Image: Tesla
Tesla recently stopped taking custom orders for the Model S and Model X, marking a major shift as the company winds down production of its original flagship vehicles. Prospective buyers are now restricted to existing inventory, which has seen a steep price increase of $15,000 across all remaining models (via @SawyerMerritt).
The decision follows CEO Elon Musk’s confirmation that the Fremont factory lines dedicated to these vehicles will be retooled to produce its Optimus humanoid robot. With custom configurations no longer an option, the remaining units in stock represent the final opportunity to purchase these electric vehicles new.
To justify the price hike, Tesla has bundled every remaining inventory and demo vehicle with the Luxe Package. This high-end suite is now mandatory and includes several premium benefits like Full Self-Driving, lifetime Supercharging, a four-year protection plan, and premium connectivity.
The entry price for the flagship lineup has risen significantly because base configurations have been eliminated. Here are the new starting prices in USD:
Model S AWD: $109,990
Model S Plaid: $124,900
Model X AWD: $114,900
Model X Plaid: $129,900
The end of the Model S and Model X era signals Tesla’s transition from a traditional automaker to a robotics and AI firm. While these models put Tesla on the map over a decade ago, they now account for a small fraction of the company’s total sales.
By repurposing the California production space for Optimus, Tesla aims to eventually produce one million humanoid robots per year. For enthusiasts of the original S3XY lineup, the current inventory is the only way to secure a piece of Tesla’s automotive history before it disappears from the showroom for good.
