At the start of the month, Tesla officially ended production of the Model S and Model X after more than a decade, leaving only pre-built units available for purchase. Initial inventory counted in the hundreds across the U.S., though that number has since dropped significantly as buyers moved to secure what are now the final new units.
Rather than discounting remaining stock, Tesla chose to raise prices sharply. The decision underscores the company’s unconventional pricing strategy, which has seen multiple fluctuations over the past year.
Inventory Shrinks as Demand Targets Final Units
The pool of available Model S and Model X vehicles has been steadily declining. According to InsideEVs, the number of unsold units has “come down significantly,” reflecting continued interest from buyers despite the models’ discontinuation.
This trend suggests that consumers are treating the remaining vehicles as collectible or historically significant products. With no new orders being accepted, inventory listings now represent the final opportunity to purchase these flagship EVs new.
Mandatory Luxe Package Drives Higher Pricing
All remaining vehicles are now sold with Tesla’s Luxe package, which is no longer optional. This bundle includes Full Self-Driving (Supervised), a four-year Premium service plan, free lifetime Supercharging, and lifetime Premium connectivity for in-car media and streaming.
According to EV enthusiast Sawyer Merritt, cited by the same source, the inclusion of this package coincides with the $15,000 price increase applied overnight. Yet similar benefits, such as free Supercharging and connectivity, had already been included in earlier inventory vehicles before the price hike.
As a result, buyers are effectively paying more for vehicles that previously offered comparable features at a lower cost.
Pricing Strategy Departs from Industry Norms
Automakers typically reduce prices to clear out discontinued models, but Tesla has taken the opposite approach. This is not the first time the company has adjusted pricing unpredictably, with previous increases of $5,000 and $10,000 occurring over the past year.
Current listings show that the lowest-priced units are former demo vehicles, starting at around $106,000 for the Model S and $111,000 for the Model X. A new Model S AWD is priced at $109,990, while the Model X Plaid reaches $129,900.
Tesla had previously introduced the Luxe package, removed it, and has now reintroduced it for these final inventory units. This sequence reflects a pricing strategy that continues to diverge from traditional dealership practices, even at the end of a model’s lifecycle.
