Are you wondering what's coming for the 2025 Tesla Model S and X updates? Here's the deal: These flagship EVs are finally getting some much-needed love after years of minor tweaks. According to Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering Lars Moravy, significant upgrades are coming later this year - and not a moment too soon!The Model S, now nearly 13 years old, and its SUV sibling the Model X have been looking increasingly stale compared to Tesla's newer offerings and competitors' models. We're talking about improved range, upgraded interiors, modernized styling with light bars, and possibly even changes to the Model X's controversial falcon-wing doors. With Volvo's ES90 sedan threatening to steal Tesla's thunder with 400+ miles of range, these updates can't come soon enough for the EV pioneer.
E.g. ：2026 Aston Martin DB12 S: Power, Performance & Luxury Redefined
- 1、Why Tesla's Model S and X Need Some Love in 2025
- 2、Model S vs. New Competition: The Battle Heats Up
- 3、The Model X: Time for a Door Revolution?
- 4、What These Updates Mean for Tesla's Future
- 5、When Can We Expect These Updates?
- 6、The Hidden Costs of Owning a Luxury EV
- 7、The Charging Experience You Never Hear About
- 8、The Service Center Lottery
- 9、The Tech That Ages Like Milk
- 10、Why People Still Buy Them Anyway
- 11、FAQs
Why Tesla's Model S and X Need Some Love in 2025
The Aging Stars of Tesla's Lineup
Let's be honest - the Model S and X have been around the block a few times. The Model S is pushing 13 years old, which in car years is basically retirement age! While Tesla originally designed their vehicles to stay fresh longer than traditional cars, even the most loyal fans admit these models are starting to show their age.
Here's the thing: These vehicles represent Tesla's premium offerings, yet they haven't received the attention they deserve. The Model S got a minor facelift and the crazy-fast Plaid version, while the Model X still sports those dramatic falcon-wing doors that cause more headaches than wow-factor these days. When your flagship models start feeling outdated, that's when you know it's time for action.
What We Know About the Coming Updates
According to Lars Moravy, Tesla's VP of Vehicle Engineering (who appeared on the Ride the Lightning podcast), significant changes are coming. And no, this isn't just some random rumor - this comes straight from the horse's mouth!
So what can we expect? For the Model S, anticipate:
- Improved range (because who doesn't want more miles?)
- Upgraded interior materials (goodbye, cheap plastics!)
- Turn signals moving to the steering wheel (just like the Model 3/Y)
- New light bars front and rear (because looks matter)
Model S vs. New Competition: The Battle Heats Up
Photos provided by pixabay
Volvo's ES90 - A Worthy Challenger?
Just when Tesla thought they could take it easy, Volvo is dropping the ES90 sedan in March. This bad boy promises over 400 miles of range - that's enough to drive from LA to San Francisco with juice to spare! But here's the kicker:
| Feature | Tesla Model S | Volvo ES90 |
|---|---|---|
| Range | ~400 miles (estimated) | 400+ miles |
| 0-60 mph | Under 2 sec (Plaid) | ~4 sec (estimated) |
| Price | $$$$ | $$$ (probably) |
While Volvo might win on range, Tesla still dominates in performance. Nothing beats the neck-snapping acceleration of a Plaid model! But is raw speed enough to keep customers loyal? That's the million-dollar question.
Why Updates Matter More Than Ever
Did you know Tesla's U.S. sales are actually declining? Shocking, right? With new competitors popping up like mushrooms after rain, Tesla can't afford to rest on its laurels. The Model S and X represent their premium offerings - the cars that made Tesla cool in the first place.
Here's my take: These updates aren't just about adding fancy new features. They're about showing the world Tesla still cares about craftsmanship and innovation. Because right now, some folks are starting to wonder if Elon's too busy with rockets and social media to focus on cars.
The Model X: Time for a Door Revolution?
Those Problematic Falcon-Wing Doors
Let's talk about the elephant in the room - those falcon-wing doors on the Model X. Sure, they look awesome in showrooms, but in real life? Not so much. Try parking in a tight garage or loading groceries in the rain, and you'll see what I mean.
Wouldn't it be great if Tesla finally ditched these for traditional doors? But here's the reality check: Completely redesigning the door system would cost a fortune. Tesla might decide it's smarter to keep the funky doors (they are kind of iconic, after all) and focus improvements elsewhere.
Photos provided by pixabay
Volvo's ES90 - A Worthy Challenger?
Beyond the door dilemma, we can likely expect:
- Interior material upgrades (no more "cheap Tesla" comments)
- Modernized exterior styling (hello, light bars!)
