Tesla is bidding farewell to the Model S and X with ultra-limited editions for both. The car giant is making Signature Series versions of the Model S and X Plaid with unique trim that will help them stand out in an already rarified EV category.
Both variants will come in an exclusive Garnet Red, include gold-colored Tesla and Plaid logos on the front and back, and feature Signature badging that includes numbering plates and a custom key fob.
The two EVs have white interiors with gold trim, special wheels with black skull caps (21-inch Velarium for the Model S, 22-inch Machina for the X), and even a unique interior lighting sequence.
- Base Trim Engine
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EV
- Base Trim Transmission
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Automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
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All-Wheel Drive
Performance will feel familiar
Cannot resell for one year
Tesla estimates the Model S Plaid Signature will reach a top speed of 200 mph, accelerate to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds, and deliver an EPA-rated 309 miles of range. The bigger, heavier Model X Plaid Signature tops out at 163 mph with a 2.5-second sprint to 60 mph and a rated 303-mile range.
The cars come with a Luxe Package that includes free Supercharging, Premium Connectivity, and four years of extended service.
Tesla is producing just 350 Signature Series examples (250 Model S, 100 Model X), and they’ll be invite-only purchases at a tongue-in-cheek price of $159,420. You’ll likely only have the option to buy if you’re one of Tesla’s most faithful customers. To that end, Tesla is requiring buyers sign an agreement barring them from reselling the vehicle for one year.
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Why Tesla is releasing the Model S and X Signature Series
A tribute (and an inventory clearout)
CEO Elon Musk said in January that Tesla was ending production of the Model S and X in the second quarter (which begins in April) to repurpose the company’s Fremont, California factory for producing Optimus robots. The discontinuation is part of a broader shift toward autonomy that also includes self-driving cars like the Cybercab.
Tesla stopped taking new orders for the regular Model S and X in recent weeks, and has only been selling a remaining inventory estimated by Electrek to sit around 600 cars. The Signature Series theoretically helps Tesla clear out that final inventory by appealing to customers who are willing to pay a high price for a part of Tesla’s history.
The Signature label also nods to the Model S’ early days. Tesla sold the first 1,000 examples of its luxury electric sedan in 2012 as Signature editions, with prices approaching $100,000. If you bought one of those, you were committed to the brand’s vision, same as you are if you buy one of the outgoing cars.
Tesla and its focus
There have been concerns that Tesla could have avoided eliminating its prestige models. The company’s autonomy pivot has yet to pan out, to the point where it’s reportedly back to making an affordable EV despite Musk shifting attention elsewhere. The cancellation might not be worthwhile unless there’s a clear turnaround.
There have also been few meaningful changes to the Model S and X after their 2021 revamps, potentially ceding ground to rivals like the Lucid Air and Rivian R1S. While the Model 3 and Model Y have long been Tesla’s main revenue sources, the S and X weren’t certain to fade away.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
