410
2 months ago
The World Is About to Lose One of the Most Iconic Car Models of the 21st Century
Summary
The revolutionary Tesla Model S and Model X have met the end of their road for…robots?
It appears the Tesla Model S and Model X are dead. The Verge originally reported that the revolutionary carmaker is discontinuing its most iconic models The reason: to free up resources to make robots.
Yep, you read that correctly. According to the original report, production will end in the second quarter of 2026, citing word from Mr. Elon Musk himself.
And the plan is to open up its Fremont assembly line to commence production for the company’s latest Optimus humanoid.
If you’ve been lost in the mix of Musk’s wild and erratic ambitions, Tesla debuted the Optimus humanoid in August 2021. Also known as the Tesla Bot, it represented the company’s and Musk’s latest ambitions to jump on the artificial intelligence train.
Despite Musk’s history of promising groundbreaking technologies, few have actually followed through to production. The Optimus, however, appears to be on its way to becoming a reality.
But in order for that to happen, Musk had to cut some loose ends. Those, being the now slow-selling Model S and Model X.
“It’s time to basically bring the Model S and X programs to an end with an honorable discharge, because we’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy,” Musk said in a supposed phone call with investors. “So if you’re interested in buying a Model S and X, now would be the time to order it.”
While Musk claims it as a matter of shifting resources, Tesla’s sales reports revealed a steady decline over the years. It was also further bolstered by the company’s refocus on its more affordable models, like the Model 3 and Model Y.
Then, came Musk’s controversial displays in the political space, which have seemingly amplified the recent downward trend.
According to The Verge’s analysis, Tesla saw a roughly 40.2 percent reduction in sales year over year in 2025 alone, specifically in the group that includes the Cybertruck, the Model S and Model X.
As controversial as Musk and the Tesla brand have been in more ways than one, there’s no doubt that the Model S and X were true pioneers. Both proved that mass-market electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure were entirely possible at a time when neither really existed en masse.
Introduced in 2012, following the limited success of the Roadster, the Model S showed the world the possibilities with EVs. It was an absolute pioneer in the segment that put all the conventional automakers on notice.
The Model S was so good, that in 2013, it won the auto world’s coveted MotorTrend Car of the Year Award. It has since laid the groundwork for all of Tesla’s succeeding models. Such includes the Model X and the late-to-the-party Model 3 and Model Y.
But it wasn’t just electric propulsion systems and their infrastructure that Tesla and the Model S helped kick off. It also proved that semi-autonomous driving tech is viable, if not wildly imperfect.
The Tesla Model X also was a trailblazer in its own right. Built as an attempt to grab of the lucrative SUV market, it was supposed to be another pivotal success point for Tesla.
Especially with its uniquely engineered gullwing doors. But due to its incredibly high cost of entry, not many Model X’s flew off the lots.
Initial versions of the Model X stickered for around $75,000. However, it wasn’t difficult to easily see prices rise well past the six-figure mark. Additionally, early adopters were required to pony up a serious deposit in order to claim one.
After building up the hype and asking for huge lump sums of money, Musk ended up delaying its launch for various reasons.
So, now that the Model S and Model X are no more, are there any follow-up acts? As of this news post, there are no known successors planned for either.
While the Model S endured a 13-year production cycle, the Model X lived for 11. They may be coming to the end of their roads. But by any series production lifecycle metric, they lived pretty good lives.
Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
Founded in 2007, Gear Patrol is the definitive buying guide for enthusiasts. Our independent experts test the best in cars, tech, home, outdoors, style and watches. We combine hands-on testing, decades of experience and original photography to craft reports, reviews and guides. Why? Because we believe everyone deserves the best product.
Work with our award-winning creative services studio and advertising agency to bring your brand or product story to life. Learn more.
© 2026 GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services | For Life's Pursuits™
It appears the Tesla Model S and Model X are dead. The Verge originally reported that the revolutionary carmaker is discontinuing its most iconic models The reason: to free up resources to make robots.
Yep, you read that correctly. According to the original report, production will end in the second quarter of 2026, citing word from Mr. Elon Musk himself.
And the plan is to open up its Fremont assembly line to commence production for the company’s latest Optimus humanoid.
If you’ve been lost in the mix of Musk’s wild and erratic ambitions, Tesla debuted the Optimus humanoid in August 2021. Also known as the Tesla Bot, it represented the company’s and Musk’s latest ambitions to jump on the artificial intelligence train.
Despite Musk’s history of promising groundbreaking technologies, few have actually followed through to production. The Optimus, however, appears to be on its way to becoming a reality.
But in order for that to happen, Musk had to cut some loose ends. Those, being the now slow-selling Model S and Model X.
“It’s time to basically bring the Model S and X programs to an end with an honorable discharge, because we’re really moving into a future that is based on autonomy,” Musk said in a supposed phone call with investors. “So if you’re interested in buying a Model S and X, now would be the time to order it.”
While Musk claims it as a matter of shifting resources, Tesla’s sales reports revealed a steady decline over the years. It was also further bolstered by the company’s refocus on its more affordable models, like the Model 3 and Model Y.
Then, came Musk’s controversial displays in the political space, which have seemingly amplified the recent downward trend.
According to The Verge’s analysis, Tesla saw a roughly 40.2 percent reduction in sales year over year in 2025 alone, specifically in the group that includes the Cybertruck, the Model S and Model X.
As controversial as Musk and the Tesla brand have been in more ways than one, there’s no doubt that the Model S and X were true pioneers. Both proved that mass-market electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure were entirely possible at a time when neither really existed en masse.
Introduced in 2012, following the limited success of the Roadster, the Model S showed the world the possibilities with EVs. It was an absolute pioneer in the segment that put all the conventional automakers on notice.
The Model S was so good, that in 2013, it won the auto world’s coveted MotorTrend Car of the Year Award. It has since laid the groundwork for all of Tesla’s succeeding models. Such includes the Model X and the late-to-the-party Model 3 and Model Y.
But it wasn’t just electric propulsion systems and their infrastructure that Tesla and the Model S helped kick off. It also proved that semi-autonomous driving tech is viable, if not wildly imperfect.
The Tesla Model X also was a trailblazer in its own right. Built as an attempt to grab of the lucrative SUV market, it was supposed to be another pivotal success point for Tesla.
Especially with its uniquely engineered gullwing doors. But due to its incredibly high cost of entry, not many Model X’s flew off the lots.
Initial versions of the Model X stickered for around $75,000. However, it wasn’t difficult to easily see prices rise well past the six-figure mark. Additionally, early adopters were required to pony up a serious deposit in order to claim one.
After building up the hype and asking for huge lump sums of money, Musk ended up delaying its launch for various reasons.
So, now that the Model S and Model X are no more, are there any follow-up acts? As of this news post, there are no known successors planned for either.
While the Model S endured a 13-year production cycle, the Model X lived for 11. They may be coming to the end of their roads. But by any series production lifecycle metric, they lived pretty good lives.
Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.
Founded in 2007, Gear Patrol is the definitive buying guide for enthusiasts. Our independent experts test the best in cars, tech, home, outdoors, style and watches. We combine hands-on testing, decades of experience and original photography to craft reports, reviews and guides. Why? Because we believe everyone deserves the best product.
Work with our award-winning creative services studio and advertising agency to bring your brand or product story to life. Learn more.
© 2026 GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services | For Life's Pursuits™
AI Description
The Tesla Model S and Model X, iconic car models of the 21st century, are set to be discontinued. This decision is part of Tesla's strategic shift towards developing humanoid robots.