Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Welcome back to another update on all things Tesla. Today, we’re diving into the highly anticipated refresh of the Tesla Model S and Model X. If you’ve been following the leaks over the past few weeks (or even months), there aren’t too many surprises here. However, there are a few notable updates—and one big concern I have about the direction Tesla is heading with these models. Let’s break it all down and see if these updates justify the price increase. Spoiler alert: I’m not entirely sold yet.
Before we jump in, if you’re new here, don’t forget to check out the video version of this post on my YouTube channel for a more visual breakdown. And a quick shoutout to today’s sponsor, Aura, for helping keep our online data safe—more on that later. Now, let’s get into the details of the refreshed Model S and Model X.
Tesla has officially rolled out updates to both the Model S and Model X, and while some of these changes are cool, others leave me scratching my head—especially with the price bumps. Here’s a rundown of the key updates:
Let’s start with the elephant in the room: both models are now $5,000 more expensive. The Model S starts at $85,000, while the Model X begins at $90,000. If you’ve been tracking Tesla pricing like I have, you’ll know this isn’t the first price hike. The Model S saw a $5,000 increase around November or December last year, and the Model X got a similar bump in January or February. Another increase so soon? I’m not thrilled about this trend, and I’ll dive deeper into whether the updates justify the cost later.
Look, I’m a huge Tesla fan, but I have to be real with you all—I’m not super excited about this refresh, especially with the price hikes. The updates, while nice, feel more like incremental tweaks than a groundbreaking overhaul. The ambient lighting is cool, and I’m intrigued by the noise reduction and smoother ride claims, but these are things you need to experience firsthand to truly appreciate. The new wheels and front bumper camera are welcome additions, but they don’t scream “must-have” at an extra $5,000.
What bugs me most is the value proposition. The Model S and Model X were already premium-priced vehicles, and with yet another price increase, I’m starting to feel like the Model 3 and Model Y offer far better bang for your buck. Maybe Tesla is targeting a specific subset of buyers who will purchase these models regardless of cost, or perhaps there are hidden features or improvements we’re not seeing yet. For now, though, I’m sticking with my Cybertruck and passing on these updates.
I want to hear from you! Are you hyped about the refreshed Model S and Model X, or do you share my skepticism? Do the new features justify the price increase for you? Drop your thoughts in the comments below or join the conversation in our secret Discord group (link in the description of my video). Let’s keep the discussion going!
Before I wrap up, a quick word about today’s sponsor, Aura. If you’re financing a Tesla (or any big purchase), protecting your credit and personal data is crucial. Did you know that companies like Bank of America can take up to 277 days to report a data breach? That’s 9 months of your info being exposed without you even knowing. Aura constantly scans the dark web for your personal information and alerts you if anything tied to you shows up. Plus, they offer tools to reduce spam calls, remove your data from sketchy broker sites, and even provide up to $5 million in identity theft insurance—all in one easy app. Try Aura free for 14 days at a.com/denniscw (link also in the video description). Don’t wait until it’s too late—protect your data now!
If you’ve just ordered a Tesla or are planning to, you might be surprised to learn it comes with zero accessories—not even a phone mount! That’s why I’ve partnered with Joah to bring you some must-have Tesla accessories. My top picks include a phone mount (so your phone doesn’t fly off during acceleration), a center console organizer (to keep things tidy), and an invisible underscreen station mount for storing sunglasses. Joah also offers cool extras like a wireless game controller, a portable air compressor, and even an electric scooter for those long walks from chargers. Use my promo code (in the video description) to save money and get free shipping on orders over $120. Check them out via the link in the description and support the channel!
The Tesla Model S and Model X refresh brings some nice updates, but I’m struggling to see the value at these new price points. I’ll need to drive these vehicles myself to feel the differences in ride quality and noise reduction before making a final judgment. For now, I’m curious to see if inventory discounts on older models become more aggressive (some are even offering free Supercharging). If you’re on the fence about buying, don’t forget to use a Tesla referral code (like mine in the video description) to get three months of Full Self-Driving with your order.
Thanks for reading, everyone! If you’re looking to sell or trade in your vehicle (Tesla or otherwise), check out my friend Chip’s offer in the video description (mention “Dennis Steel” when you fill out the form). Stay tuned for more Tesla updates, and I’ll catch you in the next post or video. Let me know your thoughts on this refresh below!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.