Tesla’s OG Luxury Sedans: Are the Model S and X on Their Way Out?

I’ve been watching Tesla for years, from the Roadster days to the Cybertruck chaos. And honestly, it feels like the final days for the Tesla Model X and S as we know them are truly here, despite their recent updates. All bets are definitely on the Cybercab, and it’s a wild ride to watch. Tesla’s priorities have shifted so hard, you can feel it in every new announcement and every production goal. For a long time, the S and X were the aspirational flagships, the cars that proved EVs could be fast, luxurious, and totally viable. Now? They just feel… different. Like a legacy product in a company obsessed with its next big thing, which is undeniably the autonomous robotaxi. I’m telling you, this isn’t just speculation; it’s a gut feeling backed by what we’re seeing from Fremont.

The Fading Glory: Why S and X Aren’t Tesla’s Stars Anymore

Look, I’m not saying the Model S or X are bad cars. Far from it. The Plaid versions are still ludicrously quick, pulling 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds for the S Plaid, and the X Plaid isn’t far behind. They’ve got incredible tech, a slick interior (even if it’s getting a little long in the tooth compared to some rivals), and that unmistakable Tesla charging network access. But here’s the thing: they’re expensive. Like, seriously expensive. A new Model S Plaid starts around $90,000 these days, and the Model X Plaid is pushing $100,000. That’s a huge chunk of change, especially when you can get a Model 3 Performance for half that, or a Cybertruck AWD for around $80,000. Tesla’s focus has clearly moved to volume with the 3 and Y, and the spectacle of the Cybertruck. The S and X just don’t fit that narrative anymore. They’re niche products for a company that wants to dominate the mainstream *and* the future of mobility.

Who Still Buys an S or X in 2026?

Honestly, it’s mostly brand loyalists or folks who absolutely need the space of the X and won’t consider anything else. You’re buying into the top-tier Tesla experience, but you’re paying a massive premium for performance you probably won’t use every day and features that are slowly trickling down to cheaper models. I see them mostly owned by people who’ve had Teslas for years and just want the latest version of what they know. Or, you know, people who just have money to burn and want the ‘best’ Tesla.

The Plaid’s Reign: Is It Enough to Keep Them Relevant?

The Plaid models are incredible feats of engineering, no doubt. The acceleration is mind-bending. But how many people *actually* need a car that can beat most hypercars off the line? It’s a party trick, a headline grabber. For daily driving, the standard Model S or X are already plenty fast. The Plaid just adds to the already high price tag, making them even more exclusive. I think the performance alone isn’t enough to secure their long-term relevance when Tesla’s broader strategy is clearly elsewhere.

Enter the Cybercab: Tesla’s Real Future Is Autonomous

Okay, so if the S and X aren’t the future, what is? It’s the Cybercab, or whatever they’ll officially call the full robotaxi service when it properly launches. Elon’s been talking about this for years, and it’s finally becoming a reality. We saw the dedicated robotaxi vehicle unveiled back in August 2024, and now, in April 2026, we’re seeing early testing and limited deployments in a few cities. This isn’t just another car; it’s a fundamental shift in how Tesla sees itself. They want to be a robotics company, an AI company, a transportation network. The Cybercab is the physical manifestation of that ambition. It’s designed from the ground up to be fully autonomous, no steering wheel, no pedals, just a space for passengers. This is where Tesla thinks the real money is, not in selling individual luxury sedans.

What We Know About the Cybercab (as of April 2026)

Right now, in April 2026, the Cybercab is still largely in its test phase. We’ve seen prototypes zipping around Austin and a few other select cities. They’re compact, almost futuristic pods designed for urban transport. The big promise is fully autonomous, no human driver needed. Tesla’s aiming for a super low cost per mile, making it cheaper than owning a car or even taking a traditional ride-share. Production is supposedly ramping up, but it’s a slow burn, as these things always are with groundbreaking tech. Don’t expect to hail one on every street corner just yet, but the vision is clear.

The Robotaxi Dream: Is It a Nightmare for Drivers?

Absolutely. If the Cybercab concept takes off, it’s going to completely disrupt the taxi and ride-share industries. Think about it: no driver means no wages, no benefits, just maintenance and electricity. That’s a massive cost saving. For consumers, it could mean incredibly cheap, convenient transport. For professional drivers? It’s a direct threat to their livelihood. It’s a harsh reality, but Tesla isn’t shy about its intentions to automate everything possible. This is the future they’re building, and it’s not going to be pretty for everyone.

