Tesla Model S and X 2025 Refresh: Is It Worth the Extra $5,000?
Are the Tesla Model S and X 2025 Updates Really an Upgrade?
Tesla has quietly rolled out a 2025 refresh of its Model S and Model X, but the changes come at a cost—literally. Both models now carry a $5,000 price increase, making buyers question whether the minor upgrades are worth the added premium. If you’re searching for details on the Tesla Model S and X 2025 refresh, here’s what you need to know.
With starting prices now at $84,990 for the Model S AWD and $89,990 for the Model X AWD, the upgrades include a few aesthetic changes, tech tweaks, and slight performance enhancements. Tesla fans might be excited by the new Frost Blue paint, dynamic ambient lighting, and quieter cabin, but for mainstream consumers, the value proposition isn’t as clear. The Plaid versions now begin at $99,990 (Model S) and $104,990 (Model X)—a significant investment for what many call minor improvements.
What’s New in the Tesla Model S and X 2025 Refresh?
The 2025 refresh introduces subtle but notable changes, focusing more on comfort and design than major innovation. Some of the key upgrades include:
Frost Blue paint: A sleek new color option priced at an additional $2,500.
Reduced cabin noise: Improved insulation makes for a quieter ride.
Updated wheel designs: Not just for looks—these improve aerodynamic efficiency.
Dynamic ambient lighting: Now with entry animations, similar to the Model Y and 3, but customized for these premium models.
Front fascia camera: Enhances visibility and driver assistance functionality.
Adaptive driving beams and new bushings/suspension: These aim to offer a smoother and safer ride.
Inside, the Model X gains 2.5 cubic feet of space, especially useful for third-row passengers. The Model S Long Range can now go up to 410 miles on 19-inch wheels—just 5 miles more than the previous generation. Tesla also notes improved high-speed stability on the Plaid trims through minor exterior adjustments.
Tesla Model S and X Price Bump: Justified or Not?
While the $5,000 increase may reflect inflation and added features, some fans argue it’s not enough to excite new buyers or fend off competitors like Rivian, Lucid, or the Cadillac Escalade IQ. A glaring downside? The Model S Plaid now weighs 26 pounds more and has its top speed reduced from 200mph to 149mph. The Model X Plaid gains even more weight—183 pounds—with no speed benefit.
Another hot topic is the controversial yoke steering wheel, which is now exclusive to Plaid trims as a $1,000 option. Base AWD versions get a standard steering wheel, which might be a relief to many who disliked the yoke design.
Notably, Tesla has not yet brought Cybertruck’s steer-by-wire or 48-volt electrical architecture to its flagship sedans and SUVs. Many had hoped these innovations would signal a true next-gen leap. Instead, Tesla seems to be playing catch-up in a fiercely competitive EV market.
Does the 2025 Tesla Refresh Help or Hurt Its Market Position?
In a year marked by slowing EV demand and increasing competition, Tesla’s refresh may do little to reverse its sales slump. The Model S and Model X already faced declining popularity due to high prices and limited innovations. The 2025 update seems more like a cosmetic refresh than a performance or tech overhaul.
Consumer feedback so far reflects skepticism. As one X (formerly Twitter) commenter bluntly put it, “Go look at what Rivian, Lucid, Escalade IQ, and EV9 are doing and copy that. People want real three-row SUVs with more range and tech, and this isn’t that.”
Tesla’s strategy appears to be leaning into subtle luxury and fan loyalty. But in 2025’s dynamic EV market, where value, range, and innovation drive consumer decisions, this refresh may not be enough to win new buyers. For existing Tesla owners, it might offer just enough to consider an upgrade—but it’s unlikely to attract those cross-shopping newer models from rival brands.
Final Thoughts on the Tesla Model S and X 2025 Refresh
The Tesla Model S and X 2025 refresh feels more like a cosmetic facelift than a true reinvention. For an extra $5,000, you get a quieter cabin, fancier lighting, minor design tweaks, and slightly improved range. But at a time when EV competition is fierce and buyers demand more for less, these changes may not move the needle.
Unless you’re a diehard Tesla fan or already committed to upgrading, it may be worth waiting for a more substantial overhaul—or exploring newer, more innovative options in the EV market. The refresh is polished, yes—but it lacks the game-changing updates many expected from Tesla’s flagship models in 2025.