Tesla refreshes Model S and X with longest range – and higher prices

In 2012, Tesla’s first flagship sedan, the Model S, rolled off the production line as the EV carmaker looked at popularising cleaner electric cars. 

Three years later, the company followed with the production of its first family SUV, the Model X, which brought many innovations, including the iconic gull-wing doors to large cars.

Some 13 years after the Model S production first began, Tesla has unveiled updates to its flagship Model S and Model X vehicles, with minor updates to the exterior and changes underneath the skin, including up to 660 km of range in one of the sedan’s variants.

Along with that, the pricing of both models has also increased by $US5,000. The new lineup now starts at $US84,990 for the Long Range Model S, which is also the variant featuring the long range of 660 km.

According to the company, this is the longest range ever offered in a Tesla product and could help convince some customers to make the switch to an all-electric premium sedan.

The fastest Tesla, the Model S Plaid, also sees the price increase, now coming in at $US99,990. The Model X Long Range and Plaid variants are now priced from $US89,990 and $US104,990 respectively.

Tesla’s first flagship sedan, the Model S, rolled off the production line in 2012 as the EV carmaker looked at popularising cleaner electric cars. 

Three years later, the company followed with the production of its first family SUV, the Model X, which brought many innovations, including the iconic gull-wing doors to large cars.

On the latest changes, there is now a new paint available which Tesla calls “Front Blue” and is lighter than the standard blue but darker than the Glacier Blue found on the locally available, recently refreshed Tesla Model Y.

Tesla has made changes to the front bumper of the cars to help with efficiency, thanks to improved aerodynamics, as well as new wheel options. 

This is another reason that contributes to a better range across the updated models in the lineup.

Teslas are known for industry-leading safety tech, and that hasn’t changed in the updated models with upgrades to safety and visibility.

There is now an additional front bumper camera, improving the car’s ability to detect changing road conditions. 

On the inside, Tesla says the new cabin is quieter, thanks to reduced wind and road noise, along with more effective active noise cancellation. 

Staying inside, there is now dynamic ambient lighting now which features unique animations along the dash and doors upon entry. 

The ride quality has been upgraded with new bushings and a revised suspension design, while adaptive driving beams improve the overall night visibility.

For the Model X, Tesla is now offering more space for third-row occupants and boot space, ideal for families and those needing extra room. 

The sportier Model S Plaid also sees new exterior styling that’s geared for high-speed stability, ensuring it appeals to sports car enthusiasts who may choose to take their car to the track.

The timing of these updates is also worth noting as Tesla’s sales of the Model S and X have been coming down over the last couple of years, with estimates suggesting global sales fell below 50,000 units in 2024. 

This trend has continued into Q1 2025, where Tesla reported only 12,881 deliveries in its “other models” category, which includes Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Tesla Semi. 

Some Tesla fans are happy to see the current upgrades, while others would have liked to see bigger tech advancements, such as steer-by-wire or 800-volt battery tech, some of which is seen on the Cybertruck.

Given that no steer-by-wire tech is mentioned, it’s unlikely that these models will be available in right-hand-drive configurations like ours in Australia.

This could also be explained by the company’s broader strategy, which appears to be shifting focus towards future technologies, such as FSD rollout. 

The expected launch of a robotaxi service in Austin is now on June 22, 2025, which hints at Tesla’s pivot towards FSD solution, potentially at the expense of traditional vehicle updates.

We look forward to seeing how the sales of the refreshed models go in the US and other markets in Q3 this year, while many more eyes will be on the initial success of Tesla’s robotaxis in Texas and California.