The Price Problem: S/X vs. Tesla’s Mass Market Vision

The fundamental issue for the Model S and X is their price tag. When the Model S first came out, it was revolutionary, and the price seemed justified for the tech and performance. But Tesla’s moved on. Their core business now is the Model 3 and Model Y, which are significantly more affordable and still offer great range and performance. The Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive starts at around $39,000, and a Model Y Long Range is about $48,000. That’s a massive difference from the $90,000+ for an S or X. Tesla wants to put an EV in every driveway, and the S and X just don’t fit that mass-market strategy. They’re almost an anomaly in Tesla’s current lineup, a holdover from a different era. I mean, who’s going to pick an S over a Cybertruck, which starts at $60,990 for the RWD, if they want something truly unique and powerful from Tesla?

Model S/X Price in 2026: Still a Millionaire’s Toy?

Pretty much. As of April 2026, a brand new Model S starts at about $75,000 for the Long Range, jumping to $90,000 for the Plaid. The Model X starts around $85,000 for the Long Range, and the Plaid is over $100,000. These aren’t just luxury cars; they’re high-end luxury cars. While they offer incredible tech and performance, the value proposition compared to other Teslas, or even some premium ICE cars, is getting harder to justify for most people. It’s a statement car, not a practical choice for the average family.

Used Market Blues: Is a Pre-Owned S/X a Smart Buy?

This is where it gets interesting. You can find some killer deals on used Model S and X from 2020-2023. A 2022 Model S Long Range with decent mileage might go for $45,000-$55,000, which is a massive drop from its original price. You get a lot of car for that money. But you’re also buying older battery tech, potentially out-of-warranty components, and a design that’s aging. The biggest risk is future depreciation if Tesla truly moves away from these models. And let’s not forget, older Teslas can have their own quirks and repair costs, especially with those falcon wing doors on the X.

The Competition Heats Up: Non-Tesla EVs Eating the Luxury Lunch

It’s not just Tesla’s internal shift; the competition has gotten *fierce*. Back when the Model S first launched, it was practically alone in the premium EV space. Now? Everyone and their dog has a luxury EV. We’re talking Lucid, Porsche, Mercedes, BMW, Audi – they’re all in the game, and they’re bringing serious heat. The Lucid Air, for example, offers a level of luxury and range that arguably surpasses the Model S, especially in its higher trims. Porsche’s Taycan is a driver’s car through and through, with incredible handling and build quality. Mercedes has the EQE and EQS, which are just rolling tech palaces. These aren’t just good EVs; they’re *great* luxury cars that happen to be electric. Tesla’s once-unassailable lead in luxury EVs is gone, and that makes the S and X even harder to justify at their price points.

Lucid Air vs. Model S: The Real Luxury Contender

For pure luxury and range, the Lucid Air is a serious threat. The Air Grand Touring, for example, still offers over 500 miles of range and a plush interior that makes the Model S feel spartan. It’s a beautifully designed car, inside and out. While it starts at a higher price point (around $77,400 for the entry-level Air Pure), it delivers a more traditional luxury experience than the Model S. If you’re dropping six figures, many buyers are now looking at Lucid and saying, ‘Yeah, that’s what I want.’

Porsche Taycan and EQE/EQS: German Engineering Strikes Back

You can’t ignore the Germans. The Porsche Taycan, starting around $99,400, offers an driving experience the Model S just can’t match. It handles like a proper sports car. And then there’s Mercedes-Benz with the EQE (starting at $74,900) and EQS (starting at $104,400). These cars are packed with luxury features, stunning screens, and a level of refinement that Tesla, for all its tech prowess, sometimes misses. They’re attracting buyers who want that established luxury brand feel with electric power, and it’s chipping away at the Model S/X market.

Tesla’s Strategic Shift: From Cars to AI and Robotics

This isn’t just about car sales; it’s about Tesla’s bigger picture. Elon Musk has been incredibly vocal about his vision for Tesla as an AI and robotics company, not just an automotive manufacturer. The Cybercab, Optimus bot, and full self-driving (FSD) are the core of that vision. Selling expensive luxury cars like the S and X, while profitable, isn’t the growth engine for that future. The real money, in Elon’s mind, is in autonomous services, licensing FSD, and general-purpose robotics. The S and X just don’t contribute to that narrative in the same way. They’re almost a distraction from the core mission. I think we’ll see less emphasis on refreshing these models and more on developing the tech that powers the robotaxi network.