- Improved tech features (because 2025 demands it)
Imagine this: You're driving a refreshed Model X with plush new seats, better sound insulation, and all the latest tech. Suddenly those quirky doors don't seem so bad, do they?
What These Updates Mean for Tesla's Future
Beyond Just Refreshing Old Models
This isn't just about giving two aging cars a facelift. It's about sending a message to customers and investors that Tesla remains committed to innovation across its entire lineup. With new Chinese EVs entering the market and traditional automakers catching up, Tesla needs to prove it's still the leader in EV technology.
Think about it this way: When Apple updates its iPhone lineup, it's not just about the new features - it's about maintaining that premium brand image. The same goes for Tesla and its flagship models.
The Political Elephant in the Room
Let's address the 800-pound gorilla - Elon Musk's increasingly polarizing public persona. Whether you love him or hate him, there's no denying his antics affect Tesla's brand. Some potential buyers are literally choosing other EVs because they don't want to be associated with Musk's controversies.
Could refreshed Model S and X models help offset this? Possibly. At the end of the day, great products can sometimes transcend political baggage. But only if they're truly great.
When Can We Expect These Updates?
Photos provided by pixabay
Volvo's ES90 - A Worthy Challenger?
Moravy mentioned "later this year," which in Tesla time could mean anything from Q3 2025 to "whenever we get around to it." But let's be optimistic and assume they'll arrive before holiday season 2025 - perfect timing for those year-end tax incentives!
What's more exciting than speculating about release dates? Getting behind the wheel of these updated models. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to test drive that refreshed Model S Plaid. 0-60 in under 2 seconds never gets old, no matter how old the car design is!
Why You Should Care
Even if you're not in the market for a $100,000 luxury EV, these updates matter. They push the entire industry forward, forcing competitors to up their game. And who knows - some of these improvements might trickle down to more affordable models in the future.
So here's to hoping Tesla delivers more than just minor tweaks. The EV world is watching, and frankly, we're all ready to be wowed again. After all, isn't that what Tesla's supposed to be all about?
The Hidden Costs of Owning a Luxury EV
Insurance Surprises That'll Shock You
You'd think going electric would save you money, right? Well, buckle up because insurance companies have other ideas. The average annual insurance premium for a Model S is about $3,500 - that's nearly double what you'd pay for a comparable gas-powered luxury sedan!
Why so expensive? Insurers tell us it's because:
- Repair costs are astronomical (that aluminum body isn't cheap to fix)
- Battery replacement fears (even though failures are rare)
- Those insane acceleration stats leading to more claims
Depreciation - The Silent Budget Killer
Here's a fun fact that'll make your wallet hurt: A 3-year-old Model S loses about 40% of its value. Compare that to a Porsche Taycan's 25% depreciation, and suddenly that Tesla deal doesn't look so hot.
| Vehicle | 3-Year Depreciation | 5-Year Depreciation |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model S | 40% | 55% |
| Porsche Taycan | 25% | 40% |
| Mercedes EQS | 35% | 50% |
But wait - there's more! Tesla's constant price adjustments make used values even more unpredictable. Remember when Elon slashed new car prices by $20k overnight? Used owners everywhere cried into their steering wheels.
The Charging Experience You Never Hear About
Supercharger Lines - The New Gas Station Queues
Picture this: It's holiday season, you're road-tripping in your fancy Model S, and suddenly you're waiting 45 minutes just to plug in. Congestion at Superchargers is becoming a real headache, especially in California where Teslas are as common as Starbucks.
Wouldn't it be ironic if we traded gas lines for electron lines? Well, guess what - it's happening! During peak travel times, some stations see 10+ car queues. And with Tesla opening their network to other brands? Buckle up for even longer waits.
Home Charging Isn't Always Simple
You might think "I'll just charge at home," but here's what they don't tell you:
- Installation costs can hit $2,000 if your panel needs upgrading
- Older homes often need expensive electrical work
- Some landlords won't allow installations at all
And let's talk about those electricity rates! In places like Hawaii, charging costs nearly match gas prices. So much for saving money, huh?
The Service Center Lottery
Will Your Appointment Take Days or Weeks?
Here's something hilarious - buying the most advanced car on earth often means dealing with medieval service wait times. In some markets, getting a simple repair can take 3-4 weeks just for an appointment!
Why? Tesla's growing pains are real. They've expanded sales faster than service capabilities. And since many repairs require Tesla-specific parts and tools, you can't just pop down to your local mechanic.
