Tesla VP Confirms Model S & Model X Refresh Later This Year
Tesla flagship vehicles, the Model S and Model X, are set to receive an important update later this year. This announcement, made by Lars Moravy, Tesla’s Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, has sparked excitement and speculation among EV enthusiasts. But what exactly can we expect from these updates, and why is Tesla making these changes now? Let’s dive in.
Back in 2021, Tesla introduced a major refresh for the Model S and Model X, bringing new technology, a revamped interior, and design tweaks. However, despite these changes, the vehicles have struggled to maintain their once-dominant position in the EV market.
Tesla originally aimed for an annual production volume of 100,000 units for the Model S and Model X combined, but sales have fallen drastically—dropping to nearly half that target. The reasons? A surge in competition from premium EV makers like Lucid, Rivian, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, along with Tesla’s own success with the more affordable and popular Model 3 and Model Y.
Tesla’s focus on mass-market vehicles has left the Model S and Model X somewhat neglected, with fewer updates compared to their smaller counterparts. Now, Tesla appears ready to change that by giving these premium models some much-needed “love.”
Tesla’s Official Announcement
During his appearance on the Ride the Lightning podcast, Lars Moravy gave a rare glimpse into Tesla’s future plans for these flagship models:
“Just give it a minute. We’ll get there. The upgrade a few years ago was bigger than most people thought in terms of architecture and structure. We’ll give it some love later this year. Everyone here has a little place in their heart for S/X. They are not going anywhere anytime soon.”
While Moravy didn’t disclose specific details about the update, his comments confirm that Tesla is committed to keeping these vehicles relevant and competitive.
What Might Change?
Though Tesla has yet to reveal the full details of the upcoming update, we can make some educated guesses based on recent trends and improvements seen in the refreshed Model 3 and Model Y.
1. Efficiency Improvements
One of the most significant areas where Tesla can improve is efficiency. While the Model S and Model X still offer impressive range figures, companies like Lucid have raised the bar with industry-leading efficiency. Tesla may introduce powertrain enhancements, software optimizations, or aerodynamic tweaks to push efficiency and range even further.
2. Return of the Turn Signal Stalk?
Tesla has been experimenting with removing traditional stalks in favor of touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. However, after mixed reviews and customer feedback, the company recently reintroduced stalks for some Model Y variants. Could this update bring back the turn signal stalk for Model S and Model X as well? It’s certainly possible.
3. Enhanced Lighting and Lightbars
The refreshed Model Y features new LED lightbars and redesigned headlights for a sleeker, more futuristic look. Given Tesla’s design philosophy, we wouldn’t be surprised to see similar lighting enhancements for the Model S and Model X, possibly including full-width LED lightbars at the front and rear.
4. Interior Upgrades and Improved Materials
Tesla has continuously refined its interior designs with more premium materials, better sound insulation, and improved comfort. The latest Model 3 refresh brought notable enhancements in these areas, so it’s likely that the Model S and Model X could receive similar treatment. Expect upgraded seats, new trim options, and potentially even better noise reduction inside the cabin.
5. Software and Tech Enhancements
Tesla’s vehicles are heavily software-driven, and any update is likely to include improvements to Autopilot, Full Self-Driving (FSD), and the overall user interface. The latest Model 3 features a new rear display for passengers—something that could be integrated into the larger Model S and Model X to enhance rear-seat entertainment options.
Tesla is known for its reluctance to announce product refreshes in advance, primarily due to the Osborne effect—where customers delay purchases in anticipation of newer models, hurting current sales. The fact that Moravy openly mentioned an update suggests that Tesla might not be too concerned about short-term Model S/X sales since they have already declined significantly.
Additionally, with growing competition in the luxury EV space, Tesla needs to reinforce the appeal of its flagship models. Updating these vehicles ensures that they remain relevant and desirable, especially for customers considering high-end alternatives from other automakers.
Tesla’s Model S and Model X have long been the pinnacle of premium electric vehicles, but with increasing competition and shifting market priorities, they’ve taken a backseat to Tesla’s more affordable options. This upcoming update aims to reignite interest in these flagship models, ensuring they stay competitive in the evolving EV landscape.
While we await official details, the potential for efficiency upgrades, design enhancements, and improved technology makes this an exciting development for Tesla fans. Whether these changes will be enough to revitalize sales remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Tesla isn’t ready to let go of the Model S and Model X just yet.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let us know in the comments: What changes do you hope to see in the refreshed Model S and Model X?
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