Why Elon’s Obsessed with Autonomy

It’s simple: scale and profit. A fully autonomous network of robotaxis means exponential growth potential without the limitations of human drivers. He sees it as the biggest economic opportunity of our lifetime. Every FSD beta update, every new AI chip, it’s all in service of this goal. The Model S and X are just vehicles for FSD development, but they’re not the end game. The end game is a world where cars drive themselves, and Tesla owns a huge chunk of that network.

The ‘Affordable’ Tesla: Is It Even a Car Anymore?

The original promise of a $25,000 Tesla isn’t likely to be a traditional car, I don’t think. It’s almost certainly going to be a Cybercab-like vehicle, designed for mobility-as-a-service rather than individual ownership. This aligns perfectly with the robotaxi strategy. Why sell a cheap car when you can own the service that provides transportation? It’s a much more lucrative model in the long run. So, yeah, the ‘affordable’ Tesla might not even be *your* car, but a shared ride.

What This Means for You: Navigating Tesla’s Evolving Lineup

So, what does all this mean if you’re thinking about a Tesla? If you’re eyeing a Model S or X right now, you need to go in with your eyes wide open. You’re buying into a legacy product, albeit a very good one, from a company that’s aggressively pivoting. Does that mean they’ll stop supporting them? Probably not for a long time, but don’t expect major overhauls or the same level of attention as the Cybertruck or future robotaxi platform. For most people, a Model 3 or Y is still the smarter buy, offering great tech, solid range, and a much better price-to-value ratio. If you want the cutting edge of Tesla, you might be waiting for the Cybercab to really hit its stride, or looking at a Cybertruck. The S and X are for a specific type of buyer now, and that buyer pool is shrinking.

Should You Buy a Model S or X RIGHT NOW?

Honestly? Probably not a new one, unless you’re absolutely set on it and money is no object. The value proposition just isn’t there compared to other premium EVs or even other Teslas. If you *really* want one, consider a well-maintained used model from 2022 or 2023. You’ll save tens of thousands of dollars and still get 90% of the experience. But be prepared for potential depreciation and understand you’re not buying into Tesla’s future focus.

Preparing for the Robotaxi Revolution

Start thinking about how you’ll get around in the next 5-10 years. If Tesla, Waymo, Cruise, and others succeed, personal car ownership in cities might become less common, or at least less necessary. The Cybercab could fundamentally change commutes, errands, and nights out. It’s not just about Tesla’s cars; it’s about a whole new way of thinking about transportation. Keep an eye on local pilot programs and see how reliable and available these services become. It’s coming faster than you think.

⭐ Pro Tips

• If you’re buying a used Model S/X, insist on a pre-purchase inspection from an independent EV specialist. Check battery degradation reports carefully; anything over 10% is a red flag.
• Consider leasing a new Model S or X instead of buying. It hedges against future depreciation and lets you upgrade when the next big thing (or the Cybercab) arrives.
• Don’t pay for Full Self-Driving on a used Model S/X unless it’s genuinely cheap. The subscription model ($199/month in 2026) makes more sense for most people, and the hardware might be outdated for future FSD versions.
• For luxury EV performance, test drive a Lucid Air Grand Touring (around $109,000) or a Porsche Taycan 4S (around $110,000) before committing to a Model S Plaid. You might find a more refined experience.
• Keep an eye on Tesla’s Q2 2026 earnings call. Any specific mentions of Cybercab production targets or decreased S/X production will be a huge indicator of their strategic shift.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

So, here’s my honest take: while the Model S and X are still fantastic pieces of engineering, they’re becoming increasingly niche within Tesla’s grand plan. The company’s vision for the future is clearly autonomous, AI-driven, and centered around services like the Cybercab. If you’re in the market for a high-end EV right now, you’ve got amazing options from Tesla’s competitors that offer more traditional luxury or better driving dynamics for similar money. And if you’re looking for the *future* of Tesla, well, it’s probably not in a car you own yourself. Keep an eye on the robotaxi space; that’s where the real revolution is happening. And trust me, it’s going to be wild. Think hard before dropping big cash on a new S or X; you might be better off waiting, or looking elsewhere.