October 10, 2025
Home » Tesla Updates the Model S and Model X – But Not Much Is New
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Tesla has made some small updates to the Model S and Model X, but at first glance, you might not even notice. The changes are mostly hidden, and Tesla is now asking $5,000 more for both models.


Small Changes, Big Price

The most noticeable thing about the update is actually the price. Tesla has increased the cost of every version of the Model S and Model X by $5,000. The Model S now starts at $86,630, and the high-performance Plaid version begins at $101,630. If you prefer the larger Model X SUV, the base version with all-wheel drive costs $91,630, while the Plaid version now starts at $106,630.

A Quieter, Smoother Ride

Tesla says both the Model S and Model X are now quieter inside, thanks to better insulation and improved noise cancellation. There are also updates to the suspension, with new bushings that are supposed to make the ride smoother. However, Tesla hasn’t given many details about these mechanical changes.

A Few Visual Tweaks

There are some small cosmetic updates too. A new Fost Blue paint color is now available, and both cars get a new front-facing camera that improves visibility. Inside, Tesla has added dynamic ambient lighting, and the Model X now offers a bit more space for third-row passengers and cargo.

If you’re a fan of Tesla’s unique yoke-style steering wheel, it’s still available—but only on the Plaid versions, and now it costs $1,000 extra.

Range Improvements

Tesla has made small improvements to the cars’ driving range. The updated Model S Long Range can now go up to 410 miles on a single charge, making it the longest-range Tesla ever. The Model S Plaid has also improved slightly, now reaching 368 miles.

The Model X has gained an extra 38 miles, for a total range of 352 miles, while the Model X Plaid adds 21 miles, bringing it to 335 miles.

Speed Trade-Off

Tesla has made aerodynamic changes to the exterior of the Model S Plaid to help with stability at high speeds. But strangely, the top speed has actually dropped—from 200 mph to 149 mph. The car is still incredibly quick off the line, though, going from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds.

While these updates bring some small improvements in ride quality, range, and features, they aren’t dramatic enough to stand out in today’s highly competitive luxury EV market. The price increase might be hard to justify for many buyers, especially when rival brands are offering more for less. Still, Tesla fans will likely appreciate the refinements—just don’t expect anything revolutionary.