Cars, Tesla

Refreshed Tesla Model S and X prototypes spotted in California cause disappointment

  • The refreshed Tesla Model S and X prototypes spotted 
  • The cars were seen in Fremont, California
  • But the new EVs could be disappointing for some Tesla fans

Published on May 27, 2025 at 8:09 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid

Last updated on May 27, 2025 at 9:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

The upcoming refreshed Tesla Model S and Model X prototypes have been spotted in California, and it could be disappointing for some.

The update will be the fourth for the Model S, since its introduction in 2012, and the third for the Model X, which was introduced in 2015. 

Images of the prototypes have been shared online by X user @klwtts, who visited Fremont and spotted the cars without their typical camouflage. 

And the new images could be disappointing for some Tesla fans.

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It’s gearing up to be a busy few months for Tesla. The EV carmaker has recently launched an updated Model Y alongside a new Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, which comes with a surprisingly low price tag. 

The marque is also reportedly working on a more affordable Tesla model. 

Refreshed Tesla Model S and X prototypes spotted in California cause disappointment
klwtts
Refreshed Tesla Model S and X prototypes spotted in California cause disappointment
klwtts

Now, images of the refreshed and updated Tesla Model S and Model X have been spotted in California ahead of the upcoming release. 

But it’s bad news for anyone who was hoping for a drastic change for the new EVs. 

Photos shared by EV enthusiast The Kilowatts – or @klwtts – show both models have had minimal redesigns. 

Both the X and S look largely the same as the existing models, with a gently redesigned front and rear bumper, as well as the addition of a new front bumper camera. 

Similarly, the interior of the cars looks pretty much the same, but there is a strip of blue tape covering something that some eagle-eyed social media users think could be new ambient lighting. 

However, overall, it seems that some Tesla fans were hoping for a bit more from the updates. 

“Not much, in my opinion. I hoped for a newer design,” said one X user. 

“I can’t even tell the difference, if this is the refresh, I don’t have high hopes. It looks the same to some one who doesn’t own or look at one every day,” a second commented. 

Another more optimistic follower said: “It would be nice to see something completely new, but maybe the details are hidden underneath.”

As yet, Tesla hasn’t revealed a release date for the cars, so it seems like we’ll have to wait and see.

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With a background in both local and national press in the UK, Claire moved to New Zealand before joining the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in May 2024. As a Senior Content Writer working on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), Claire was the first writer on the team to make the site’s output a slick 24/7 operation covering the latest in automotive news.