Subtle Upgrades with a $5,000 Price Hike
Introduction
Tesla has officially unveiled its 2025 Model S and Model X refresh, bringing minor yet notable updates to its flagship electric vehicles (EVs). While the changes are incremental, they come with a $5,000 price increase across all trims, positioning these luxury EVs even further into the premium segment. The updates include enhanced range, new wheel designs, improved cabin acoustics, and a front bumper camera, but many enthusiasts argue that Tesla missed an opportunity to introduce groundbreaking innovations like steer-by-wire or 800V architecture.
In this in-depth review, we’ll analyze every key upgrade, compare them to competitor offerings, and assess whether the 2025 Tesla Model S and Model X justify their higher price tags. We’ll also explore consumer reactions, sales trends, and what these updates mean for Tesla’s future in the luxury EV market.
Key Upgrades in the 2025 Tesla Model S and Model X
1. Increased Range and Improved Aerodynamics
The 2025 Model S Long Range now boasts an EPA-estimated 410 miles, making it the longest-range Tesla yet—though only a 5-mile increase over the previous model112. This marginal gain comes from new 19-inch Magnetite wheels, which Tesla claims are more aerodynamic. However, opting for the 21-inch Velarium wheels ($4,500 upgrade) actually reduces range to 380 miles, two miles fewer than before1.
For the Model X Long Range, Tesla maintains its 335-mile range, with no significant powertrain upgrades. While competitors like the Lucid Gravity (450 miles) and Rivian R1S (380 miles) push boundaries, Tesla’s incremental improvements may not be enough to sway buyers seeking cutting-edge efficiency.
2. Quieter Cabin and Smoother Ride
Tesla promises a “more serene driving experience” with Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), improved insulation, and new suspension bushings for a smoother ride112. While the company hasn’t shared decibel metrics, early testers report reduced wind and road noise, a common critique of previous models.
The Model X also gains more third-row space and cargo capacity, though Tesla hasn’t specified exact measurements13. Families may appreciate the extra room, but without concrete data, it’s hard to gauge the real-world impact.
3. New Frost Blue Paint and Wheel Options
Aesthetic updates include:
- Frost Blue Metallic ($2,500 option)
- Diamond Black ($1,500)
- Matte black Tesla logo (replacing chrome)
- New 21-inch Velarium wheels (Model S) and 22-inch Machina wheels (Model X).
While these changes refresh the look, they don’t represent a major redesign—something many hoped for given the Model S’s aging platform.
4. Front Bumper Camera for Enhanced Visibility
One of the most practical upgrades is the new front fascia camera, designed to improve Autopilot, Smart Summon, and pothole detection112. This should help with parking and low-speed maneuvers, addressing a long-standing visibility issue in Tesla’s flagship models.
5. Dynamic Ambient Lighting (Finally!)
Tesla has finally added customizable ambient lighting, a feature already available in the Model 3 and Model Y. The system includes unique entry animations along the dash and doors, adding a premium touch13. However, some critics argue this is merely catching up to rivals rather than innovating.
6. Adaptive Driving Beams and Suspension Tweaks
The 2025 models now feature adaptive headlights (previously limited to Europe) and revised suspension geometry for better high-speed stability, particularly in the Model S Plaid.
Tesla’s 2025 Model S and Model X Refresh
Price Increases: Is the Premium Justified?
The biggest change isn’t the tech—it’s the price:
- Model S Long Range: $84,990 (+$5,000)
- Model S Plaid: $99,990 (+$5,000)
- Model X Long Range: $89,990 (+$5,000)
- Model X Plaid: $104,990 (+$5,000).
With no major powertrain or battery advancements, some argue the hike is hard to justify—especially when rivals offer 800V charging, faster refueling, and more advanced autonomy features.
Missed Opportunities: What Tesla Didn’t Fix
Despite the updates, Tesla skipped several anticipated upgrades:
❌ No 48V or 800V architecture (unlike the Cybertruck)
❌ No steer-by-wire or rear-wheel steering
❌ No return of turn signal stalks (still touchscreen-based)
❌ No HW5 or next-gen FSD hardware.
Enthusiasts on forums like Tesla Motors Club expressed disappointment, with many hoping for a true next-gen overhaul.
Sales Context: Are Model S and Model X Still Relevant?
Tesla no longer reports Model S/X sales separately, but estimates suggest fewer than 50,000 units were sold globally in 2024. In Q1 2025, Tesla delivered just 12,881 vehicles in its “other models” category (including Cybertruck and Semi), signaling declining demand.
With Rivian, Lucid, and Porsche pushing boundaries, Tesla’s reluctance to fully modernize the Model S and X risks leaving them behind in the luxury EV race.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy the 2025 Model S or X?
Pros:
✔ Longest-range Tesla yet (410 miles)
✔ Quieter, more refined cabin
✔ Front bumper camera improves visibility
✔ Dynamic ambient lighting adds luxury feel
Cons:
❌ $5,000 price hike with minor upgrades
❌ No major battery or charging improvements
❌ Still lags behind rivals in tech (800V, steer-by-wire)
If you’re a Tesla loyalist, the updates may be enough. But if you’re comparing cross-brand, alternatives like the Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, or Rivian R1S offer more innovation for similar prices.
Conclusion: A Mild Refresh, Not a Revolution
Tesla’s 2025 Model S and Model X refresh brings small but meaningful improvements, yet falls short of the game-changing updates many expected. With declining sales and rising competition, Tesla must decide whether to truly reinvent its flagships or risk fading into the background of the luxury EV market.
For now, these remain solid choices for Tesla enthusiasts, but the $5,000 premium demands careful consideration.
Keywords Integration
- Tesla Model S 2025 updates bring minor refinements but a $5,000 price increase.
- The 2025 Model X gains more third-row space, but is it enough to compete with Rivian R1S?.
- With 410 miles of range, the Model S Long Range remains Tesla’s most efficient EV1.
- Dynamic ambient lighting finally arrives in the Model S and X, matching the Model 3 and Y.
- Tesla’s 2025 refresh lacks steer-by-wire and 800V tech, disappointing enthusiasts.
Would you buy the 2025 Tesla Model S or X? Let us know in the comments!
