Tesla’s flagship electric vehicles just got more expensive. The Model X base price jumped to $86,880 as of July 2025, while both the Model S and X saw $2,000 price hikes in recent adjustments. The high-performance Plaid variant of the Model X now starts between $101,630 and $101,880, depending on the source. These price increases come amid ongoing discussions about the affordability of electric vehicles in general. Many consumers are now weighing their options, particularly considering the affordability of the Model Y, which remains a more budget-friendly alternative within Tesla’s lineup. As the electric vehicle market evolves, it will be interesting to see how these price adjustments impact overall sales and consumer preferences. In addition to the price adjustments, buyers can look forward to numerous enhancements in the upcoming release. The 2026 Tesla Model X features a refreshed interior design that integrates the latest tech innovations, offering improved comfort and connectivity. Moreover, updates to the battery range promise to extend the vehicle’s distance on a single charge, catering to the demands of long-distance travel.
Despite the higher costs, these vehicles still don’t qualify for federal EV tax credits due to their premium pricing. The standard Model X AWD offers a 329-mile range and reaches 60 mph in 3.8 seconds. The Plaid version trades some efficiency for raw speed, providing a 314-mile range but rocketing to 60 mph in just 1.99 seconds with a top speed of 200 mph.
Buyers who want to customize their vehicles can push prices even higher. Adding features like 21-inch wheels, premium cream interior, Full Self-Driving capability, and Ultra Red paint can bring the total to $125,490. The larger wheels actually reduce range from 329 miles to 380 miles on the AWD model. The Model X’s unique Falcon Wing rear doors remain a signature feature that sets it apart from competitors.
Monthly payments reflect these steep prices. Lease estimates run $1,041 per month for the AWD and $1,191 for the Plaid on 36-month terms with 10,000 annual miles. Financing stretches payments to $1,254 monthly for AWD and $1,502 for Plaid over 72 months, with typical APRs around 5.84%.
Tesla’s pricing strategy comes at a challenging time. First-quarter 2025 sales dropped 9% year-over-year even as the overall EV market grew 11%. The company recently discontinued right-hand-drive production for these models, sparking speculation about a potential refresh. Tesla’s maintenance approach emphasizes fewer moving parts in their electric vehicles, which reduces service needs compared to traditional gas cars. However, owners should be aware that major repairs can be expensive if needed outside of warranty, with battery replacements potentially costing between $10,000 and $20,000. To navigate these challenges and maintain its competitive edge, the company is exploring new markets and revenue streams. This strategic shift highlights why Tesla is diversifying its business, as it seeks to enhance profitability and resilience in a rapidly changing automotive landscape. Additionally, expanding into energy products and services could provide a buffer against fluctuations in vehicle sales. Analysts are closely monitoring Tesla’s performance to inform their tesla stock price analysis, as fluctuations in sales could significantly impact investor confidence. Additionally, the company is under pressure to innovate and enhance its offerings to maintain its position in the competitive EV landscape. With the growing consumer demand for electric vehicles, how Tesla addresses these challenges will be crucial for its future success. Additionally, Tesla’s ambitious plans to introduce autonomous driving technology have placed their offerings, such as the anticipated ‘tesla robotaxis under scrutiny,’ as regulators and consumers alike await safer and more reliable performance. This could significantly impact Tesla’s sales strategy and market position if the rollout is not executed flawlessly. The company’s innovations in AI and self-driving technology may also attract new customers, eager for the future of transportation despite current challenges.
Current owners give the Model X strong marks for reliability, rating it 4.6 out of 5. Many prefer the AWD model for its better range and lower operating costs. The Plaid’s impressive acceleration comes at the expense of efficiency.
While Tesla hasn’t announced plans to discontinue these models, they’ve remained largely unchanged since their original launches over a decade ago. The focus has shifted to software updates rather than hardware refreshes, leaving some wondering if the premium prices still match the value.