Tesla's most iconic vehicles are entering their final chapter. The Model S and Model X — the cornerstones of Tesla's success — will cease production by summer 2026. After 14 years and 11 years of continuous production respectively, both vehicles are being phased out in favor of a next-generation platform. Should you buy one? The answer depends entirely on what you value: absolute performance, maximum range, spaciousness, or whether depreciation concerns you.
Why the Model S and Model X Are Ending
The Model S debuted in 2012 as Tesla's first mass-market sedan and proved the viability of EVs. The Model X followed in 2015 as the world's first mass-production electric SUV with falcon-wing doors. Both vehicles received major updates in 2021 with the "Palladium" refresh — new exterior styling, updated interiors, and revised powertrains. But nearly a decade is a long lifespan for any vehicle platform, and Tesla has bigger priorities.
Tesla is transitioning to an all-new manufacturing and design philosophy focused on simplification, cost reduction, and next-generation battery technology. The current Model S and X platforms were engineered with older manufacturing assumptions in mind. Newer designs like the Model 3 (2023 redesign) and Model Y have proven Tesla can build better cars more efficiently. Rather than continue updating aging platforms, Tesla is retiring both to make room for next-gen vehicles on streamlined production lines.
This is a normal lifecycle for any vehicle — but it's the first time Tesla has truly discontinued a flagship model. The timing matters if you're considering a purchase.
2026 Model S: What You Get
The 2026 Model S comes in two trims: Long Range AWD and Plaid. Both are carryovers from the 2025 model year with no announced changes.
Model S Long Range AWD starts at approximately $79,990 and delivers 405 miles of EPA-estimated range — making it the longest-range production car in North America. It accelerates 0–60 mph in approximately 3.1 seconds and produces 670 horsepower from dual motors. The base interior includes an updated minimalist design with a 17-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen, heated steering yoke (traditional round steering wheel available as an option), and seats for five. Real-world range after 100k miles is estimated at 385–395 miles, accounting for typical battery degradation. For detailed specs, see the Model S Long Range AWD spec page.
Model S Plaid starts at approximately $89,990 and is Tesla's ultimate performance sedan. It features a tri-motor powertrain producing 1,020 horsepower and accelerates 0–60 mph in 1.99 seconds — one of the fastest production cars ever built. The EPA rates it at 350 miles of range, but real-world highway range hovers around 330–340 miles. Plaid models include upgraded interior trim, performance suspension, 18-inch Überturbine wheels, and the same 17-inch touchscreen. For detailed specs, see the Model S Plaid spec page.
Both trims use the same infotainment system as the Model 3 and Y — gaming support, Netflix, YouTube, and voice commands. Charging from 10–80% via Supercharger takes approximately 25 minutes for Long Range models, 27 minutes for Plaid (the larger battery doesn't scale linearly).
2026 Model X: What You Get
The Model X is the company's flagship family vehicle and the only Tesla with standard falcon-wing doors. It offers more interior space than any current Tesla except the Cybertruck (which is a truck, not an SUV). Two trims are available: Long Range AWD and Plaid.
Model X Long Range AWD starts at approximately $93,880 and delivers 352 miles of EPA-estimated range. It accelerates 0–60 mph in approximately 3.8 seconds with 670 horsepower from dual motors. The interior seats up to six with standard second-row captain's chairs, and a third row with a fold-flat seat for two additional passengers (making total capacity six or seven depending on configuration). The falcon-wing doors open 90 degrees and include sensors to avoid low ceilings. Real-world range after 100k miles is estimated at 330–340 miles. For detailed specs, see the Model X Long Range AWD spec page.
Model X Plaid starts at approximately $106,380 and accelerates 0–60 mph in approximately 2.5 seconds with 1,020 horsepower from three motors. EPA range is 326 miles. The Plaid interior includes performance-tuned suspension, Überturbine wheels, and upgraded materials. The falcon-wing doors function identically — this is purely a powertrain upgrade. For detailed specs, see the Model X Plaid spec page.
Model X owners consistently report that the falcon-wing doors are polarizing — convenient in tight parking spaces, but slower to close than traditional doors and prone to sensor sensitivity in car washes or rough weather. This is a feature you should test drive to confirm you actually want.
FSD: A Unique Opportunity for Model S & X Buyers
Here's a major advantage Model S and X buyers have over newer Tesla models: Full Self-Driving (FSD) can still be purchased outright, not as a subscription. On the Model 3 and Model Y, FSD is subscription-only at $99 per month. On the Model S and X, FSD is available as a one-time $8,000 purchase via the Luxe Package.
Whether FSD is worth $8,000 is debatable — it's still labeled "beta" and doesn't deliver full autonomous driving. But for buyers committed to owning their Model S or X for many years, paying once instead of monthly can make financial sense. If you keep the car for 7+ years, the one-time $8,000 outlay beats $99/month subscriptions.
The Depreciation Risk
This is the core concern for 2026 Model S and X buyers. Discontinued vehicles typically depreciate faster than models still in production. The reasons are straightforward:
Fewer buyers in the used market. Once production ends, the supply of new vehicles dries up, and used vehicle prices reflect lack of fresh competition. A Model S that would fetch $65,000 as a three-year-old car on a model still in production might only fetch $58,000 once the production run has ended. The used market shrinks as buyers shift to newer platforms.
