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The Verge
a day ago
- Automotive
- The Verge
Tesla's minor Model S and X refreshes cost $5,000 more
Tesla is relaunching its Model S and Model X with minor changes as the EV maker struggles to address plummeting demand. The updated vehicles are launching in the US today with a $5,000 price increase applied across the All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and high-performance Plaid versions of both models, but judging by the comments on the announcement Tesla posted to X, customers aren't particularly impressed by the upgrades. Prices for the Model S now start at $84,990 for the AWD version, or $99,990 for the Plaid. The Model X AWD and Plaid have jumped to $89,990 and $104,990, respectively. These are Tesla's latest vehicle updates since launching the refreshed Model Y earlier this year. Tesla says the highlights of the Model S and Model X refresh are: The Model S Long Range can now drive up to 410 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels, according to Tesla, but that's only a five-mile improvement compared to the previous version. The Model S Plaid also has some minor exterior styling tweaks that are 'optimized for high-speed stability,' and the Model X has an additional 2.5 cubic feet of space for third-row passengers and cargo. The ambient LED lighting along the dash and doors mirror the same feature that's available on Tesla's more affordable Model Y and 3 vehicles, but Tesla says the Model S and X versions provide 'unique animations' upon entry. The update also comes with some downgrades: the Model S Plaid is now 26 pounds heavier than its predecessor, and its top speed has been reduced from 200mph to 149mph. The Model X Plaid is even more egregious, weighing 183 pounds more than before, but the advertised top speed remains the same. The controversial yoke steering wheel is no longer available on the base AWD versions of either model, and can only be purchased as a $1,000 add-on for the Plaid package. The refresh seems to have people fired up, but not in a way that benefits Tesla. 'Go look at what Rivian, Lucid, Escalade IQ and EV9 are doing and copy that,' one commenter said on Tesla's X post. 'People want real 3 row SUVs with more range and tech and this isn't that.' There was some expectation for Tesla to bring the steer-by-wire and 48-volt electronic architecture technology it had introduced on the Cybertruck to its flagship Model S and X cars. Tesla is currently struggling to sell all three of these pricey vehicles, not helped by the political crisis surrounding the company.
South China Morning Post
11-05-2025
- Automotive
- South China Morning Post
Baidu's Apollo Go expands robotaxi tests in Hong Kong as it aims for global reach
Apollo Go , which operates one of the world's largest networks of robotaxis, has expanded the testing of its autonomous taxis across more locations in Hong Kong, moving closer to launching its services in the city. Advertisement Currently, a fleet of 10 vehicles is operating on streets in Cheong Hing Road, Second Sky Street, Airport Expo Boulevard, Tung Yiu Road, the company said on Saturday, without revealing the size of the expanded experimental zone. Apollo, a unit of the Chinese search engine giant Baidu, said it was granted an updated pilot licence by the city's Transport Department, allowing it to double the number of its self-driving cabs and conduct tests in new areas. The company initially began tests with five vehicles in North Lantau in December, with humans behind the wheels. 'Hong Kong is Apollo Go's first right-hand-drive left-hand-traffic market, presenting significant technical and operational differences from mainland China,' the statement said. 'We plan to expand Apollo Go's presence to more countries and regions so more people can experience the safe and convenient travel experience provided by autonomous driving.' 04:06 What's it like to ride in China's AI-driven robotaxi? What's it like to ride in China's AI-driven robotaxi? Hong Kong, a right-hand-drive market, has become a magnet for mainland electric vehicle (EV) makers and autonomous driving firms over the past year as they step up their global expansion pace. Advertisement
