Tesla enthusiasts in Europe may soon rejoice as the premium Model S and Model X could be making a comeback to the region. Recent European type approval filings have hinted at Tesla securing certification for refreshed 2026 model-year versions, particularly for the Model S. This development suggests a possible reintroduction of the luxury sedan and SUV lineup in Europe.
Just a month ago, Tesla removed both vehicles from its European online configurator, leading to speculation that the company might phase out these models in the region. However, regulatory documents filed on July 18 paint a different picture. The updates mentioned in the filings include changes to suspension components, the addition of a front fascia camera, revisions to statutory plates, VIN breakdowns, and adjustments to maximum vehicle design speed.
The Model S Long Range is now WLTP-rated for an impressive 744 km (462 miles) on 19-inch wheels, while the Model S Plaid offers a range of 611 km (380 miles) on 21-inch wheels. Other changes include a slight 3 kg weight reduction and a decrease in top speed to 240 km/h. Interestingly, one Plaid variant has been removed, indicating Tesla’s focus on streamlining its lineup.
On the other hand, the Model X has not shown any signs of updates yet, leaving its future in Europe uncertain. It seems that Tesla is prioritizing the Model S for its re-entry into the European market.
In the United States, Tesla introduced the refreshed 2026 Model S and X in June with new features and updates. The company recently raised prices by $10,000 across all Model S/X variants in the U.S., while new orders now come with the Luxe Package, offering premium perks like free Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Supercharging. Tesla also halted Model S and X orders in China earlier this year due to escalating tariffs from the U.S.-China trade war.
History suggests that Europe may see the Model S and X back on sale sooner rather than later. After the 2021 refresh, the region experienced a hiatus of almost two years before the updated versions were reintroduced. This time around, the wait could be significantly shorter, signaling a potential comeback of Tesla’s luxury vehicles in Europe.