No ongoing hardware improvements. The 2026 Model S and X will never receive new features, faster charging, improved cameras, or updated hardware. Production models in 2027, 2028, and beyond (when the next generation arrives) will have technological advantages. This makes older models feel dated faster.
Parts availability concerns. Tesla has committed to servicing vehicles indefinitely, but as production of a specific platform ends, parts inventories may tighten. Common wear items like brake pads and wipers remain plentiful, but specialized components (suspension parts, door actuators, specific electrical modules) could face longer lead times. This is not a dealbreaker, but it's a long-term consideration.
The Model S already depreciates faster than the Model 3. Industry data shows Model S vehicles lose value more rapidly than other Tesla models. A 2023 Model S retains approximately 60–65% of its original value at 3 years; a 2023 Model 3 retains 65–70%. Once the Model S is discontinued, this trend will likely accelerate. For a detailed analysis, see our Tesla Depreciation & Resale Value guide.
If you're buying new and planning to keep the car for 7+ years, depreciation is less relevant. But if you're planning to sell in 3–5 years, expect steeper losses than you'd see with a current-production model.
The Collectibility Argument
Some enthusiasts argue that the 2026 Model S Plaid — the fastest production Tesla ever built and the final Plaid before discontinuation — could become a collector's item. This is speculative and should not factor into a purchase decision. A few realities:
Mass-production EVs rarely become collector cars. The 2011–2012 Nissan Leaf is effectively worthless on the collector market, despite being the first mass-production EV. The Tesla Roadster (2008–2012) has some collector interest due to its heritage and low production numbers (2,400 units), but the Model S will produce hundreds of thousands of units. Scarcity is required for collector value.
Performance numbers alone don't create collector value. The original Dodge Viper was faster than most cars and cost more than a Porsche, but it's not a collector's item. The Bugatti Veyron achieved 253 mph but depreciates like any exotic. Performance credentials alone are insufficient.
Collectors prefer manual transmissions and mechanical complexity. The global collector market is dominated by ICE vehicles because they're perceived as more "special." An electric sedan with a yoke steering wheel and no gear shifter doesn't align with collector preferences.
That said, the 2026 Model S Plaid is objectively remarkable. If you buy one and keep it in excellent condition for 15+ years, it may develop some modest appreciation. But don't buy it expecting appreciation — buy it because you genuinely want to own the fastest production sedan available.
Alternatives to Consider
If you're drawn to the Model S or X but concerned about discontinuation, consider these alternatives with ongoing production support:
For performance sedan buyers: The Model 3 Performance ($56,130) accelerates 0–60 in 2.9 seconds and will continue receiving updates and improvements. Real-world range is 320+ miles. It's $25,000 cheaper than a Model S Plaid and nearly as quick.
For range-focused sedan buyers: The 2026 Model 3 Long Range AWD delivers approximately 365 miles of range at a lower price point than Model S. It won't match the 405-mile Model S, but for most drivers, the difference is negligible.
For SUV buyers: The Model Y is Tesla's best-selling vehicle and will have ongoing production indefinitely. It offers three- or seven-seat configurations (though the third row is cramped compared to Model X), and prices start at $43,990 for the base RWD. The Model Y Long Range delivers 330 miles of range.
For extreme performance enthusiasts: The Cybertruck Plaid (when available) will offer similar 0–60 performance to the Model S Plaid in truck form. Cybertruck is in early production and prices are higher, but it will continue receiving updates and improvements.
For a ranked comparison of all 2026 models, see our Every 2026 Tesla Ranked guide.
Should You Buy One?
Yes, buy a 2026 Model S or X if: You want the absolute longest-range production car (Model S Long Range), the fastest acceleration (Model S or X Plaid), the most spacious Tesla SUV with falcon-wing doors (Model X), or FSD as a one-time purchase instead of monthly subscription. You're committed to keeping the car for 7+ years and don't plan to sell. You value current-generation performance over long-term resale value.
No, don't buy if: You're concerned about depreciation and plan to sell or trade in within 3–5 years. You need the security of ongoing hardware improvements and fresh features. You want maximum parts availability and service flexibility long-term. You expect the car to hold value as a collector's item. You're buying primarily as an investment rather than a vehicle you'll enjoy.
The middle ground: If you're torn, rent a Model S and Model X for a weekend to confirm you want one. The final-year pricing is firm (no discounts), so this is a committed purchase. The falcon-wing doors, yoke steering wheel, and minimalist interior aren't for everyone — test drive thoroughly. And carefully review your expected ownership timeline. A 10-year plan? Buy it. A 3-year plan? Consider a Model 3 or Y instead.
The 2026 Model S and Model X are extraordinary vehicles by any standard. The Model S Long Range remains the longest-range car you can buy, the Model S Plaid is startlingly quick, and the Model X is still the most spacious seven-seat EV available. But they're also on borrowed time. Buy one because you love what it is today, not because you believe it will appreciate tomorrow.