Tesla’s Last Hurrah For The Model S And Model X In The U.S.: Make Them More Expensive

• Tesla has increased the price of the Model S and Model X by $10,000 over the weekend.
• The hike comes after the introduction of a new “Luxe Package,” which comes with several benefits, including complimentary Supercharging.
• The problem is that the new feature pack is mandatory.

Tesla is seemingly trying to boost sales of the aging Model S and Model X in the United States, but the company’s plan is quite the headscratcher. 

This past weekend, Tesla introduced a new “Luxe Package” for the two long-range EVs, which includes the company’s so-called Full Self-Driving (Supervised) advanced driver assistance system, free Supercharging, the Premium Connectivity pack and a four-year premium service plan.

That’s great, but there’s a catch. The new features pack costs $10,000, and it’s mandatory with every new Model S or Model X purchase in the U.S. The controversial FSD Supervised feature is priced at $8,000 for the Model 3 and Model Y, so at first glance, it seems like a great deal, seeing how free Supercharging is also thrown into the mix. 

But FSD has yet to become the all-encompassing autonomous driving feature that’s long been touted by Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk. It’s still considered a Level 2 system on the SAE’s levels of automation chart, which means the driver must pay attention to the road and control the car at all times. The driver is also responsible if something goes wrong.

Then, there’s the issue of demand. Not everybody who wants a new Model S or Model X also wants FSD–that’s why Tesla also offers a monthly subscription for it.

As for the “free” Supercharging, it’s a nice bonus, but it used to be that Tesla offered it without asking for more money. Also, if you’re someone who charges at home most of the time, it doesn’t really matter what it costs to fill up at a DC fast charger.

In typical Tesla fashion, the pricing change wasn’t announced anywhere, not even on social media. So if you’re looking for a new Model S or Model X but haven’t been paying attention to the company’s website, this might seem like a good deal–the price includes all of these features, so what’s not to like?

Now, the base Model S All-Wheel Drive costs $96,630, while the Model X All-Wheel Drive is $101,630. Last week, both were $10,000 cheaper. Earlier this year, when Tesla mildly updated the two models, the price was hiked by $5,000. That’s a $15,000 increase in just two months for a pair of cars that are on their last legs.

Two years ago, the once-groundbreaking EVs were discontinued from right-hand drive markets. Then, Tesla stopped taking orders for the Model S and Model X in China and Europe, leaving North America as their main market. Now, though, with the latest price change, the two models’ fate seems sealed, with dwindling sales and lackluster hardware updates.