10 MAJOR DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE OLD AND NEW TESLA MODEL S
The Tesla Model S has become a dichotomy. On the one hand, the Model S is arguably the most important vehicle launched in the 21st century. Looking cool instead of quirky and packing a ton of range, the Model S redefined popular and industry perceptions of what an electric car could be. On the other hand, Tesla's flagship sedan has become somewhat stale.
The Model S has been in production for 13 years. The Lucid Air has supplanted it as the industry's benchmark EV. And it has not been a particularly important car for Tesla lately. The company's "Other Models" - including the Model X and Cybertruck - accounted for just 3.8% of Tesla sales in Q1 2025.
Tesla just revealed a significant upgrade for the Model S. The refresh won't mark a paradigm-altering shift for the electric sedan, but it does bring some key changes.
Tesla just announced changes to the Model S via Twitter and its official website.
The Tesla Model S Got More Expensive
Expect To Pay $5,000 More
Tesla Model S Pricing
Perhaps the first thing prospective Tesla Model S buyers will note is that the Model S has become $5,000 more expensive. The base All-Wheel Drive Model S now starts at $84,990 MSRP, and the Plaid model begins at $99,990. Both models come with a mandatory $1,390 destination fee and a $250 non-refundable ordering fee. So, the effective base price for the Tesla Model S is now $86,630.
The Tesla Model S Now Has More Range
Tesla's Longest Range Car Ever
Tesla Model S Range
The Tesla Model S offers up to 410 miles of range with the All-Wheel Drive trim, the longest range yet provided in a Tesla vehicle. That range figure is based on the standard 19-inch wheels. Leveling up to 21-inch wheels drops the range to 380 miles. The Model S Plaid delivers up to 368 miles when fitted with 19-inch wheels and 328 miles with the upgraded 21-inch wheels. While it still eclipses the capabilities of German rivals, the Model S is no longer the gold standard for EV range. The Lucid Air Grand Touring bests the Model S by more than 100 miles with a top range of 512 miles.
The Tesla Model S Offers New Wheels
New Design. Better Aero.
Tesla Model S Wheel Choices
Tesla offers two new wheel designs for the Model S sedan. The base wheels are 19-inch Magnetite, and the upgraded option is 21-inch Velarium wheels. Both trims offer the same wheel options. The 21-inch wheels are a $4,500 option. Tesla says the new wheel designs are more aerodynamic and improve the Model S's range. The wheels may have provided the entire range addition.
The Tesla Model S Now Offers A New Paint Color
For Tesla Owners Feeling Blue
Tesla Model S Paint Colors
- Stealth Gray (Included)
- Pearl White Multi-Coat ($1,500)
- Diamond Black ($1,500)
- Frost Blue Metallic ($2,500)
- Ultra Red ($2,500)
- Lunar Silver ($2,500)
Tesla has expanded its color palette to add a sixth color. Buyers can now select Frost Blue Metallic as a paint option. Like the other chromatic Tesla offerings, Ultra Red and Frost Blue Metallic paint colors are $2,500 options. The new paint is exclusive to the Model S and Model X. The Model 3 and Model Y offer a darker Deep Blue Metallic.
The Tesla Model S Now Has A Front Fascia Camera
Possibly For FSD Purposes
Like the Cybertruck and the Juniper refresh Model Y, Tesla has now fitted a front fascia camera to the Model S. Tesla says it's for "better visibility." Spy shots have shown the Model 3 testing one, too. There's some speculation that the camera could play a role in Tesla's FSD system, which is camera-based and assesses road conditions.
Tesla Tweaked The Model S Suspension
An Even Cushier Ride
With its standard adaptive air suspension, the Model S was already known for delivering a more comfortable ride than the Model 3. However, with the update, Tesla made further efforts to improve ride quality. Tesla says the new Model S has new bushings and a new suspension design, which should provide an even more luxurious feel.
The Tesla Model S Got Quieter
Active Noise Cancellation: Upgraded
Tesla says the new Model S interior should be quieter. The brand did not provide specifics. However, it notes that the Model S's active noise cancellation, which was introduced in 2021, is more effective, and wind and road noise should be reduced.
The Tesla Model S Now Has Dynamic Ambient Lighting
Add Some Interior Personality
The Model S follows the lead of other Tesla models by providing dynamic ambient lighting, a feature long found in several different vehicles. An interior photo shows red LED lighting running down the door sills, center console, and across the dash. Tesla says the dash and doors will feature unique animations when the driver enters the vehicle.
The Tesla Model S Received Some Visual Changes
Optimizing High Speed Stability
We'll be honest. It can be hard to tell individual Tesla vehicles apart without squinting, much less iterations of the same model. But the Model S update does offer some visual tweaks. The front Tesla logo on the Model S is now dark instead of chrome. The Model S Plaid features a new front end and a rear diffuser, which Tesla says will optimize high-speed stability.
Tesla Added Adaptive Driving Beam Headlights To The Model S
Now Available In America
The Model S follows the Model Y Juniper's lead and now features adaptive driving beam headlights, a relatively new technology in the U.S. Essentially, instead of separate high and low beams, adaptive beams can detect an oncoming vehicle and shine around to provide maximum visibility without blinding the other vehicle.
2025-06-19T11:03:14Z