Tesla Winds Down Its Flagship EVs in Europe
Tesla has officially ended new orders for its Model S and Model X across Europe, signaling a major shift in its electric vehicle strategy. Once the crown jewels of Tesla’s lineup, the luxury EVs are now only available from existing inventory—and only in select markets.
This decision follows a series of cutbacks, including the 2023 halt of right-hand drive production and the earlier discontinuation of these models in China. With Europe now off the table, North America stands as the last stronghold for Tesla’s aging flagships.
From Trailblazers to Tagalongs
It’s hard to overstate how much the Model S and Model X once meant to Tesla. The Model S redefined electric sedans, while the Model X brought bold design and long-range capabilities to SUVs. But as newer models took center stage, these early trailblazers slowly lost their spotlight.
Even recent updates, like multi-color ambient lighting and minor interior tweaks, weren’t enough to breathe new life into them. Prices climbed while excitement dropped, and customers responded with their wallets.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Tesla’s quarterly delivery reports now lump the Model S and X into an “Other Models” category—alongside the Cybertruck and Semi. In the first half of this year, Tesla delivered just 23,275 vehicles in this group. In comparison, the Model 3 and Model Y soared past 700,000 units globally, highlighting just how far the S and X have fallen.
That dramatic difference shows where Tesla’s attention—and consumer demand—now lies. Entry-level affordability and mass-market appeal have clearly taken precedence over luxury and nostalgia.
No Orders, Just Inventory
Tesla’s European site no longer lets customers build or customize a Model S or Model X. Buyers can only choose from what’s left in stock. That move effectively closes the chapter on these models in Europe, following a similar story in China earlier this year.
This isn’t just a temporary supply issue—it’s a phase-out in slow motion. Without right-hand drive production or meaningful innovation, the vehicles no longer align with Tesla’s evolving strategy.
Focus Shifts to Mass Appeal
With the recent launch of the three-row Model Y in China, it’s easy to see where Tesla is headed. The more affordable, more practical Model Y answers a broader market need than the pricey Model X. Meanwhile, the Model S now plays a niche role at best, dwarfed by newer offerings with greater relevance to today’s buyers.
Tesla’s shift isn’t accidental—it’s strategic. The company is prioritizing scale, affordability, and innovation in spaces where demand continues to surge. Unfortunately, that leaves little room for its early flagships.
A Quiet Farewell
As demand cools and global availability shrinks, the Model S and Model X may soon exit the stage entirely. While Tesla hasn’t formally announced their end, the writing is on the wall. With no major updates in sight, and inventory being quietly cleared, the brand’s original status symbols are making way for its next generation of bestsellers.
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