Tesla Model S and X: Production Halt Confirmed March 2026

Tesla officially confirms the halt of Model S and X production on March 31, 2026. After more than 13 years of faithful service, the sedan that revolutionized electric vehicles and the SUV with its butterfly doors are taking their final bow. A chapter closes for the American manufacturer, now focused on Model 3, Model Y, and the development of humanoid robots.

"It's time to end the Model S and X programs with honors" — Elon Musk, Q4 2024 Earnings Call

The warning signs were there

The harbingers have been accumulating since February 2026. Tesla's configurator quietly removed the Lunar Silver color, exclusively reserved for premium models, with a "Sold Out" status that leaves no room for doubt. This emblematic hue, never offered on the Model 3 and Model Y, was one of the visual signatures of the high-end range.

2026teslamodelsplaid — Photo: © Caranddriver

The American referral program also underwent significant changes on March 6, 2026. Gone is the $1,000 discount for purchasing a Model S or X through referral. Even the loyalty discount for existing owners has been cut to $500. A commercial signal without ambiguity: Tesla is no longer betting on these models to recruit new customers.

💡 Did You Know?

The Tesla Model S Plaidticle/tesla-model-s-la-chine-interdit-le-volant-yoke-des-2027) Plaid with Track Package costs $144,630 and develops 1,020 horsepower, enough to keep pace with the Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT on track.

Volumes in free fall since 2024

The numbers speak for themselves. In 2025, the Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck combined represented only 3% of Tesla's global registrations, or just over 50,000 vehicles. A decline from the 5% in 2024, confirming the progressive marginalization of these models in the manufacturer's commercial strategy.

This erosion stems from several factors. First, the absence of any major aesthetic refresh in years. Where competitors regularly reinvent themselves, the Model S and X have settled for software updates and occasional technical tweaks.

The Fremont factory changes course

The California Fremont plant won't sit idle. Tesla plans to convert the Model S and X production lines to assemble high-precision circuit boards. Part of the campus will also be reconfigured for series production of Optimus humanoid robots, unveiled in 2021 and expected in 2026.

This conversion perfectly illustrates Elon Musk's strategic pivot, ambitious to transform Tesla into an artificial intelligence and robotics company. Automotive revenues, though still dominant, no longer represent the long-term future according to the CEO's vision.

2026cadillacct5vblackwing — Photo: © Caranddriver

💡 Key Figure

On the Virginia International Raceway circuit, the Model S Plaid Track Package achieved a time of 2:43.2, just 0.2 seconds behind the Porsche Panamera Turbo S.

What about the competition?

The halt of Model S and X reshuffles the luxury electric segment. Cadillac is capitalizing on this opportunity with its CT5-V Blackwing, which, though combustion-powered, remains a reference with its 668 horsepower and $141,050 price tag. On circuit, this 4,143-pound sedan holds its own against the best sports cars with a 2:48.4 time at the 2026 Lightning Lap.

On the electric side, Lucid Air Sapphire and Porsche Taycan Turbo GT inherit clear sailing. These models, priced roughly $100,000 higher than the Model S Plaid, will no longer have to contend with Tesla's direct competition in this ultra-premium segment.

What's the price today?

The Tesla Model S Plaidticle/tesla-model-s-la-chine-interdit-le-volant-yoke-des-2027) Plaid with Track Package starts at $144,630, or $24,000 more than the base version at $135,630. This package includes carbon-ceramic brakes, wider calipers, aluminum forged wheels, and Goodyear Eagle F1 Supercar tires similar to those on the last Camaro ZL1 1LE. It also unlocks a top speed of 200 mph.

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