Tesla has officially announced that its long-running luxury vehicles, the Model S and Model X, will be discontinued by the end of the second quarter of 2026. This marks the end of an era for two of the company’s most iconic electric vehicles as Tesla pivots toward an autonomy and robotics-focused future.
Why Tesla Is Ending Model S and Model X Production
Tesla CEO Elon Musk explained during the company’s Q4 2025 earnings call that the decision to discontinue the Model S and Model X comes as part of a strategic shift toward autonomous technology and artificial intelligence. The automaker plans to repurpose the production space at its Fremont, California, factory — currently used to build these vehicles — to manufacture Optimus humanoid robots.
The Legacy of Model S and Model X
These two vehicles played a pivotal role in Tesla’s rise:
Model S — Tesla’s Luxury Pioneer
Introduced in 2012, the Model S helped transform public perception of electric cars by offering impressive range, performance, and technology features. It quickly became a flagship sedan that rivaled established luxury brands.
Model X — Iconic SUV With Falcon Doors
Launched in 2015, the Model X SUV became known for its distinctive falcon-wing doors and roomy interior. While innovative, it faced challenges with production complexity and lower demand over time.
What Led to Declining Demand
Over the last several years, Tesla found that demand for these older, higher-priced models was shrinking compared with the more affordable and popular Model 3 and Model Y. Total deliveries for “other models” — which included Model S, Model X, and Cybertruck — remained a small fraction of Tesla’s total vehicle output.
Tesla even stopped taking new orders for Model S and X in certain regions like Europe and China as far back as 2025.
What’s Next — Tesla’s New Direction
Robotics and AI
With Model S and X production ending, Tesla’s Fremont plant will focus on building Optimus humanoid robots, part of Elon Musk’s vision to expand the company beyond cars and into robotics and autonomous tech.
Continued Support for Current Owners
Even though production is ending, Tesla will continue to support after-sales service for existing Model S and Model X owners for many years to come.
FAQ (Tesla Model X and Model S)
Here are answers to questions people also ask about this news:
Q1: Why is Tesla discontinuing the Model S and Model X?
A: Tesla is stopping production of these vehicles to focus on autonomous technology and robotics, particularly building the Optimus humanoid robot. The models’ sales had declined relative to the Model 3 and Model Y.
Q2: When will Tesla stop selling the Model S and Model X?
A: Production will end by the end of the second quarter of 2026, but dealers may continue to sell remaining inventory until it runs out.
Q3: Will Tesla still support Model S and Model X owners?
A: Yes — Tesla will continue providing support and service for existing owners even after production ends.
Q4: What will replace Model S and Model X at Tesla?
A: Tesla plans to use the freed-up production space to build its Optimus humanoid robots, a major part of its future strategy.
Q5: Are the Model S and Model X still available in some markets now?
A: In some regions like the U.S. and Canada, the vehicles can still be ordered until production stops. In places like Europe and China, new orders have already been suspended.
Closing Analysis
Tesla’s decision to discontinue the Model S and Model X highlights a major strategic transition from traditional car manufacturing toward a future built on autonomous driving and robotics. While these vehicles helped put Tesla on the map, their legacy now makes way for the next chapter in EV and AI innovation.
