2026 Tesla Model S and Model X refreshed

The 2026 Tesla Model S and 2026 Tesla Model X have been updated in the US, with both models benefitting from refreshed styling, new tech, and improved aerodynamics that extend range.

However, neither model is likely to be offered Down Under, following a decision back in 2021 to end right-hand-drive production.

Signalling the third time the 13-year-old Model S has been updated and the second time the 10-year-old Model X has been overhauled, the biggest changes are reserved for the firm’s flagship Model S Plaid.

Arriving with a new bumper and a revised rear diffuser, designers say the super sedan has been optimised for high-speed stability.

Post the MY26 updates, the Model S and Model X now come with new wheel designs that see the sedan have the choice of either 19- or 21-inch wheels, while the Model X now sits on either 20- or large 22-inch rims.

New paint choices include a fresh Frost Blue and Diamond Black paint, that can be combined with a matte black front Tesla badge.

Like the latest Model Y, a new camera has been added on the lower front bumper, while both EVs now come with adaptive LED headlights.

Improved aerodynamics see the driving ranges on the US EPA test cycle increase by up to 37km on the Model S sedan, although the Long Range version still travels up to 660km on a single charge, the same as before.

Tesla says that its largest sedan and SUV are quieter than before, with reduced levels of wind and road noise entering the cabin thanks to improved active noise cancellation software.

A revised suspension and new bushings, meanwhile, is said to provide “an even smoother ride”.

Revised multi-colour ambient lighting has also been added to both models, which also feature welcome animations.

In the Middle X’s third row of seating, designers are said to have refined the layout to boost space by 2.7 per cent.

Other changes include dropping the optional ‘yoke’ steering wheel on the entry-level Long Range variants and only offering it as a $US1000 ($A1500) option on the fastest Plaid.

Powertrains on both the Model S and Model X are said to carry over unchanged.

That means Long Range versions still come with dual motors that produce 500kW and are combined with a 100kWh battery. This enables the Model S to achieve an impressive 0-60mph (0-97km/h) sprint time of 3.1 seconds with 660km of range, while the Model X takes 3.8 second and can cover up to 567km (+37km).

The triple-motor Plaid Teslas combine to produce a maximum of 761kW, resulting in a 0-60mph dash of just 1.99 seconds in the sedan and 2.5 seconds in the large SUV.

Quoted ranges are 592km (+32km) for the Model S and 539km (+34km) for the SUV.

Like before, DC fast charging is at a rate of up to 250kW, with 330km of range said to be added in around 15 minutes.

Other changes include limiting the 2026 Model S Plaid top speed to 240km/h, unless you opt for the 21-inch rims that raises the limit to 262km/h.

To reach the 322km/h top wack, Tesla now requires owners to tick the $US20,000 ($A30,500) box for the Track pack that adds carbon-ceramic brakes, lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels and stickier, track-focused Goodyear rubber.

Tesla has raised the price by $US5000 ($A7500) across the board, with the 2026 Tesla Model S now kicking off from $US86,630 ($A132,000) and the Model X from $US89,990 ($A137,500).

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