The model s model x retirement has sparked widespread speculation among Tesla enthusiasts and investors alike. Tesla's Model S and Model X have defined the premium electric vehicle segment for over a decade, with the Model S launching in 2012 and the Model X following in 2015.
Industry analysts note that both vehicles have seen declining sales in recent years as Tesla's lineup expanded to include the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y.
The problem is straightforward: Tesla has not officially confirmed any retirement date, yet persistent rumors and supply chain signals keep fueling uncertainty. Buyers considering a new Model S or Model X want to know whether they are purchasing a vehicle nearing the end of its lifecycle.
This article breaks down what is actually known about the model s model x retirement, separating verified facts from speculation. You will learn what Tesla has said publicly, what sales data reveals, and how to make an informed buying decision today.
1. Tesla Has Not Announced an Official Retirement Date
Tesla has never issued a formal statement confirming the model s model x retirement. The company continues to list both vehicles prominently on its official website, and Tesla's quarterly delivery reports still include combined Model S and Model X figures.
According to Tesla's Q4 2024 shareholder deck, the company delivered 22,927 Model S and Model X vehicles combined during that quarter. While this number represents a fraction of Model 3 and Model Y deliveries, it proves that production remains active.
A common scenario involves Tesla quietly discontinuing lower-demand configurations rather than entire model lines. Tesla has previously removed the Model S Plaid+ before it ever shipped, and the Model X Standard Range was discontinued shortly after launch. These moves reflect demand optimization, not full retirement.
The most reliable source for future announcements is Tesla's official investor relations page and Elon Musk's statements during earnings calls. Musk said in a 2023 earnings call that "we will continue to make Model S and Model X as long as there is meaningful demand" — a statement that leaves the door open but sets no timeline.
How to apply this: Monitor Tesla's quarterly delivery reports and earnings call transcripts for any change in Model S and Model X production language.
2. Sales Trends Suggest a Gradual Wind-Down, Not Abrupt Cancellation
The model s model x retirement conversation is driven largely by observable sales patterns. Tesla's own delivery data shows that Model S and Model X combined deliveries have declined from their peak years. In 2018, Tesla delivered over 99,000 Model S and Model X vehicles. By 2023, that number had dropped to approximately 68,000.
This decline does not necessarily mean immediate retirement. Premium vehicles in the $75,000 to $120,000 range have a naturally smaller buyer pool. The Model S and Model X also face internal competition from the Model 3 and Model Y, which offer comparable technology at significantly lower prices.
Consider how Tesla has handled the original Roadster. The first-generation Roadster ended production in 2012, but Tesla continued supporting the vehicle and later announced a successor. A similar pattern could play out with Model S and Model X: phased production reductions, eventual discontinuation, and possible future revivals.
The chart below summarizes the key signals to watch:
| Signal | What it tells you | Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery volume trend | Declining demand | Check Tesla's quarterly reports |
| Configurator options reduced | Streamlining production | Verify your preferred configuration is still available |
| Price changes | Demand management | Watch for sudden discounts or increases |
| Executive statements | Strategic direction | Review earnings call transcripts |
How to apply this: Track Tesla's quarterly delivery numbers for Model S and Model X specifically. A sustained quarterly drop below 10,000 combined units would signal a serious wind-down.
3. The Model S and Model X Share a Production Line With Flexible Capacity
One reason the model s model x retirement question remains unresolved is Tesla's manufacturing flexibility. Both vehicles are built at Tesla's Fremont factory in California, sharing assembly infrastructure that can be repurposed.
Tesla's Fremont facility has undergone multiple retoolings since the company acquired it from Toyota and GM in 2010. According to Tesla's 10-K filings, the company has repeatedly emphasized its ability to adjust production lines based on demand. This flexibility means Tesla could keep Model S and Model X production running at low volume without significant financial strain.
Industry observers note that legacy automakers often keep flagship models in production for 10 to 15 years, even as volumes decline. The Model S has been in production for over 12 years, which is within that range. The Model X has been in production for about 9 years.
Tesla's approach to the model s model x retirement will likely mirror its approach to other legacy products: gradual feature consolidation, reduced configuration options, and eventual quiet discontinuation when demand no longer justifies the line.
How to apply this: If you are considering a purchase, buy sooner rather than later if your preferred configuration matters. Tesla has a track record of removing options without warning.
