Spot The Changes: Tesla Updates Model S And Model X

Tesla has made several minor mechanical and cosmetic tweaks to its oldest models. Suspension changes and new bushings are said to improve ride comfort. Interior upgrades include more effective noise cancellation, additional ambient lighting with customizable colors, and brighter LED accent lights in footwells and door pockets. There’s also a new exterior color, Frost Blue, and updated wheel designs.

Performance has been tweaked as well. The Model S Plaid’s top speed has been reigned in, dropping from 200 mph to 149 mph, although its estimated range does increase from 348 to 368 miles as a result. The Model X Plaid sees a range bump as well, up to 335 miles, but also gains over 180 pounds.

Tesla’s trendy yoke steering wheel is no longer standard and now costs $1,000 as an option for Plaid models.

On the tech front, a front bumper camera with its own washer has been added, and adaptive driving beams are now available. The Model X also gets a small bump in cargo capacity, with a total of 94.5 cubic feet, 2.5 more than before.

The Model S and Model X now start at $86,630 and $91,630, respectively, representing a $5,000 increase. Despite the price hike, neither vehicle gains features like rear-wheel steering, 800-volt charging architecture, or steer-by-wire technologies offered by Tesla’s own Cybertruck.

So, just to recap—the refreshed EVs are now more expensive, slightly heavier, and, in some configurations, slower than before. The muted refresh comes as the Model S and Model X struggle to maintain relevance after spending many years as the de facto benchmark for electric vehicles.

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