Tesla updates Model S and Model X again: Is it enough to fend off emerging competition … and will we ever see them again in Australia?

[Update 25 June 2025: A Tesla spokesman has confirmed to EV Central there is no good news for Aussie Tesla Model S and X fans.

“Right hand drive production remains out of scope for this generation of Model S and Model X,” he stated.]

Original story continues: Tesla has overhauled its 2026 Tesla Model S and 2026 Tesla Model X with minor tweaks to their styling that have improved the aerodynamics and range by up to 34km for the large sedan and by 37km for the SUV.

The third time the ancient 13-year-old Model S has been facelifted and only the second time the almost-as-elderly 10-year-old Model X has been under the knife, the biggest changes are reserved for the firm’s flagship Model S Plaid.

The supercar-slaying four-door gains a new bumper and a revised rear diffuser, which have been optimised for high-speed stability.

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Elsewhere, the Model S and Model X get the choice of fresh new wheel designs. The sedan is offered with either 19- or 21-inch wheels, while the Model X now sits on 20- or 22-inch rims.

New paint choices include a fresh Frost Blue and Diamond Black paint, which can be combined with a matte black front Tesla badge.

Mirroring the more substantially updated Model Y, a new camera has been added on the lower front bumper, while both EVs now come with adaptive LED headlights.

Other improvements have included reducing the amount of wind and road noise permeating the cabin of both models thanks to the addition of more sophisticated active noise cancellation software.

In search of a smoother ride, the flagship Tesla is reported to feature a revised suspension and new bushings.

Within, there’s been yet more minor updates to the once pioneering EV, including revised multi-colour ambient lighting that includes welcome animations.

Designers have also improved the packaging of the Model X’s third row of seating, liberating 2.7 per cent more space for occupants.

The controversial ‘yoke’ steering wheel has now been dropped on the entry-level Long Range variants but it’s still available as a US$1000 ($1500) option on the fastest Plaid.

Powertrains on both the Model S and Model X are reported to carry over unchanged, with both sedan and SUV keeping its now outdated 400-volt electrical system.

Choose the Long Range versions and both Teslas still come with dual motors that produce healthy 500kW and are combined with a large 100kWh battery.

That translates to a Model S that can launch from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in an impressive 3.1 seconds and deliver a decent 660km of range.

The Model X is nearly as impressive, taking just 3.8 seconds to get to 60mph and can cover up to 567km – 37km more than before – thanks to its styling tweaks.

The triple-motor Plaid Teslas still remain in a different league for performance thanks to its maximum 761kW peak power. That results in a 0-60mph dash of just 1.99 seconds in the sedan and 2.5 seconds in the large SUV.

Quoted ranges are 592km (+32km) for the Model S and 539km (+34km) for the SUV.

Like before, DC fast charging is at a rate of up to 250kW, with 330km of range capable of being added in around 15 minutes.

As part of the MY26 updates – even with its greater high-speed stability – the refreshed 2026 Model S Plaid is limited to a top speed to 240km/h. That is unless you opt for the 21-inch rims that raises it to 262km/h.

To achieve the maximum 322km/h top speed claimed for the electric four-door, Tesla now requires owners to tick the $US20,000 ($30,500) box for the Track pack that adds more powerful carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and stickier, track-focused Goodyear rubber.

Following the upgrades Tesla has raised prices across both ranges by $US5000 ($7500), with the 2026 Tesla Model S now kicking off from $US86,630 ($132,000) and the Model X from $US89,990 ($137,500).

As for a return to Australia, it’s highly unlikely since neither the Model S nor Model X has been made in right-hand drive since 2021.