Tesla has announced new upgrades for its high-end electric vehicles — the Model S and Model X — in the United States. But with the improvements comes a significant change: both models now cost $5,000 more. If you’ve been eyeing one of these futuristic cars, prepare to dig deeper into your wallet.
What’s New?
On Thursday, Tesla confirmed via its official X (formerly Twitter) account and website that it has upgraded both the Model S and Model X. While the company didn’t go into much detail about the specific upgrades, the price increase suggests improvements in performance, interior features, or tech integration — in line with Tesla’s history of quietly rolling out updates without traditional model year changes.
The New Pricing Breakdown
The price increase applies to all configurations of both the Model S and Model X. Here’s what you’ll pay now:
- Model S (All-Wheel Drive) – $84,990
- Model S Plaid – $99,990
- Model X (All-Wheel Drive) – $89,990
- Model X Plaid – $104,990
The $5,000 bump has been applied across the board, making these premium electric vehicles even more of a luxury investment.
Why the Price Hike?
Tesla hasn’t officially stated the reason behind the increase. However, industry analysts believe it may be due to:
- The inclusion of new hardware or software upgrades.
- Enhancements to battery performance or driving range.
- A strategy to maintain Tesla’s premium market position amid growing EV competition.
It’s also possible that the upgrade aligns with Tesla’s typical approach of improving vehicles through over-the-air software updates and occasional hardware tweaks, without overhauling the entire model lineup.
The Bigger Picture
Tesla’s pricing strategy has fluctuated a lot in recent years. The company often cuts or raises prices suddenly, depending on demand, supply chain factors, or market conditions. This time, the higher cost could reflect both inflation and Tesla’s desire to keep its top-tier models feeling exclusive.
While newer models like the redesigned Model 3 are drawing attention in global markets, the Model S and Model X continue to represent Tesla’s most luxurious offerings — combining performance, design, and cutting-edge tech.
For those considering a purchase, now’s the time to decide: pay more for the upgraded versions or wait and hope for another future.
