Tesla Confirms Model S and Model X Refresh for 2025 – What to Expect

Tesla is gearing up for a refresh of its flagship Model S and Model X vehicles, which are set to arrive later this year. The news comes straight from Lars Moravy, Tesla's Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, who confirmed the update on the Ride the Lightning podcast. This announcement has sparked excitement among Tesla enthusiasts, particularly those hoping for improvements in performance and efficiency and perhaps even a return of right-hand drive production for Australia.

➡️MORE: Tesla Model Y Specs & Features

Image by - Tesla

Why is Tesla Refreshing the Model S and Model X?

The Model S and Model X have been the company’s luxury flagship models, but their sales have dwindled in recent years. Initially, Tesla aimed to sell 100,000 units per year across both models, yet that number fell to around 50,000 last year. The decline is partly due to increased competition from Lucid, Rivian, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz in the premium EV space. Additionally, Tesla’s own Model 3 and Model Y have dominated the share of Tesla sales, leaving the larger, high-end models struggling to keep up.

➡️MORE: Is Tesla Working on A Smaller Model Y?

Despite this, Moravy reassured fans that the Model S and X aren’t disappearing anytime soon, stating:

“Just give it a minute. We’ll get there. The upgrade a few years ago was bigger than most people thought in terms of architecture and structure. We’ll give it some love later this year. Everyone here has a little place in their heart for S/X. They are not going anywhere anytime soon.”

What Could Change in the Model S/X Refresh?

While Tesla hasn’t shared specific details, previous refreshes suggest the updates could include:

• Efficiency Upgrades: Tesla may refine its powertrain and battery technology to improve range and match competitors like Lucid, which leads to efficiency.

▶️MORE: How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

• Interior & Feature Enhancements: Expect potential tweaks to the steering controls, infotainment system, and comfort features—perhaps even the return of the traditional turn signal stalk, which Tesla recently brought back for the Model Y.
• Exterior Updates: Following the design cues of the latest Model 3 and Model Y, the refresh could introduce new lighting elements, subtle aerodynamic improvements, and modernized styling.

A Second Chance for Right-Hand Drive in Australia?

Australian Tesla fans will remember that back in April 2023, Tesla stopped producing right-hand drive (RHD) versions of the Model S and Model X, cancelling orders and offering refunds to customers who had already placed deposits.

The vehicles had been listed on Tesla’s Australian website as far back as June 2021, with pricing starting at $129,990 for the Model S Long Range and $186,990 for the high-performance Plaid variant. The Model X was priced at $149,990 and $174,990 for its respective trims.

With this upcoming refresh, there’s renewed hope that Tesla might reintroduce RHD production, allowing Australian buyers to experience the company’s most powerful EVs again. However, until Tesla officially confirms this, it remains a big question mark for local EV enthusiasts.

▶️MORE: Zecar Reviews Tesla Model X

What This Means for Tesla’s Future

Tesla rarely pre-announces vehicle updates, as it can trigger the Osborne Effect—where customers delay purchases in anticipation of a new model. The fact that Moravy openly discussed the refresh suggests that either Tesla is unconcerned about short-term sales dips or that demand for the Model S and X is already low enough that a refresh won’t significantly impact current figures.

Regardless, Tesla’s commitment to updating its flagship EVs signals that the company is not ready to abandon the high-performance, luxury EV market yet. Whether this refresh is enough to compete with the ever-growing list of premium EV rivals remains to be seen.

If Tesla brought back the right-hand drive for Australia, would you be interested in the refreshed Model S or X? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!