Tesla secretly testing disguised Model S at Nürburgring before a revamp
Tesla's 2026 Model S Refresh: Subtle Changes, Premium Upgrades
Tesla is set to refresh its flagship electric vehicle, the Model S, later in 2025, according to reports and recent sightings of a camouflaged prototype at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The upcoming refresh is expected to be a mid-cycle update, rather than a complete redesign, with key design changes and new features aimed at refining the existing design and elevating the luxury and driving experience.
During an appearance on the Ride the Lightning podcast, Tesla Vice President of Vehicle Engineering, Lars Moravy, confirmed that the refresh will not abandon Tesla's premium models. This assurance comes after the Model S was last refreshed in early 2021, introducing the controversial yoke steering wheel, removing traditional gear and turn signal stalks, and debuting the Plaid powertrain.
The Model S refresh is expected to debut as a 2026 model year vehicle. Key anticipated design changes include new front and rear bumpers, with a distinct front bumper specifically for the Model S Plaid variant. The new wheels, similar to those found on the new Model 3 Performance, are part of the design changes, though some opinions criticize the aesthetics of the new wheels.
The refresh is also expected to feature redesigned wheel options, an updated rear diffuser, and a slightly different carbon spoiler, all aimed at enhancing the car's aerodynamic and visual appeal. The Plaid-specific seats will offer a more premium interior experience for that trim. Suspension improvements and NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) enhancements are also expected, to improve ride quality and comfort.
Interior updates primarily include the addition of RGB ambient lighting, including footwell lighting, allowing for customizable interior illumination. No major cabin redesigns have been noted so far.
The test vehicle has also hinted at a number of design changes, most notably at the front and rear, both of which were covered in camouflage. The covered front and rear bumpers have visible additions like a more aggressive front splitter and rear diffuser setup. The long-awaited front bumper camera is featured on the test vehicle.
The upcoming updates for the Model S and Model X may include the front bumper camera and new interior ambient lighting. Sales of the Model S have declined in recent quarters, and while the refresh has not yet been officially announced by Tesla, these changes are seen as an effort to regain market share and maintain the Model S's position as a premium electric vehicle.
The sighting of the Model S prototype at the Nürburgring Nordschleife follows the sighting of the new Model Y Performance prototype at the same track. The new Model Y Performance has also been spotted testing at the Nürburgring Nordschleife this week. The 2026 Model S refresh, with its subtle styling tweaks and incremental performance and comfort enhancements, is shaping up to be a refinement of the existing design rather than a substantial overhaul of the Model S's design or architecture.
The 2026 Model S Refresh, a mid-cycle update, will not only refine the existing design but also elevate the luxury and driving experience. This update will not abandon Tesla's premium models, as confirmed by Lars Moravy, Vice President of Vehicle Engineering. In the realm of finance and industry, these upgrades are strategically targeted to regain market share and maintain the Model S's position as a premium electric vehicle in the automotive sector, specifically competing with other luxury brands in the area of technology and transportation.
