Tesla’s Model S and X Get a Mild Refresh
Tesla has rolled out updates to its flagship electric vehicles, the Model S and Model X, but the changes are drawing mixed reactions. Despite a $5,000 price increase across both models, the upgrades are mostly subtle, leaving many EV enthusiasts and Tesla loyalists underwhelmed.
Minimal Changes, Higher Price
While Tesla touts the new Model S and Model X as more refined, most of the improvements are hidden beneath familiar exteriors. The company claims the ride is now smoother thanks to revised suspension components and bushings. Interior comfort has also been enhanced with better sound insulation and upgraded active noise cancellation.
However, these refinements come at a cost. The base Model S now starts at $86,630, while the high-performance Plaid version climbs to $101,630. The Model X, Tesla’s luxury SUV, now begins at $91,630, with the Plaid variant priced at $106,630.
Range Gains and Design Tweaks
Tesla has made some modest gains in driving range. The Model S Long Range now boasts 410 miles on a full charge—the longest range in Tesla’s current lineup. The Model S Plaid sees an increase to 368 miles, while the Model X AWD and Model X Plaid offer 352 and 335 miles, respectively.
There are also some visual and functional updates. A new exterior color, Frost Blue, has been introduced. The vehicles now come with redesigned wheels for better aerodynamics, a front bumper camera with its own washer for enhanced visibility, and subtle tweaks to the front fascia.
Inside, Tesla has added customizable ambient lighting that extends throughout the cabin, including door pockets and footwells. The Model X also gains a bit more cargo space and slightly improved third-row room, with total cargo volume now reaching 94.5 cubic feet.
Slower, Heavier, and Missing Key Tech
Despite the range improvements, Tesla has taken a step back in performance. The Model S Plaid’s top speed has dropped significantly—from 200 mph to 149 mph. The refreshed Model S Plaid is also heavier by 26 pounds, while the Model X Plaid adds a substantial 186 pounds to its curb weight.
Fans were quick to point out the absence of advanced features found in Tesla’s newer Cybertruck, such as steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering, or an 800-volt electrical architecture. These omissions have sparked criticism online, with users voicing frustration on social media over what they see as a lackluster update.
Once the pinnacle of electric luxury, the Model S and X are beginning to show their age. The lack of significant innovation in this refresh only reinforces that perception. With Tesla’s focus shifting toward higher-volume models like the Model 3 and Model Y, which together accounted for the vast majority of Tesla’s 2024 deliveries, the S and X have largely fallen off the radar. Last year, Tesla grouped the S, X, Cybertruck, and Semi into a single “Other Models” category in its delivery report—underscoring their diminished market presence.
The latest updates to the Tesla Model S and Model X bring marginal improvements but do little to reignite excitement around these aging vehicles. With rising prices, increased weight, and slower performance, Tesla risks losing further ground in the high-end EV space—especially as rivals like Lucid, Rivian, and Kia continue to push innovation forward.