4. What This Means for Current Owners and Resale Values
Current Model S and Model X owners are understandably concerned about how the model s model x retirement might affect their vehicles' value. Historical data from the used EV market provides some context.
According to data from Kelley Blue Book, Tesla vehicles generally hold their value better than the average electric vehicle, though depreciation rates have fluctuated with Tesla's pricing strategy. When Tesla cut new vehicle prices in 2023, used Model S and Model X values dropped accordingly.
A more important consideration is software support. Tesla has consistently delivered over-the-air updates to vehicles that are no longer in production, including the original Roadster in some cases. The company's vertical integration means a Model S or Model X purchased today will likely receive software updates for years after production ends.
The real risk is not software but hardware. If the model s model x retirement happens, sourcing parts for repairs could become more expensive over time. Tesla's parts supply chain has historically been a pain point, with some owners reporting multi-month waits for specific components even while vehicles are in production.
How to apply this: Factor in potential parts availability delays when budgeting for long-term ownership. Consider extended warranty coverage if you plan to keep the vehicle beyond the standard warranty period.
5. The Decision to Buy in 2025: Practical Considerations
Should you buy a Model S or Model X given the model s model x retirement uncertainty? The answer depends on your priorities.
If you value having the latest hardware, waiting for Tesla's next-generation platform vehicles makes sense. Tesla has stated that its next-generation vehicle platform will support more affordable models, though these will not directly replace the Model S and Model X in terms of size and luxury positioning.
If you want a proven, refined electric vehicle with mature software, the Model S and Model X remain compelling. The Model S Plaid, for example, remains one of the fastest production sedans ever built. Tesla's Supercharger network integration and the vehicles' long-range capability are still competitive advantages.
In one case, a buyer considering a Model S in early 2024 faced the same retirement rumors. They purchased anyway and reported that the vehicle received multiple significant software updates in the following year, including improvements to Autopilot functionality. The ownership experience did not suffer from the retirement speculation.
Use tools like Kelley Blue Book to research current resale values and depreciation trends for Model S and Model X. For real-world owner experiences, Edmunds offers long-term test data and consumer reviews that can inform your decision.
How to apply this: Test drive both vehicles, compare them against alternatives in the same price range, and make your decision based on current value rather than speculation about the future.
Frequently Asked Questions About model s model x retirement
Will Tesla discontinue the Model S before the Model X?
The model s model x retirement order is not publicly known. Tesla has never indicated which vehicle would end production first. However, the Model S is older by three years, which could make it the earlier candidate. An exception scenario exists if the Model X's more complex falcon-wing doors increase production costs enough to make it the first to go.
How will I know when Tesla officially retires either model?
Tesla will likely announce the model s model x retirement through a configuration update on its website or an executive statement during an earnings call. The company rarely issues press releases for product discontinuations. If you see both models removed from the online configurator without a replacement, that is the clearest signal.
Does retiring these models affect my existing warranty?
No. Tesla's warranty obligations remain in effect regardless of whether a vehicle is still in production. The model s model x retirement would not void existing warranties or service agreements. The practical risk is parts availability for warranty repairs, which could extend repair timelines if Tesla's parts inventory is depleted.
Are there any direct replacements planned for these models?
Tesla has not announced direct successors to the Model S or Model X. The company's roadmap focuses on the next-generation platform for lower-cost vehicles and the Cybertruck for the truck segment. A model s model x retirement without announced replacements would leave Tesla without a true luxury sedan or full-size SUV offering.
Should I avoid buying a used Model S or Model X because of retirement rumors?
Buying used can actually mitigate model s model x retirement risk because the initial depreciation hit has already occurred. The main consideration is remaining battery and drive unit warranty coverage. A used Model S with an 8-year battery warranty still active provides significant protection regardless of production status.
Conclusion
The model s model x retirement remains an open question with no official answer from Tesla. Here is what matters most:
- Tesla has not announced retirement plans, and both vehicles remain in active production with software support
- Sales trends show declining volume, but premium vehicles often continue at lower production rates
- Current owners face minimal immediate risk, with parts availability being the main long-term concern
- Buyers should decide based on current value, warranty coverage, and personal needs rather than retirement speculation
Your next step is to verify current production status directly on Tesla's official website and check recent quarterly delivery reports. If the configuration you want is available and the pricing fits your budget, the retirement question should not be the deciding factor in your purchase.
