Tesla is making some updates to its flagship Model S and Model X vehicles in 2025, despite the low sales volumes of these models. Recent sightings of the newest versions of these vehicles in California have revealed that the changes may not be as drastic as some were expecting.
The Model S and Model X have been grouped with the Cybertruck in Tesla’s quarterly delivery releases, with only 12,881 units of these three cars delivered in Q1. The Cybertruck likely made up the majority of this number, with some outlets reporting around 6,400 deliveries of the electric pickup truck in the same period.
CEO Elon Musk has previously mentioned that the Model S and Model X have been kept around for “sentimental reasons,” as they are expensive and produced in low volumes. However, despite their sentimental value, these vehicles are in need of a serious refresh.
Recent images of the updated Model X show minimal changes to the exterior aesthetic, with the addition of a front bumper camera and new 20″ wheels. The interior has also been upgraded with ambient lighting. Similarly, the Model S has seen some hardware changes, including a rear diffuser on the Plaid version.
While these updates are welcome, they may not be enough to significantly boost sales of these models. Tesla seems to be focusing on making these vehicles more compatible with its Full Self-Driving suite, rather than aiming for major sales growth.
VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy has confirmed that the Model S and Model X will receive some updates before the end of 2025 to align them with the features found in the Model 3 and Model Y. These updates include ambient lighting and a front bumper camera, similar to what has been implemented in the newer models.
Overall, it appears that Tesla is taking a measured approach to updating the Model S and Model X, focusing on enhancing their functionality and compatibility with the company’s long-term goals rather than making drastic changes to their design.