In early April right after Model 3 unveiling
Earlier this week, we reported on Tesla sales representatives warning potential customers of an approaching price increase for the Model S as soon as next month. Now Tesla officially commented on the situation confirming “price changes” for its flagship sedan in “early April”.
Tesla is now talking about “price changes” instead of an increase, but Tesla sales representatives were specifically referring to an increase earlier in the week, though without specifying an amount or percentage.
Here’s the full statement a Tesla spokesperson sent to Electrek today:
“We don’t comment on rumor or speculation about future releases. Tesla is constantly innovating and adding new features to our vehicles to perpetually improve Tesla vehicles for our existing and future customers. We price our vehicles consistently throughout the world which requires us to adjust pricing to foreign currency exchange rates. We have let customers know that some price changes will take effect in early April. We always encourage those interested in purchasing Model S to place their order so they can start enjoying the many benefits of Model S today.”
Based on the comments of the Tesla sales representatives, the price changes are also anticipated in the US so the foreign currency exchange rates can’t be the only factor at play here. Tesla doesn’t comment on rumor or speculation, but we can certainly think of a few possibilities for “innovations” or “new features” to “improve Tesla vehicles”.
It could simply be related to new options in the Model S design configuration, like the recently added standard center console and the Slipstream wheels. It could also have something to do with Tesla working on a new higher-end Model S: the P100D. A new 100 kWh battery pack in the mix could change the Model S’ line-up and pricing structure.
In the US, the Model S currently starts at $70,000 (S70) and can go for as much as $138,000 fully equipped (P90D).
Another – though probably less likely – possibility is a slight design refresh, which is a rumor that has been a persisting since last year. It’s fairly standard in the automotive industry for a car model to get a “facelift” after being on the market for 4 or 5 years and the Model S will be 4 years old this summer.
We will likely have more concrete information to share with you about the situation in the coming weeks around the time or right after the Model 3 unveiling on March 31st.