Tesla Inc. has long been known for its innovative approach to electric vehicles, but the company’s latest updates to its flagship Model S and Model X cars have been met with disappointment and criticism. The updates, which include a $5,000 price increase across all configurations, have been seen as minor tweaks rather than significant improvements.
Minor Changes, Major Price Hike
The 2025 Model S and Model X refreshes come with a handful of updates, including:
- A new Frost Blue paint color (available for an additional $2,500)
- Updated wheel designs for improved aerodynamics
- A front bumper camera for better visibility
- Dynamic ambient lighting
- Adaptive driving beams
- Slightly improved suspension and noise cancellation
The Model S Long Range now boasts up to 410 miles of range, a modest increase from the previous 402 miles, while the Model X gets a bit more third-row space. However, many have expressed disappointment that the updates do not include more significant improvements.
Disappointing Updates
The response to the updates has been largely negative across media platforms. Many have criticized the changes as minor and not worth the significant price increase. Some have even gone so far as to call the updates the “worst” in Tesla’s history.
- The Verge called the upgrades “minor changes that only the most dedicated Tesla fans will be sold on”
- InsideEVs suggested that the average car buyer will struggle to spot the differences between the new and old versions of the Model S
- Teslarati called the changes “slim”
- Carscoops said the upgrade comprised minor product tweaks and large price increases
- Electrek called the update “quite a disappointing update, to say the least”, highlighting that the changes are “very mild” and fail to deliver the technological leaps many expected
Criticism from Fans and Industry Experts
On social media platforms, fans and industry experts have expressed their disappointment and criticism of the updates. Many have called for more significant improvements and innovations from Tesla.
- One fan wrote: “I hate to say this, but this is the worst ‘update’ in Tesla history. This is precisely the same car with hardly any new features except for a few improvements, which is expected.”
- Another user wrote: “Barely anything major new… and for an extra 5 grand? No thanks. Maybe you should copy companies that are vastly improving their EV’s versus minuscule changes with the same battery power.”
Where’s the Innovation, Elon?
At a time when Tesla is striving to recover from a steep slump in vehicle deliveries, the bad publicity isn’t helping. The company’s ability to push boundaries has always set it apart in the EV space, but this latest refresh has left many asking if Tesla is coasting on its legacy rather than leading with new ideas. The question for Elon Musk and Tesla is clear: where’s the innovation?