Tesla's "New" Model S & X Are Here, and… Oh. Is That It?
After months of anticipation, the moment Tesla enthusiasts have been waiting for finally arrived. Or, rather, it sort of shuffled into view and coughed politely. Hopes were high for a revolutionary update to the aging, yet iconic, Model S and Model X. Were we about to witness the dawn of an 800V battery architecture? A stunning, ground-up redesign?
Nope. We got new hubcaps and a price hike. Let's break down the "long-awaited" enhancements and decide if Tesla is playing a practical joke or just thinks we won't notice.
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So, What's New for Model S and Model X?
Tesla has blessed its flagship models with a handful of tweaks that range from the genuinely useful to the genuinely baffling.
- A New Coat of Paint: For the low, low price of an extra $2,500, you can now order your Tesla in "Frost Blue." Groundbreaking.
- A Whopping Eight More Miles of Range: Thanks to new wheel designs, the Model S All-Wheel Drive now boasts a staggering 410 miles of range, up from 402. Please, try to contain your excitement. Those fancy new 21-inch Velarium wheels that reduce your range are still a $4,500 option, of course.
- A Front Bumper Camera: In a shocking twist, Tesla has added a front-facing camera, a feature that has been standard on high-end (and even some not-so-high-end) vehicles for years. It's here to help your very expensive car avoid things on the ground.
- A "Smoother" Ride (Or So They Say): With new bushings and an upgraded suspension, Tesla promises a ride as smooth as silk. It’s one of those subtle tweaks you have to really want to feel to justify the price tag.
- Adaptive Headlights: Your headlights are now "adaptive," a dazzling piece of tech from the year 2015 that helps you avoid blinding oncoming traffic. Welcome to the party, Tesla.
- More Room in the Way-Back (Model X Only): In a rare stroke of practicality, the Model X actually gets more third-row space and cargo capacity. Your passengers' knees might finally forgive you. This also means more room to haul your disappointment about the lack of other major updates.
- Dashboard Disco: Taking a cue from its much cheaper siblings, the Model S and X now feature "dynamic ambient lighting." Your car's dashboard will now greet you with a little light show, just in case the silent, instantaneous torque wasn't exciting enough.
- Shhh, the Car is Quieter (They Swear): Tesla claims improved cabin quietness due to better noise cancellation. This will make it easier to hear the rattling sound of your unmet expectations.
- Plaid Gets "Aggressive": The top-tier Model S Plaid now looks meaner, with a new rear diffuser and a matte logo. It’s the automotive equivalent of turning your baseball cap backward to show you mean business.
The Punchline: A $5,000 Price Hike
And now, for the grand finale. Tesla has generously increased the price of every Model S and Model X by a cool $5,000.
- Model S All-Wheel Drive: Now starts at $84,990
- Model S Plaid: Now starts at $99,990
- Model X All-Wheel Drive: Now starts at $89,990
- Model X Plaid: Now starts at $104,990
This bold move comes at a curious time. Global deliveries for the Model S and X reportedly plummeted in the first quarter of 2025, tracking at an annualized rate of just 32,000 units against a target of 100,000. In an EV market teeming with fresh competition from brands that are actually rolling out transformative tech, one has to wonder if mood lighting and an optional blue paint job are the secret weapons Tesla needs to reignite demand.
The market seems to be whispering, "Probably not".
In fact, as we recently covered in our article Tesla Challengers: The Top Electric Alternatives, many buyers are actively looking for an exit ramp.
So there you have it. The refreshed Model S and X aren't a revolutionary leap forward; they're more of a timid shuffle. For loyal fans, any update is a good update. But for the rest of us, it feels like Tesla showed up to a tech arms race with a freshly painted water pistol — and is charging more for the ammo.
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