The Mobile Service Miracle (When It Works)
When Tesla's mobile service works, it's magical - a technician comes to your home or office to fix minor issues. But here's the catch:
- Only about 30% of repairs qualify
- Availability depends entirely on your location
- You might wait weeks even for mobile service
Still, when it works, it's brilliant. I once had a technician replace my 12V battery while I was at lunch. Try getting that service from BMW!
The Tech That Ages Like Milk
Infotainment Systems That Feel Ancient
Remember when Tesla's giant touchscreen seemed futuristic? Well, tech moves fast. A 5-year-old Model S now has a processor slower than your kid's iPad, leading to:
- Laggy map rendering
- Slow app launches
- Game streaming? Forget about it
Here's the kicker: Unlike your phone, you can't just upgrade the chip. Some owners pay $2,500+ for infotainment upgrades - ouch!
Autopilot Promises vs. Reality
Remember when Full Self-Driving was "just around the corner"? Yeah, about that... While the tech keeps improving, the gap between marketing and reality remains wide.
Would you pay $12,000 for a feature that might not work properly for years? That's the gamble FSD buyers take. And with regulators scrutinizing every move, who knows when (or if) it'll ever deliver on its promises.
Why People Still Buy Them Anyway
The Intangibles That Defy Logic
After all these downsides, why do people still line up for Teslas? Because:
- Nothing beats that instant torque feeling
- The minimalist design still turns heads
- Supercharger network remains best-in-class
- You're buying into the Tesla "movement"
At the end of the day, cars are emotional purchases. And love it or hate it, Tesla knows how to push those emotional buttons better than anyone.
The Competition Is Catching Up Fast
Here's the funny part - all these issues are making other EVs look better by comparison. Brands like Lucid, Rivian, and even traditional automakers are offering:
- Better build quality
- More conventional ownership experiences
- Less controversial leadership
But none have that Tesla magic. Yet.
E.g. ：Tesla Model S/X refresh is coming : r/TeslaLounge
FAQs
Q: What are the most significant changes expected for the 2025 Tesla Model S?
A: The 2025 Model S is expected to receive several major upgrades that should make it competitive again. First off, Tesla will likely boost the range - we're hearing whispers of 400+ miles to match Volvo's upcoming ES90. The interior is getting a material upgrade (finally!), moving away from those cheaper plastics that made some owners grumble. Perhaps most noticeably, the turn signals will move to the steering wheel like in the Model 3/Y, and the exterior will get those sleek light bars front and rear. These changes should help the aging sedan feel fresh against newer competitors while maintaining its blistering Plaid performance.
Q: Will Tesla finally fix the Model X's problematic falcon-wing doors?
A: This is the million-dollar question! While many owners and critics would love to see traditional doors replace the falcon-wing setup, we think Tesla will probably keep them - with some improvements. Here's why: Those doors are part of the Model X's identity, and redesigning the entire door system would be incredibly expensive. Instead, expect Tesla to focus on making the current mechanism more reliable while upgrading other areas like interior quality and tech features. That said, if they do surprise us with conventional doors, it would solve one of the most common complaints about this otherwise impressive SUV.
Q: How do these updates compare to what competitors are offering?
A: The updates put Tesla back in the game against rivals like Volvo's ES90 and Lucid Air. While competitors might match or exceed Tesla's range (the ES90 promises 400+ miles), nothing touches Tesla's performance - especially the Plaid models' mind-blowing acceleration. Where Tesla needs to catch up is in interior luxury and build quality - areas where European automakers traditionally excel. These updates suggest Tesla's finally addressing these weaknesses while maintaining its tech and performance advantages. It's shaping up to be an exciting battle in the luxury EV space!
Q: Why are these updates happening now after so many years?
A: There are three big reasons Tesla's finally refreshing these models. First, declining U.S. sales - Tesla can't afford to ignore its premium offerings when market share is slipping. Second, increased competition from both legacy automakers and EV startups offering more modern designs. Third, these are high-margin vehicles - updating them could boost profits more than selling additional Model 3/Y units. Basically, Tesla's realizing that even revolutionary cars need proper updates to stay competitive in this rapidly evolving EV market.
Q: When exactly will the updated Model S and X be available?
A: Tesla's VP mentioned "later this year," which in Tesla-time could mean anything from Q3 2025 to early 2026. Based on past patterns, we'd guess a late 2025 release to capitalize on holiday season sales and year-end tax incentives. However, with Tesla's history of unpredictable timelines, we recommend taking any release date predictions with a grain of salt. The good news? These updates seem confirmed - we just need to be patient while Tesla works its magic on these aging but still impressive EVs.
