Tesla’s Top Dogs Just Got More Expensive

Tesla has increased the price of its large sedan and SUV, the Model S and Model X, to $74,990 and $79,990 before options, respectively. While the Model S still represents excellent value for money in its segment, the 2025 Lucid Air Pure threatens its continued success.

Not only is the base Air cheaper ($69,900), but it also has a superior range. Whereas the Model S has an EPA-estimated range of 402 miles, the Air Pure can go 420 miles on a single charge. The Model S does not qualify for the $7,500 tax credit (limited to $55,000 for sedans) and costs as much as $92,990 with all the boxes ticked.

Model S Faces Stuff Competition From The Lucid Air

But while the Air Pure has the standard Model S beat, the Plaid is the one to beat when it comes to bang for your buck. Priced from $89,990, the high-performance Plaid can dash to 60 mph in less than two seconds before reaching a top speed of 200 mph. And with an EPA-estimated range of 320 miles, it still has one of the best range figures in the business.

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Customers must fork over $249,000 for the Air Sapphire for comparable performance. Yes, it’s quicker, more powerful, more luxurious, and has a superior range figure (427 miles), but it costs more than twice as much as the Model S Plaid. Alternatively, the Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ Sedan is slower than the Tesla but costs more ($147,550). The AMG does, however, have a plusher interior. At the current pricing, the Model S Plaid costs $107,990 fully equipped. Keep in mind that the Model S Plaid cost $135,990 in 2022.

Model X Still Represents Good Value In Its Class

The Model X’s standard all-wheel drive variant starts at $79,990. Thankfully, the electric SUV qualifies for the tax credit incentive, which means customers can expect a $7,500 discount. The price cap for battery-powered trucks and SUVs is $80,000, so we don’t expect the Model X to get more expensive than this. The more capable R1S was recently facelifted for 2025 and starts at $75,900 in Adventure Dual Standard guise. However, the range is less impressive, managing 65 fewer miles than the Model X. If you want something more prestigious, the Mercedes EQS 450+ SUV has a starting price of $104,400.

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That’s even more expensive than the Model X Plaid, now priced at $94,990; the high-performance Tesla SUV is a relative bargain. The Model X Plaid gives customers scorching performance for less than six figures, hitting 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, traveling 326 miles between trips to the charger, and seating six occupants. Few SUVs can rival the Plaid for its mix of capabilities, even with the latest price increase. While the Model S and Model X remain desirable EVs, they are starting to show their age, especially as the cheaper Model 3 received a facelift, and the best-selling Model Y is getting ready for an update.