Tesla’s new and updated Model S unveiled last week is set to make its Chinese debut at the company’s new Jingang store today in Beijing. The new Model S is borrowing two new important features from its younger (but bigger) brother, the Model X.

The most obvious being the similar front fascia, but a feature that is likely to be particularly popular in China, where extreme smog is a recurring problem, is the HEPA air filtration system with ‘bioweapon defense mode’.

Tesla first introduced the feature in the production version of the Model X last year, but it is now bringing it to the Model S for the first time.

During his introduction of the Model X, CEO Elon Musk put an emphasis on air quality and its importance in particular markets. He said that the Model X’s main air filter is about 10 times larger than average.

The new Tesla air filtering system is “several hundreds time” better at filtering particles than a conventional system. He even compared the level of quality of the air in the car to an operating room. At max capacity, the system can detect any viruses or spores – making it bioweapon/apocalyptic proof, complete with a ‘bioweapon defense mode button’.

Tesla claims that the system removes “at least 99.97% of particulate exhaust pollution and effectively all allergens, bacteria and other contaminants from cabin air.”

During a recent roadtrip with the Model X, Bjørn Nyland tested the feature while driving in an area where they recently applied manure and he was surprised by how fast the smell left the cabin:

Tesla took the opportunity to debut the new Model S in China today while inaugurating its new Jingang store, which the company calls “Experience Centers” in the country. The automaker has already opened 17 stores in mainland China and plans to open 10 more by the end of the year.

In a blog post on its Chinese website, Tesla says that the new Jingang experience center, which is located in the Beijing Golden Port Car Park near the airport, is the company’s biggest to date in China.

Featured Image: Model S by Bjørn Nyland – A close look at the updated Tesla Model S with new front fascia [Gallery & Video]

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