Tesla is winding down production of two of its longest-running electric vehicles, the Model S and the Model X.
CEO Elon Musk confirmed during the company’s latest earnings call that the sedan and SUV will be built for the final time next quarter before being retired.
He also claimed support for current owners will continue “for as long as people have the vehicles,” but deliveries of new units will cease soon.
“It’s time to basically bring the Model S and X programmes to an end with an honourable discharge, because we’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy,” Musk added, urging anyone interested in buying one to “order it now.”
Once production wraps, Tesla will repurpose its Fremont factory to build Optimus humanoid robots instead of luxury EVs.
This feels like the end of an era. Despite Musk’s recent controversies, love him or hate him, there’s no denying that the Model S helped prove that electric cars could be desirable, and the Model X’s Falcon-wing doors became instantly iconic.
But sales have flatlined in recent years, and Tesla now relies heavily on the more affordable Model 3 and Model Y.
If you had your heart set on one of Tesla’s larger electric vehicles, you’ve still got options. The EV market has grown fast, and rivals now offer cars that match (and in some cases surpass) the performance, range and luxury of the outgoing S and X. Here are three alternatives worth considering:
1. Kia EV9
The EV9 is a big, boxy, three-row electric SUV that’s worth considering if you liked the practicality of the Model X. It’s capable of up to about 350 miles of range on longer-range battery variants and support for DC fast charging up to roughly 240 kW. It also offers vehicle-to-load tech so you can power anything off the main battery. We also think it looks pretty good.
Read Stuff’s Kia EV9 review.
2. Porsche Taycan
If you’d prefer something a little less Silicon Valley and something a little more European, Porsche’s Taycan has always felt like the sporty, German answer to the Model S. Its handling and braking are top-tier for an EV, and the various body styles, including the Cross Turismo wagon, give you options depending on what you want from your car. Sure, range isn’t quite as good as some competitors, but for sheer desirability, the Taycan is a winner.
Read Stuff’s Porsche Taycan review.
3. BMW i7
If you want something that feels like a classic luxury sedan but fully electric, the BMW i7 fits the bill. It combines comfort with advanced tech and strong performance, and its interior is one of the best out there. It doesn’t have the same cult appeal as a Tesla, but it’s a more conventional take on what a high-end EV can be.
Of course, there are plenty of other worthy contenders out there too, from the Audi e-tron GT and Lucid Air to full-size SUV options like the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV and Rivian R1S, so you won’t be stuck for choice just because Tesla is retiring two models.
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