Tesla Ends Model S and X: End of Era, What Are the Alternatives?

Tesla Model S discontinued — and the Model X follows. CEO Elon Musk announced on January 29, 2026 that both flagship models will end production by the end of Q2 2026. The Fremont factory in California will be converted to produce Optimus robots. For Dutch buyers hoping to order a new Model S or X, it's actually already too late: Tesla stopped accepting new orders in Europe since July 2025.

Why is Tesla ending these models?

Musk called it an "honorable discharge" for two models that made Tesla what it is today. The real reason is more pragmatic: sales collapsed. In 2025, Tesla sold just 5,889 Model S units worldwide — a 52.6% drop from 2024. The Model X performed slightly better with 13,066 sales but still declined 34.2%.

For context: the Model 3 and Model Y together accounted for 97% of Tesla's 1.59 million deliveries in 2025. The expensive flagships simply no longer fit Tesla's strategy.

What does this mean for current owners?

Driving a Model S or X right now? No need to panic. Tesla promises that service and parts will remain available. Your car won't suddenly lose its value or support.

Worth noting for Dutch business drivers: those leasing a Model S or X pay 22% bijtelling (benefit-in-kind tax) on the full catalog value. For a Model S with a €105,000 catalog price, that's €23,100 annually. With new units disappearing, the second-hand market becomes more relevant — and different tax rules apply there.

Europe was phased out first

Dutch buyers couldn't configure a new Model S or X since July 2025. Tesla quietly removed the order option from European websites. Only inventory models remained available.

We've seen this pattern before: first Tesla ended sales in right-hand drive markets like the UK, then China, and eventually all of Europe. The American market is now the last to follow.

Prices and specifications: what the market loses

The Model S and X were impressive machines:

Model	Price (NL)	WLTP Range	Power	0-100 km/h
Model S Plaid	~€110,000	600 km	750 kW (1,020 hp)	2.1 sec
Model X Plaid	~€121,000	543 km	750 kW (1,020 hp)	2.6 sec
Model X Long Range	~€105,000	576 km	500 kW (680 hp)	3.9 sec

The Model S Plaid was one of the fastest production cars in the world for years. Those performance figures are now only available second-hand.

Alternatives for Dutch buyers

With Tesla's premium models disappearing, there are plenty of alternatives:

Premium sedans (Model S alternatives)

• Lucid Air — Up to 820 km range, starting ~€95,000. Now the best-selling luxury EV sedan in the US.
• BMW i5 — Up to 500 km range, starting €72,500. Familiar BMW quality.
• Mercedes EQS — Up to 770 km range, starting €109,000. Ultimate luxury interior.
• Audi e-tron GT — 488 km range, starting €106,500. Sporty driving experience.

Premium SUVs (Model X alternatives)

• BMW iX — Up to 630 km range, starting €84,900. M70 version with 650 hp.
• Mercedes EQS SUV — Up to 660 km range, starting €127,000. Available as Maybach.
• Kia EV9 — Up to 541 km range, starting €74,995. Excellent value for money.
• Lucid Gravity — Up to 725 km range, available 2026. Up to 400 kW fast charging.

Wondering which fits your situation? Compare these models directly or calculate your total cost of ownership.

What replaces them?

Tesla isn't announcing a direct successor. The company did confirm that the Cybercab (robotaxi), Semi (truck), and the long-awaited new Roadster are still coming.

The space in the Fremont factory goes to Optimus robots. Musk claims the factory will eventually produce 1 million robots annually.

Buying a second-hand Model S or X?

For those still wanting a Model S or X, second-hand is the only option. Keep in mind:

• Battery warranty — Tesla offers 8 years or 240,000 km warranty on the battery
• Supercharger access — Remains available for all Teslas
• Software updates — Tesla continues rolling out updates
• BPM — No purchase tax on fully electric vehicles when importing to NL
• MRB — Road tax is province-based and weight-dependent

A second-hand Model S from 2022 with 50,000 km currently costs around €55,000 to €70,000 depending on configuration.

The end of an era

After more than ten years, Tesla's iconic flagships are disappearing. The Model S changed the car market forever — it proved that electric driving could combine luxury and performance. The Model X introduced the spectacular falcon-wing doors.

For Dutch drivers wanting premium electric transport, there are now plenty of alternatives. The market has completely transformed in ten years, partly thanks to the very models now retiring.