Tesla conducting covert tests of Model S at Nürburgring, preluding potential update
Tesla Model S Set for Refresh in Late 2025
Tesla's flagship electric vehicle, the Model S, is set to receive a refresh later in 2025, according to Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy. The news was revealed on the Ride the Lightning podcast earlier this year.
The last update for the Model S came in early 2021, which included the controversial yoke steering wheel, the removal of traditional gear and turn signal stalks, and the introduction of the Plaid powertrain. However, it appears that the 2026 refresh will bring more significant changes.
Although Tesla has yet to announce an official launch date, a camouflaged Model S prototype has been spotted undergoing high-speed testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife in Germany. The prototype hints at design changes, most notably at the front and rear, both of which were covered in camouflage. The covered front and rear bumpers have visible additions like a more aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser setup.
The new Model S refresh may include new 21-inch wheels, similar to those found on the new Model 3 Performance. Additionally, the prototype features a long-awaited front bumper camera, and the interior may receive new ambient lighting.
Despite speculation about the Model S's future due to recent declines in sales, Moravy confirmed that Tesla is not abandoning its low-volume, high-impact premium models. He kept the details vague but discussed that the vehicles will receive "some love" later this year.
It's worth noting that the core body and headlights appear largely unchanged in the prototype. This suggests that the Model S refresh is not expected to abandon Tesla's premium aesthetic.
As for the Model Y Performance prototype, it has also been spotted testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife this week, featuring the same 21-inch wheels as the Model S prototype.
While the exact details of the Model S refresh are yet to be revealed, it's clear that Tesla is working to keep its flagship vehicle competitive in the ever-evolving electric vehicle market. The refreshed Model S is expected to debut later in 2025 as a 2026 model year vehicle.
In the evolving electric vehicle industry, the competitive landscape demands continuous improvement, as demonstrated by Tesla's upcoming refresh for its flagship Model S, slated for late 2025. This refresh, surmised to be unveiled as a 2026 model year vehicle, may involve advancements in various sectors, such as finance (introduction of new ambient lighting), transportation (new 21-inch wheels and high-speed testing), automotive (design changes like a more aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser setup), and technology (integration of a front bumper camera).
