Tesla launches updated Model S and Model X: the biggest change is the price

Tesla has launched updated versions of its flagship Model S and Model X vehicles. The updates are fairly minor, but they come with a $5,000 higher price tag.

In February, Tesla confirmed that it plans to release a refresh of Model S and Model X later this year.

Over the last few weeks, slightly updated Model S and Model X vehicles have been spotted with minor changes, the most notable of which is a new front bumper camera.

Now, Tesla has officially launched the updated Model S and Model X, and it is quite a disappointing update, to say the least.

Advertisement – scroll for more content

Here’s are the official changes that Tesla listed:

• Frost Blue paint color
• Up to 410 miles of range (Model S Long Range – our longest range Tesla yet)
• Even quieter inside: less wind + road noise & more effective Active Noise Cancellation
• New wheel designs & improved aerodynamics = more range
• Front fascia camera for better visibility
• Dynamic ambient lighting that brings unique animations along the dash & doors upon entry
• An even smoother ride thanks to new bushings & suspension design
• Adaptive driving beams
• New exterior styling for Model S Plaid, optimized for high-speed stability
• More space for 3rd row occupants & cargo (Model X)

The new Frost Blue paint is a $2,500 option. Here’s what it looks like in the online configurator:

Tesla has increased the range of the vehicle by only 5 miles on the 19-inch wheels, which have been updated to a new design called Magnetite. – pictured above.

Tesla says that they are more aerodynamic than the previously 19″ wheels, and that appears to be where Tesla gained five more miles of range.

For a $4,500 upgrade, you can now get the new 21″ Velarium wheels, which reduce to 380 miles, which is actually 2 miles fewer than the previous Model S on 21″ wheels.

As for the new Model X, it gets new 20″ Perihelix wheels and 22″ Machina wheels:

Tesla claims to have improved cabin noise, but it didn’t share any metrics to compare.

The automaker added a new front bumper camera, which should help detect road conditions, like potholes, for its ADAS systems:

Tesla also brought its dynamic ambient lighting, that were more recently introduced in Model 3 and Model Y, to the new Model S and Model X.

You can see the light strip running around the doors and the dash in this picture:

The flagship Model S and Model X only catching up to the much cheaper Model 3 and Model Y can be a bad look, but Tesla did bring one new thing not available on the cheaper vehicles: “unique animations along the dash and doors upon entry.”

Tesla appears to have shared an image of the entry animation:

Tesla also mentions having added new bushings and updated its suspension design without offering more details.

Like the rest of Tesla’s lineup, the Model S and Model X are also getting new adaptive driving beams.

There are a few new and update design accents, but those would only be noticeable if you are extremely familiar with the Model S and Model X, like the new matte (instead of chrome) front logo.

The Plaid Model S, the top performance version of the vehicle, is getting a few more updates with a new rear difuser and slightly updated front-end, but it’s nothing significant.

Tesla says that the changes result in improvements in “high-speed stability”:

The Model X gets “more space for 3rd row occupants and cargo,” but Tesla didn’t share any specifics.

Arguably, the biggest change is the price. The Model S and Model

• Model X:
  • Long Range: $89,990 – increased by $5,000
  • Plaid: $104,990 – increased by $5,000
• Model S:
  • Long Range: $84,990 – increased by $5,000
  • Plaid: $99,990 – increased by $5,000

Electrek’s Take

This is a very mild update, to say the least. When Lars Moravy announced that Tesla would refresh the vehicles later this year, he said that they will show the Model S and Model X lineup “some love,” but that doesn’t look like love to me. It looks like an afterthought.

Not so long ago, Tesla aimed to sell 100,000 Model S/X per year. Now, Tesla is not even reporting Model S/X sales anymore, and they were estimated to be below 50,000 units globally in 2024.

In Q1 2025, Tesla reported 12,881 vehicle deliveries in its “other models” category, which includes Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Tesla Semi.

Tesla is barely selling the Model S and Model X at a rate of 32,000 units per year.

This is not going to help much.

Honestly, I don’t mind the designs. I think these are great-looking vehicles still, but I was expecting Tesla to bring some of its latest technology introduced with the Cybertruck like steer-by-wire and 48-volt electronic architecture, but no.

It looks like Tesla is just trying to make a buck with its hardcore fans who like to always have their latest top-of-the-line models.

An Amazon’s Choice product, the TACTILIAN Car Tire Valve Stem Caps set of 4 is highly rated with 13,145 ratings and a stellar 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 1,000 units sold in the past month, these caps are available for only $8.99.

Composed of matte black aluminum material with a subtle Tesla logo design on the top, these valve stem caps are perfect for showcasing your love for Tesla vehicles. They’re a flawless fit for Tesla Model 3, S, X, and Y. Designed by an American-based, family-run business, the caps come with a “love them or we’ll buy them back” no-questions-asked guarantee.

Order your set now for just $8.99 on Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!