New Tesla Model S and X cost more but look almost the same

Remember when Tesla made waves?

Back in 2012, the Model S wasn’t just another car; it was the car that made people take electric vehicles seriously. It was fast, futuristic, and proved that EVs could compete with gas-powered luxury sedans.

Now, over a decade later, Tesla has updated the Model S and X again, but not in the way many fans hoped. The changes are subtle, and for vehicles that once changed the game, the excitement is hard to find. People expected evolution, not just small tweaks and a price bump.

What changed this time?

Tesla made a few updates to both the Model S and Model X, including a new front bumper for the Plaid version of the S. This new design is supposed to improve high-speed handling, but visually, the difference is hard to spot.

Inside, the cars get minor updates like new ambient lighting and an improved suspension system for a quieter ride. But aside from a new exterior color and some wheel redesigns, the look and feel haven’t moved much from previous years.

Prices are higher, but the value feels lower

Tesla increased prices by $5,000 for both models, now starting at $84,990 for the Model S and $89,990 for the Model X, in return for a ‘Luxe Package’ that includes Full Self‑Driving, free Supercharging for life, premium connectivity, and a 4‑year maintenance plan.

What’s bothering buyers is the gap between the price increase and the scale of the updates. When you charge more, people expect to get more. These tweaks, while nice, don’t justify the jump in cost for most shoppers looking for real improvement.

Wheels got a redesign, but it’s subtle

Tesla updated the wheels across both models, focusing on better aerodynamic efficiency. The Model S now uses 19-inch wheels that look similar to those on the Model 3 Performance.

The Model X features 20-inch Perihelix wheels with a new pinwheel-inspired look. These updates may help improve the range slightly, but they’re mostly aesthetic. Fans looking for bolder changes or performance boosts are left wanting more than just a wheel swap.

There’s more range, but just barely

The Model S Long Range now offers 410 miles per charge, an increase of only eight miles over the previous version. For many, this isn’t a meaningful upgrade.

Competing EVs, like the Lucid Air, already push past 500 miles. Compared to that, Tesla’s gain feels modest. Drivers expected leaps in range, not tiny steps. At this level, every improvement matters, and many think Tesla didn’t go far enough.

Charging tech is falling behind rivals

Tesla still uses a 400-volt battery system, which was once the gold standard. But today, brands like Hyundai, Kia, and Lucid are moving to 800-volt systems that charge much faster.

While Tesla models can add up to 205 miles in 15 minutes, other EVs can add 200 miles in as little as 11. That time difference matters on long trips. Tesla’s charging speeds are slower compared to some competitors, who have adopted 800-volt systems that offer faster charging times.

Tesla made the ride smoother and quieter

Tesla updated the suspension systems in the Model S and X, which helps improve ride comfort. The new setup reduces bumps and vibrations, offering a more refined driving experience.

They’ve also enhanced the cabin’s noise cancellation, cutting down on wind and road noise. While these tweaks make driving more pleasant, they aren’t headline-worthy. Most owners may not notice unless they’re comparing directly with older models.

Ambient lighting got an upgrade

Inside the cabin, Tesla added dynamic ambient lighting across the dashboard and door panels. The lighting can change colors, and now even the footwells and door pockets are illuminated.

It adds a more modern, upscale vibe, similar to what luxury brands like Mercedes have offered for years. It’s a nice touch, but for cars with six-figure price tags, flashy lights can’t carry the refresh alone.

The yoke steering wheel is now optional

Tesla made headlines by replacing the regular steering wheel with a spaceship-like yoke. It looked cool, but it frustrated many drivers in everyday use.

Now, Tesla has made it optional; standard wheels are back on most models, with the yoke reserved for the S Plaid. This move is a quiet admission that the yoke may have been more gimmick than breakthrough.

People expected more tech, not just touch-ups

Tesla fans had high hopes for futuristic upgrades, maybe steer-by-wire, faster charging, or new battery packs. What they got was a few cosmetic changes and minor tweaks.

Tesla used to lead with tech, always one step ahead. But this update feels safe and minimal, missing the kind of innovation that got people excited in the first place.

Competition is heating up fast

The EV market has exploded with new options. Brands like Lucid, Rivian, Kia, and Hyundai are rolling out high-tech, long-range EVs that rival or beat Tesla’s top models.

Many of these cars offer more for less money, better range, faster charging, or more advanced interiors. Buyers are taking notice, and Tesla can’t count on its reputation alone anymore.

Real Tesla owners aren’t holding back

The Tesla fan community has always been vocal, and this time is no different. Social media and forums are full of disappointed reactions from longtime owners and potential buyers. They expected something bold, not what feels like a recycled update.

Many say they’re skipping this refresh and waiting for a bigger overhaul, or switching to another brand entirely. Some are eyeing the Lucid Air, while others are leaning toward more affordable but tech-packed options like the Kia EV9.

Sales numbers show the shift in focus

Tesla doesn’t break out sales of the Model S and X anymore. Instead, they’re lumped into the “other models” category along with the Cybertruck and Semi.

Tesla no longer discloses S/X sales separately. In Q1 2025, the ‘other models’ category (which includes Model S, X, and Cybertruck) accounted for just 12,881 deliveries compared to 323,800 for the Model 3 and Y.

Tesla seems to be looking beyond cars

Elon Musk has made it clear, Tesla’s future lies in artificial intelligence, robotics, and autonomous driving. The company is focusing more on projects like Optimus (the humanoid robot) and AI software than on making radical changes to its car lineup.

That might explain the minimal updates to the Model S and X. Tesla is still a car company for now, but its ambition is much bigger. That’s exciting for some, but for customers spending nearly six figures on a car, it raises the question: Are these vehicles still Tesla’s priority?.

Other EVs are gaining in every category

Take the Lucid Air, it has better range, faster charging, and starts at a lower price than the Model S. Even Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 charges faster than Tesla’s luxury lineup.

From design to performance, other brands are closing the gap or pulling ahead. Tesla can’t afford to stay still if it wants to keep leading the pack.

The Model S and X still have fans

There’s still a lot to love about these cars. They’re fast, really fast, and still among the most aerodynamic EVs on the market. The minimalist interior, massive center screen, and strong performance appeal to plenty of buyers.

The Falcon Wing doors on the Model X still draw attention, even if they’ve caused headaches for some owners. And Tesla’s software, including features like over-the-air updates and Autopilot, still feels ahead of most.

Curious which EVs are giving Tesla a run for its money? Take a look at these 18 electric standouts.

The legacy lives on, but for how long?

The Model S helped start the EV revolution. It proved that electric cars could be powerful, luxurious, and practical, all at once. The Model X showed that family vehicles didn’t have to be boring.

But the industry caught up. Today’s refresh doesn’t honor that legacy; it sidelines it. The S and X deserve more than subtle tweaks and price hikes. Without meaningful updates, these once-flagship cars risk being remembered not for how they led, but for how they were left behind.

Want to see where Tesla’s focus is shifting? Here’s why it’s keeping Robotaxi safety plans under wraps.

What do you think, are these updates enough, or is Tesla falling behind? Drop your thoughts in the comments and give this post a like if you enjoyed it.

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.