The Truth About the Tesla Model S and Model X Refresh: What’s New?
Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today, I’m diving into the latest refresh of the Tesla Model S and Model X. There’s been a lot of buzz around these updates, and I’m here to break down the backstory, the changes, and whether this refresh is worth the hype—and the price hike. Let’s get into it!
A Quiet Price Increase Over the Past Year
First things first, let’s talk numbers. Tesla has been quietly raising the prices of the Model S and Model X over the past year or so. If we roll back the clock to July 2023, the Model S was priced at around $73,000. Fast forward to now, and we’ve seen a cumulative increase of about $12,000 for both models, with the most recent bump being $5,000. Sure, a lot has changed since then—no free Supercharging on inventory vehicles and, of course, this new refresh. But it still begs the question: are these price hikes justified?
I’m reserving full judgment until I get behind the wheel of one of these refreshed models to see the small engineering tweaks—like improved quietness on the road—that Tesla might have made. For context, competition in the EV space has driven prices up across the board, so Tesla isn’t alone here. Still, I can’t help but wonder why they didn’t include features like PowerShare, which is already available on the Cybertruck. Is the battery capacity on the Model S and X not up to par for this tech, or is it just a strategic choice? Let me know your thoughts!
What’s Actually Changed in the Refresh?
Now that the dust has settled, let’s look at the updates Tesla has rolled out for the Model S and Model X. This is more of a minor lifecycle refresh, with small tweaks here and there rather than a complete overhaul. Here are some of the highlights:
- Exterior Updates: The grille now features a matte black front Tesla logo and trim inserts. The Model S Plaid gets a carbon fiber insert for a sportier look, though it’s worth noting that Tesla didn’t make the Plaid noticeably faster with this refresh.
- New Colors and Wheels: One of the cooler new colors is Diamond Black, which I’d personally pick over Frost Blue. Pair it with the 20-inch Perry Helix rims on the Model X or the 19-inch Magnite wheels on the Model S, and it’s a sharp look. That said, I’d probably go for cheaper aftermarket options like Nitro wheels rather than splurging $4,000–$5,000 on OEM upgrades.
- Interior Enhancements: The cabin now boasts LED RGB ambient lighting, which Tesla’s marketing team is already touting as a premium feature. There are also matrix headlights on the exterior for better nighttime visibility.
- Front Bumper Camera: Tesla confirmed that the front bumper camera enhances visibility for Autopilot and Smart Summon, a logical and welcome addition across their lineup.
Under-the-Hood Improvements: More Than Meets the Eye?
While the exterior changes might seem subtle, there’s apparently more going on beneath the surface. A Tesla engineer (via a now-deleted post—oops!) shared some insight into the refresh. According to them, the team drew inspiration from the “palanium” cars (likely a typo or codename) and focused on a slew of small improvements. These include better thermal management, noise and vibration handling, and chassis refinements. The result? Greater efficiency, a quieter cabin, and an improved driving feel. If true, this refresh might not look like a major update, but it could feel like one on the road. I’m excited to test this out myself—stay tuned for a hands-on review!
Inventory, Discounts, and DIY Upgrades
We’re starting to see more refreshed Model S and X vehicles pop up in Tesla’s inventory, and deliveries should be happening very soon. Interestingly, while Tesla is still offering discounts of $5,000 to $9,500 on some inventory vehicles, the recent $5,000 price increase kind of offsets that. So, if you’re in the market for one, I’m not entirely sure what to advise. Personally, as a Model X (2022) owner, I’m struggling to see the value in upgrading to the refreshed version given the price jump. Is Tesla trying to position the Cybertruck as the better value option? Maybe.
On a side note, if you own an older Model S or X and want to give it a refresh, there’s hope! Many of these updates seem to be swappable parts. With the abundance of aftermarket LED kits and other accessories, you could potentially DIY your own refresh. How cool would that be?
Must-Have Tesla Accessories
Speaking of upgrades, let’s talk accessories. If you’ve just bought a Tesla—or are about to—you might be surprised to learn that it comes with zero accessories. Not even a phone mount! Don’t worry, though—I’ve got you covered. Here are a few must-haves every Tesla owner should consider:
- Phone Mount: Essential to keep your phone secure during those quick accelerations.
- Center Console Organizer: Without it, you’ll lose everything in that black hole of a console.
- Underscreen Station Mount from Jowua: My newest favorite for storing sunglasses or other small items.
I’ve partnered with Jowua, a brand I personally use and trust, to bring you these accessories and more. They’ve got everything from wireless game controllers (perfect for the glove box) to portable air compressors for peace of mind on road trips, and even electric scooters to avoid walking from Superchargers. Use my promo code in the video description to save money and support the channel. Plus, get free shipping on orders over $120. Check out the link below the video for more details—thanks to Jowua for partnering with me!
Final Thoughts: Is the Refresh Worth It?
Overall, the Model S and Model X refresh brings some nice updates, but I’m not entirely sold on the value given the price increases. The small exterior tweaks, interior upgrades, and under-the-hood improvements sound promising, but I’ll need to drive one to confirm if they justify the cost. If you’re in the Los Angeles area and have ordered a refreshed Model S Plaid or Model X Plaid, I’d love to connect! Send me a DM on Instagram (preferred) to chat, and I might even have a shop interested in taking a closer look at your vehicle with us.
What do you think about this refresh? Are you planning to buy a Model S or X, or do you think the price hikes are too much? Drop your thoughts in the comments below—I’d love to hear from you. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more Tesla updates and EV content. Until next time, this is DennisCW signing off!
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