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Tesla has stopped accepting new orders for the Model S and Model X electric vehicles in Germany and other European countries, signaling a potential global phase-out of these models from key international markets. This move comes as Tesla focuses on higher-volume, mass-market vehicles like the Model 3 and Model Y.
The decision to discontinue built-to-order sales of the Model S and Model X in Europe is due to several factors. Tesla ceased production of right-hand drive versions of these vehicles in 2023, affecting markets such as the UK, and earlier stopped sales in China. The Model S and Model X sales have declined significantly, reflecting in Tesla’s reported "Other Models" category, which includes these vehicles but accounts for far fewer deliveries compared to Model 3 and Model Y.
In Europe, Tesla’s share has fallen to 7.2%, with declining sales in many countries except some gains from the new Model Y. The more expensive Model X faces growing competition, especially with the launch of a three-row Model Y in China, which challenges its price justification for average buyers.
Tesla is concentrating on new, more affordable vehicles built on the Model 3/Y platform, abandoning earlier plans for separate cheaper models to better utilize existing production lines. The Model Y and Model 3 account for the majority of Tesla's sales in Europe.
While Tesla has not officially declared a definitive end to the Model S and X in Europe, industry observers consider it likely that Tesla will eventually "pull the plug altogether" on these aging models as it prioritizes more popular, cost-effective vehicles.
In Germany, only pre-owned Model S and Model X vehicles are available on Tesla's website, and there is uncertainty about the future availability of these models in Europe. The Model S, first produced in 2012, and the Model X, introduced in 2015, have not received any modern redesigns, unlike the Model 3 and Model Y.
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has previously stated that Tesla continues to offer the Model S and Model X only for sentimental reasons. However, the recent facelift of the Model S and Model X in the US, featuring changes such as a new paint option, up to 410 miles (660 km) of range, a more comfortable suspension, a new wheel design, optimized aerodynamics, reduced wind and road noise, active noise cancellation in the interior, a new animated ambient lighting, and a front camera, may suggest a different approach.
As Tesla continues to evolve its electric vehicle lineup, the future of the Model S and Model X in Europe remains uncertain.
[1] Tesla halts Model S, Model X sales in Europe, focusing on Model 3, Model Y [2] Tesla Model S and Model X Sales Decline, Signaling Potential Discontinuation in Europe [3] Tesla's Market Share in Europe Falls as Sales Decline [4] Tesla's Model S and Model X Sales in Europe Decline, Suggesting Potential Discontinuation [5] Tesla Abandons Plans for Separate Cheaper Models, Focusing on Model 3/Y Platform
- Amidst a shift towards mass-market electric vehicles like the Model 3 and Model Y, Tesla has seemingly ceased new orders for high-end models such as the Model S and Model X in Europe, potentially foreshadowing their global exit from key markets.
- Electric-vehicle lifestyles may soon be void of the Model S and Model X in Europe, as sales of these vehicles have dropped dramatically, accounting for a small fraction of Tesla's overall deliveries when compared to the Model 3 and Model Y.
