Apr 15, 2026
Tesla is halting production on its long-running Model S and X EVs, but not without a final farewell. The company says it will produce around 250 "Signature" Model S units and an unspecified number of Model X units (1). Both specialty models come loaded with perks: free supercharging, Full Self-Driving, gold carbon-ceramic brakes, a gold Tesla badge and an exclusive garnet red paint job.
The Model S (2) and X (3) have been cornerstones of the Tesla lineup since 2012 and 2015, helping bring electric vehicles into the mainstream and cementing Tesla as one of the top EV car producers in the world.
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But today, these models account for a much smaller share of the company's sales, and CEO Elon Musk told investors that the two models would be retired to free up factory space for Tesla's "autonomous future." Tesla will host an official ceremony to celebrate the "end of an era."
For Tesla fans, this is a rare chance to own a piece of history — but at $159,420, it's also a serious financial commitment that isn't right for everyone.
Why is Tesla making this shift?
Tesla's move is no surprise — during a January investor call, Musk announced it would end the production of the Model X and Model S.
"It's time to basically bring the Model S and X programs to an end," Musk said (4). "We expect to wind down S and X production next quarter."
According to Musk, this shift will free up manufacturing capacity for Optimus (5), Tesla's humanoid robot, which is slated for mass production later this year alongside the Cybercab robotaxi. He framed it as an "honorable discharge" for two models that had done their job.
That job was considerable. When the Model S launched in 2012, it proved that EVs didn't have to be slow, ugly, or impractical. It won over early adopters, rattled legacy automakers, and gave Tesla credibility in an emerging market.
But Tesla's ambitions have clearly shifted. The company hasn't launched a new vehicle since the Cybertruck in 2023, and Musk said in October 2024 that building a non-autonomous, affordable EV would be "pointless." The message is clear: Tesla sees its future in robotics and self-driving technology, not traditional car manufacturing.
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The 250 Signature models—and the ceremony Musk has promised—are more of a business decision for the company as it shifts priorities.
Should you buy one?
For the average American, the answer is probably no. At $159,420, the Signature Model S costs roughly $60,000 more than the standard version did before it was discontinued. You're paying a significant premium for cosmetic upgrades, like a gold badge, specialty brakes, and a unique paint color, plus free supercharging and Full Self-Driving software (6) that Tesla already offers on other models.
There have also been issues with that Full Self-Driving software, leading to several crashes and prompting federal auto safety regulators to open investigations into the technology (7). Musk's recent political involvement has also turned some consumers away from the brand (8).
From an economic standpoint, there's also the issue of depreciation. Teslas tend to lose value quickly, and a discontinued model could depreciate faster than typical. Without active production or ongoing software development, the long-term resale value is uncertain at best. And with interest rates still fairly high, financing a high-priced model could mean paying considerably more than just a few years ago.
Still, there's a case to be made for the models' value to collectors. Limited runs of discontinued models — especially ones with cultural or historical significance — can hold value over time. The Model X and S created a massive shift in the auto industry, and the Signature versions will be the last ever made. For some collectors, that scarcity might mean values remain high over time.
The right buyer for these models is likely someone who already owns a Tesla and has the cash to drop nearly $160,000 on a car without impacting their overall financial security. If that's not you, consider looking for a used model in the coming months. As existing owners upgrade over time, this may push prices down for those looking for the Tesla experience without the $160K price tag.
Article Sources
We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our ethics and guidelines.
Business Insider (1); Tesla (2),(3),(6); The Guardian (4); Teslarati (5); PBS (7); Reuters (8)
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Danielle is a personal finance writer whose work has appeared in publications including Motley Fool and Business Insider. She believes financial literacy key to helping people build a life they love. She’s especially passionate about helping families and kids learn smart money habits early.
