low speed and high precision.
