A Tesla executive has announced that the automaker plans to update its Model S and Model X vehicle programs later this year.
In 2021, Tesla introduced updated versions of the Model S and Model X, its flagship EVs.
The design refresh failed to reignite the vehicle programs. At one point, Tesla envisioned a volume of 100,000 units per year for the two vehicles combined, but that number had fallen to about half as of last year.
Part of that is due to increased competition at the top end of the EV market from companies like Lucid, Rivian, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and others, but it is also due to Tesla’s own canabilization with Model 3 and Model Y vehicles getting more love over the last few years.
Now, Tesla has confirmed that it plans to update the Model S and Model X.
Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, made the announcement on the Ride the Lightning podcast:
“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 heard for S/X. They are not going anywhere anytime soon.”
The executive didn’t elaborate on what the update will entail, but we can expect some of the similar features as those introduced in the latest Model 3 and Model Y refresh.
It is rare for Tesla to announce upcoming vehicle refreshes or comment on leaks due to the Osborne effect, which occurs when premature discussion of future, unavailable products damages sales of existing products.
Electrek’s Take
I am unsure if it is Moravy’s mistake or if Tesla just doesn’t care because Model S and Model X sales are in the dumpster anyway.
Top comment by HalfwitWizard
I can guess what's going to happen. They're going to slightly tweak the exterior to make it look just a bit more aggressive. The inside will be stripped down even more and use cheaper materials, add a light bar and maybe just for kicks maybe they'll bump up the range by 10-20 miles on the website.
What can we expect from Model S/X refresh?
I am hoping for efficiency improvements for Tesla to catch up a bit to Lucid. Maybe Tesla will bring back the turn signal stalk, like it did for Model Y and it is expected to do with Model 3.
Also, I wouldn’t be surprised to see a bunch of lightbars like the new Model Y.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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