Tesla is refining its flagship electric sedan, the Model S Plaid, with a prototype recently spotted lapping the Nürburgring in Alemania. According to Autoblog, the 2025 refresh brings minor visual tweaks but leaves fans wanting more significant changes to keep pace with rising competition in the EV market.

A Light Refresh for Tesla, a Performance Icon

The 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid retains its core performance specs, delivering 1,020 horsepower through a tri-motor, all-wheel-drive setup. It still accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 1.99–2.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 200 mph.

However, the prototype reveals only slight design updates: a new front splitter, a revised rear diffuser, and potentially larger wheels. These changes aim to enhance aerodynamics and aesthetics, building on the last major refresh in 2021. The EPA-estimated range remains at 348–359 miles, though real-world tests at highway speeds show around 280 miles with its roughly 100 kWh battery.

Falling Behind in a Crowded Market?

Despite its impressive performance, the Model S Plaid faces competition. Newer EVs like the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT, equipped with the Weissach Package, and Xiaomi‘s SU7 Ultra now outperform Tesla’s flagship in various metrics, including handling and design freshness.

The Plaid’s aging frame and layout have been noted, stating that the car’s suspension struggles to keep up with its power, particularly under braking. At 13 years old since its 2012 debut, the Model S platform lacks the deep structural updates needed to match modern performance EVs. Tesla’s slow update cadence—focusing on the Cibercamión—has left the Model S with minimal visual changes over the past decade.

Tesla Model S Plaid 2025: New Design, Same Epic Power

Pricing and Positioning Challenges

The 2025 Model S Plaid’s price has climbed to $94,990, a $5,000 increase from late 2024. This positions it against rivals like the Lúcido Air, Porsche Taycan, and BMW i5, which often offer more premium interiors or longer ranges.

Tesla’s minimalist design, featuring a 17-inch central touchscreen and yoke steering wheel (with a traditional wheel as a no-cost option), still appeals to tech enthusiasts. The 2025 update also introduces new sport seats with enhanced bolstering, heating, and ventilation, plus premium vegan suede upholstery with a Plaid pattern. However, legacy automakers are now iterating faster, making Tesla’s aging lineup harder to justify, especially at premium prices.

What’s Next for Tesla’s Flagship?

Tesla’s VP of Engineering promised earlier in 2025 that the Model S and Modelo X would receive some “love”, but this prototype suggests a minor changes rather than a big update. Analysts note that if the Nürburgring prototype is any indication, the 2025 Model S Plaid refresh may be more cosmetic than transformative.

For a brand that once defined the modern EV, this cautious approach risks losing ground in an increasingly crowded EV market. While the Plaid remains a benchmark for acceleration and tech, its aging platform and modest updates may not be enough to fend off competitors pushing the boundaries of design and performance.