Bottom line: Tesla will stop making the Model S sedan and Model X SUV this summer as the Fremont factory shifts to building Optimus robots.
Tesla Model S & Model X Production Ends This Summer – What It Means for Buyers
Image: Tesla Model S & Model X Production Ends This Summer – What It Means for Buyers – Performance Comparison and Specifications
Design & Looks
The Model S has looked sleek since its 2012 debut – a low, fastback silhouette that still feels modern. Inside, the minimalist dashboard and large touchscreen set a trend many rivals copied. The Model X, launched in 2015, is instantly recognisable thanks to its falcon‑wing rear doors and optional seven‑seat layout. While the X’s ride can feel a bit firm and the build quality has been criticised, the doors remain a unique selling point that few other SUVs can match.
Performance & Mileage
Both cars ended up as Tesla’s flagship performers. The 1020 bhp Model S Plaid can sprint from 0‑60 mph in just under 2 seconds (our road test measured 2.4 sec). The Model X Plaid isn’t far behind, delivering rapid acceleration for an SUV of its size. In real‑world driving, the Model S still offers about 300‑mile range on the older NEDC cycle, which translates to roughly 250 miles (WLTP) today. The Model X’s range is a few miles lower due to its larger body, but it still beats many gas‑powered SUVs.
| Engine | Mileage | Price (UK) | Top Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model S Plaid – 1020 bhp electric | ≈250 mi (WLTP) | £96,000 | 0‑60 mph ≈ 2.0 s, premium interior, fast charging |
| Model X Plaid – 1020 bhp electric | ≈240 mi (WLTP) | £104,000 | Falcon‑wing doors, optional seven seats, all‑wheel drive |
Price & Rivals
When the Model S launched, its £68,700 price (about £96,000 today) positioned it against the Porsche Panamera, BMW 7 Series, Mercedes‑S‑Class and Audi A8. Autocar gave it a 4.5‑star rating, praising its blend of performance and electric efficiency. The Model X, though not a class leader, still outperformed many conventional SUVs in acceleration and tech. Today, both models sit at the high end of the EV market, competing with the Lucid Air, Mercedes EQS and the upcoming Rivian R1S. Sales numbers tell the story: fewer than 50,000 units of the two models were delivered last year, while the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y together accounted for nearly 1.6 million deliveries.
FAQ
What is the range of the Tesla Model S Plaid?
About 250 miles on the WLTP cycle, roughly 300 miles on the older NEDC test.
Is the Tesla Model X still worth buying now that production is ending?
If you need a spacious EV with unique doors and can find a good used‑car price, it still offers strong performance and a distinctive look.
When will the Fremont factory start building Optimus robots?
Production of the Model S and Model X will cease this summer, and the plant will be retooled for Optimus robot manufacturing shortly thereafter.
Feel free to share your thoughts on this shift – are you excited about Tesla’s move into robotics?
Source: Read Official News
