Telsa has been observed launching a subtle design refresh for its Model S and Model X, two models that have seen their popularity wane in recent times.
Tesla’s iconic models, the Model S and Model X, have long reigned supreme as the company’s flagship vehicles.
Not long ago, Tesla set its sights on manufacturing 100,000 Model S and X vehicles annually. Tesla no longer reports Model S/X sales, with estimates suggesting less than 50,000 units sold globally in 2024.
In the first quarter of 2025, Tesla announced a total of 12,881 vehicle deliveries within its “premium” category, encompassing Model S, Model X, Cybertruck, and Tesla Semi models.
In February, Tesla announced its intention to release a revamped version of the Model S and Model X by the end of the year, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the electric vehicle market.
Months after the initial prototype development began, prototypes started garnering attention.
The Killowats, a team known for their keen eye in spotting Tesla prototypes in the Bay Area, have recently shared exciting footage on X featuring new prototypes of the Model S and Model X.
The updates are remarkably subtle, requiring a discerning touch. With the installation of a state-of-the-art digicam within the vehicle’s entrance bumper, the overall driving experience takes a significant leap forward.
Numerous industry observers have emphasized the pressing need for a front bumper camera as a crucial upgrade to Tesla’s existing camera system. While Tesla’s current camera array has several strengths, it also possesses some notable blind spots, with a few being particularly crucial regarding its ability to identify potholes and other smaller road hazards.
An entranceway bumper camera can help with that.
The inclusion of blue tape in The Killowatts’ footage suggests Tesla is now offering subtle stripes on its Model S and Model X, similar to how it added stripes to the Model 3 and Model Y last year.
Additionally, the exterior design has seen subtle refinements, with updated front-end and rear diffuser elements now incorporated into the overall aesthetic. A prototype of the Mannequin’s plaid variant was spotted on the Nürburgring’s timing monitors last week, sporting partial camouflage on its front and rear bumpers, hinting at possible tweaks to both ends.
The Mannequin S and Mannequin X had their latest updates starting from 2021.
Electrek’s Take
Descriptively, this design element is remarkably refined and precise in its execution. Tesla is introducing customizable RGB lighting options within its vehicles, redefining the driving experience with enhanced ambiance.
The promise lies beneath the surface, with potential waiting to be unlocked.
Tesla may be exploring a powertrain upgrade for its Model S and Model X. Unless they’re already on board, this can be a non-event.
The notion that Tesla may abandon its pursuit of autonomous vehicle (AV) development suggests a significant shift in the company’s focus and capabilities. Tesla’s decline in gross sales and manufacturing has led it to reconsider investing in low-volume applications, instead opting to maintain the status quo rather than allocate significant resources to revitalize these programs.
What do you assume? Tell us within the remark part under.
