Tesla Model S/X: Quiet Updates, Louder Prices

Tesla has rolled out a series of discreet updates for its premium Model S sedan and Model X SUV. These changes, while not as dramatic as the comprehensive overhauls seen in the Model 3 and Model Y over the past year and a half, aim to refine the experience for discerning buyers of Tesla’s most luxurious (excluding the Cybertruck) electric vehicles.

Despite accounting for less than 5% of Tesla’s annual sales, the Model S and Model X continue to be important halo products for the brand. However, these enhancements come with a notable catch: a $5,000 price hike across all variants, meaning customers will need to “cough up an extra $5,000 to enjoy the upgrades,” which are predominantly “under the skin.” This “quiet refresh” focuses on improving ride quality, cabin ambiance, and subtle aesthetic details, aiming to maintain their competitive edge in the high-end EV market.

Exterior Refinements: A Closer Look

The visual modifications to the refreshed Model S and Model X are intentionally subtle, requiring a keen eye to differentiate them from their predecessors.

Updated Front Fascia and Headlights

From a visual standpoint, telling the newly refreshed Model S and Model X apart from the outgoing cars will be a challenge for most observers. However, the high-performance Plaid versions of both models now feature newly designed front bumpers. These updated bumpers lend a slightly more aggressive aesthetic, particularly to the Model S Plaid. Whether this more assertive look is an improvement will be a matter of personal preference for buyers.

Despite the core design of the Model S being approximately 13 years old, its silhouette largely remains timeless and aesthetically pleasing. The Model X, with its unique falcon-wing doors and distinct profile, largely retains its characteristic “bulbous” appearance.

Beyond the bumper, Tesla has integrated a new and improved camera into the front bumper, which likely enhances advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and visibility. The headlights have also been updated with new adaptive functions. These adaptive driving beams are designed to automatically adjust the light pattern based on driving conditions, speed, and oncoming traffic, improving visibility for the driver while minimizing glare for others on the road.

Furthermore, Tesla states that the specific exterior changes made to the Model S Plaid are not just cosmetic; they are also designed to enhance its high-speed stability, a crucial factor for a vehicle capable of such rapid acceleration.

New Wheel Designs and Color Options

Adding to the subtle visual enhancements, both the Model S and Model X now come with new wheel designs. The Model X offers updated 20-inch and 22-inch rims, with the larger 22-inch Machina wheels being a substantial $5,500 option. The Model S, on the other hand, can be configured with new 19-inch Magnetite and 21-inch Velarium wheels, with the larger 21-inch set priced at $4,500. These new wheel designs are not merely cosmetic;

Tesla claims they contribute to improved aerodynamics, which in turn can lead to minor gains in driving range. For instance, the Model S Long Range with the new 19-inch wheels now boasts an impressive 410 miles (660 km) of range on a single charge, establishing it as Tesla’s longest-range vehicle currently available.

A new exterior paint color, Frost Blue, has also been introduced for both models. This appealing shade is offered as a $2,500 option, providing customers with a fresh choice for personalization. In a notable change regarding steering options, a regular, round steering wheel is now standard for both models. The controversial Yoke steering wheel is now offered only on the Model X as a $1,000 upgrade.

This change suggests a response to customer feedback, as the Yoke, while futuristic, has been polarizing for its practicality in everyday driving. The decision to make the traditional wheel standard may be a welcome relief for many potential buyers.

Mechanical and Acoustic Enhancements

While not a full re-engineering, Tesla has focused on key areas to improve the driving experience from within.

Improved Ride and Handling

Much like the more extensive updates that recently rolled out for the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has implemented several under-the-skin mechanical upgrades for the Model S and Model X. These changes, though less comprehensive than those on their cheaper siblings, are still significant for ride comfort and refinement.

The updates include the integration of new bushings and a revised suspension design. According to Tesla, these modifications are specifically engineered to improve the ride quality, making the driving experience smoother and more compliant over various road surfaces. This focus on ride comfort suggests a move towards a more luxurious feel for these premium vehicles.

Enhanced Cabin Quietness

Another significant area of improvement lies in the cabin acoustics. Tesla has implemented alterations that promise to make the Model S and Model X cabins even quieter than before. This enhanced tranquility is partly attributed to a better Active Noise Cancellation system. This technology actively generates opposing sound waves to neutralize unwanted road and wind noise, creating a more serene environment for occupants.

The combination of improved suspension components and advanced noise cancellation aims to deliver a more refined and peaceful driving experience, aligning with the expectations for high-end luxury electric vehicles. Less intrusive external noise contributes to reduced driver fatigue and a more enjoyable journey for all passengers.

Interior Touches and Pricing Adjustments

The interior largely maintains its familiar layout, but new subtle features add a touch of modern luxury.

Dynamic Ambient Lighting

The overall interior design of both the Model S and Model X has been largely retained from the outgoing models, preserving the minimalist and tech-focused aesthetic that Tesla is known for. However, a notable addition to enhance the cabin ambiance is configurable ambient lighting. This multi-color lighting system has been integrated into the dashboard, door panels, and around the center console, allowing occupants to customize the interior mood.

Tesla has also proudly highlighted a unique animated sequence for this ambient lighting system that activates when the EV is started up. This distinctive feature is currently not available on the more affordable Model 3 or Model Y, adding an exclusive premium touch to the flagship models. The ability to personalize the interior lighting adds a layer of sophistication and modern luxury that many buyers in this segment appreciate.

Price Hikes Across the Board

In a move that aligns with Tesla’s frequent, often unannounced, price adjustments, both the updated Model S and Model X now command a premium over their outgoing versions. The increases are consistent across the lineup.

The Model X will continue to be offered in both Long Range and Plaid guises. The starting price for the Model X Long Range is now $89,990, while the high-performance Model X Plaid begins at $104,990. Both represent a $5,000 increase over their previous prices.
Similarly, the Model S is available as a Long Range or Plaid variant. The Model S Long Range now starts at $84,990, and the Model S Plaid at $99,990. These prices also reflect a consistent $5,000 increase.

These price adjustments, while perhaps unsurprising given Tesla’s history, mean that customers will be paying significantly more for a refresh that largely focuses on subtle refinements rather than a radical overhaul. This strategy suggests Tesla is confident in the enduring appeal of its flagship models and their technological advancements, even with minor updates. The increased pricing also positions these vehicles more firmly in the luxury segment, competing with other high-end electric offerings on the market.

A Strategic Update for Premium EVs

The “quiet refresh” of the Tesla Model S and Model X represents a strategic move by the automaker to keep its premium offerings competitive without investing in a full redesign. By focusing on enhanced ride quality, improved cabin acoustics, subtle exterior tweaks, and new interior ambient lighting, Tesla aims to refine the user experience for its most discerning customers. The extended range for the Model S Long Range further solidifies its position as a leader in electric vehicle autonomy.

While the accompanying $5,000 price hike across all models might raise eyebrows for some, it underscores Tesla’s confidence in the value proposition of these subtly upgraded vehicles. These updates aim to ensure the Model S and Model X remain desirable options in the luxury EV market, catering to those who prioritize refinement and cutting-edge technology in their driving experience.