Tesla’s original flagship pair, the Tesla Model S and Model X, have largely faded from the spotlight over the past five years. These two models, along with the Roadster, were crucial in establishing Tesla’s presence in the mainstream market. They paved the way for the success of the Model 3 and Model Y. Yet, nowadays, the Model S and X rarely receive mention in the company’s sales reports.
Instead, these models are now grouped together with the Cybertruck in a combined category—one that keeps shrinking with each passing quarter.
However, the full-sized Teslas won’t stay overlooked for much longer. EV-focused website The Kilowatts recently spotted both models sporting what look like subtle updates, signaling a possible refresh for these two electric vehicles.
Tesla Assures That Model S and X Won’t Be Overlooked
Earlier this year, Tesla’s VP of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, addressed the future of the Model S and Model X during an interview on the Ride the Lightning Podcast. He said, “Just give it some time. We’re working on it. The upgrade we made a couple of years ago was bigger than most people realized — the car’s architecture and structure improved significantly. But later this year, we’ll show these models some love and bring in some of the features we’ve been adding to the Model 3 and Model Y.”
The Tesla Model S first debuted in 2012, and in many ways, it remains largely unchanged from its original design. This longevity makes it one of the oldest vehicles currently available from any automaker. While it did receive updates in 2016 and 2019, even that timeline highlights how dated the model has become. Meanwhile, the Model X, which launched in 2015, has yet to undergo a significant update since its release.
There’s likely much more to discover about Tesla’s refreshed electric vehicles that hasn’t yet been revealed.
Given how long these models have been around, you might expect a major redesign. However, recent photos suggest otherwise. The Model S seems to feature a subtly updated front bumper, a new rear diffuser, refreshed 20-inch wheels, and a front bumper camera—similar to the one introduced on the Model Y earlier this year. The Model X update includes the same new wheels and camera enhancements.
There’s also a Model X spotted in a new blue paint color, featuring a blue strip inside the cabin. Some speculated that the stripe might be ambient lighting, but unless it’s the brightest ambient lighting ever seen, it’s more likely just a protective tape strip.
Will these updates be enough to turn around the “other” deliveries category—which reported just 12,881 units of the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck delivered last quarter? It doesn’t look likely. If Tesla hopes to boost demand for these vehicles, especially as its global sales face challenges, it will need to offer more significant changes.
One important thing to keep in mind is that this is Tesla—meaning some of the biggest improvements might come in areas you won’t immediately notice. The 1,000-horsepower Model S Plaid may not need more power, but every version could benefit from increased range or reduced weight. These kinds of upgrades can often be achieved without expensive exterior redesigns.
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Source: Kilowatts, H/T Teslarati
