Tesla updated the Model S and Model X today, but any significant changes are hard to spot. Many of the upgrades lie hidden beneath the familiar-looking exteriors, with Tesla making several minor tweaks to the cars that fail to enhance their appeal in the increasingly competitive luxury EV segment.
Tesla claims the new S and X are “even quieter inside,” with less wind and road noise paired with more effective noise cancellation. The EVs will also have a smoother ride thanks to new bushings and a new suspension design, although Tesla failed to provide specifics.
Photo by: Tesla
Photo by: Tesla
There’s a new Fost Blue exterior color for the pair and a new front fascia camera for improved visibility. Inside, Tesla adds dynamic ambient lighting while increasing third-row passenger and cargo space in the Model X. Oh, and the yoke is still available as an $1,000 option on the Plaid variants.
The Model S Plaid has fresh exterior styling that Tesla says is optimized for high-speed stability, but the updated car has a lower top speed than its predecessor. It’s down from 200 miles per hour to 149 mph—a huge drop. At least it can still hit 60 miles per hour in 2.5 seconds.
Tesla also has new wheel designs for the sedan and SUV, which improve aerodynamics and increase range.
Tesla Model S and Model X Range Gains
The updates have resulted in Tesla creating its longest-range EV ever—the Model S Long Range. The sedan can travel up to 410 miles on a charge, according to the company, while the Model S Plaid improves to 368 miles. The Model X can now go up to 38 miles more than before—352—while the Plaid gets a 21-mile bump in range to 335.
Photo by: Tesla
Mild Updates, Fresh New Price
Despite the mediocre enhancements to the updated Model S and Model X, Tesla is now charging $5,000 extra across both trims of each car. The Model S now costs $86,630, while the Model S Plaid starts at $101,630. If you want the crossover, you’ll pay $91,630 for the Model X with all-wheel drive and $106,630 for the high-performance Plaid variant.