- The 2026 Tesla Model S and Model X are here.
- The two flagship EVs get minor updates inside and out.
- Some versions have a longer driving range.
The aging Tesla Model S and Model X got yet another refresh, but fans aren’t having it. Both cars are more expensive, heavier, and slower, which makes their more affordable counterparts–the Model 3 and Model Y–even more attractive to prospective buyers.
Moreover, the updated EVs don’t get any of the new technologies implemented on the controversial Cybertruck, such as steer-by-wire, rear-wheel steering or an 800-volt battery pack. And enthusiasts wasted no time pointing all of this out right on Tesla’s official X account.
“No steer by wire. No 800V. No additional power. You’re falling behind, guys,” said one person in a reply to the automaker’s post describing all the new features of the refreshed Model S and Model X. “Not impressed by this refresh,” said another user. “Go look at what Rivian, Lucid, Escalade IQ and EV9 are doing and copy that. People want real 3 row SUVs with more range and tech and this isn’t that,” a disgruntled fan added.
So, what’s new? Both EVs now have a smoother ride thanks to new bushings and a tweaked suspension design. Tesla claims the interior is quieter than before, with less wind and road noise and a more effective Active Noise Cancellation system. Furthermore, a multi-color ambient lighting setup has been added to the dashboard, both sides of the center console, and front and rear doors. The LED footwell lights and LED lights in the door pockets can now be changed to whatever color the passengers want, not just white.
Photo by: Tesla
Adaptive driving beams are also offered, and there are new wheel designs and a tweaked exterior for improved aerodynamics. A new exterior color called Frost Blue is now available. A front bumper camera with a dedicated washer has been added for better visibility, and the Model X has slightly more cargo space and room for third-row passengers. Compared to the outgoing model, the refreshed Model X has an additional 2.5 cubic feet of cargo space for a total of 94.5 cu ft.
All versions of the updated EVs are now $5,000 more expensive than before, with the base Model S All-Wheel Drive that’s good for 410 miles of range going for $86,630. The Model S Plaid, which now has a 149 miles per hour top speed–down from 200 mph previously–costs $101,630. That said, the estimated range of the Model S Plaid went up from 348 miles to 368 miles. Meanwhile, the Model S Plaid is now 26 pounds (11.7 kilograms) heavier than before, while the AWD version has remained roughly the same.
Photo by: Tesla
The Model X All-Wheel Drive starts at $91,630 and offers up to 352 miles of range–38 more than before–while the Model X Plaid costs $106,630 and can drive up to 335 miles on a full charge–21 more than the outgoing model. The top speed of the Model X Plaid is the same as before. However, its weight is not. The Plaid is now 186 lbs (83 kg) heavier, tipping the scales at 5,435 lbs (2,465 kg), while the AWD variant is 4 lbs (1.8 kg) heavier.
The yoke steering wheel, which was once the default choice for the Model S and Model X, has now been removed entirely from the base versions and can only be purchased as a $1,000 option on the Plaid trims.
The new Tesla Model S and Model X are available now in the United States. While the new features are nothing to write home about, it’s easy to see why Tesla hasn’t put more effort into this refresh. Sales of the Model S and Model X have cratered in recent years, with both cars being relegated to the “Other Models” category in Tesla’s delivery report. Last year, the company delivered 85,133 “Other Models,” which include the Cybertruck and Semi–that’s just a drop in the ocean compared to the Model 3 and Model Y, which saw combined deliveries of 1.4 million units globally.
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Source: Tesla