2026 Tesla Model S Plaid Quietly Updated: Here’s Everything That’s New originally appeared on Autoblog.
Tesla has finally been making some updates across its lineup. The Cybertruck is still grabbing attention, the updated Model 3 Highland has landed, and the Model Y recently got a refresh. Now it’s the Model S Plaid’s turn. Without much noise, Tesla has rolled out a 2026 update to its flagship super sedan. Thanks to a megathread posted by Nik Harris on X, packed with photos and videos, we now have a clearer idea of what’s changed.
Subtle Exterior Changes
At first glance, it may look the same, but sharp-eyed viewers have spotted several subtle design tweaks. The front bumper features a new camera and black intakes, while the rear gets a more aggressive diffuser. The headlights and taillights have been updated, too, now with adaptive high beams. There are also new wheel designs: 19-inch Magnetite wheels come standard, with 21-inch Valerium wheels available as a $4,500 option. The Plaid also comes in a new $2,500 color called Frost Blue Metallic. Overall, the changes are fairly minor. If you’re not paying close attention, you might miss them.
Related: The Most Practical New Tesla Model Y Is A Waste Of Space
Quieter Interior That Remains Mostly Familiar
According to Harris, the 2026 Plaid is noticeably quieter and smoother than it was before, apart from a few dreaded rattles the previous model suffered from, too. Inside, the biggest change is the addition of dynamic ambient lighting. Tesla describes it as “unique animations along the dashboard and doors.” Other changes include a small blind spot indicator and a mildly updated user interface. Most of the interior hardware remains unchanged, including the seats, center console, and trunk setup. That said, you can now choose between a tradtional circular steering wheel or a yoke, at a $1,000 premium.
More Range, Same Performance
TeslaMechanically, the Plaid hasn’t changed. And that's not a bad thing. With over 1,000 hp and a sub-2-second 0 to 60 mph time, it’s still faster than most exotic cars. Tesla now claims the updated Plaid can go 368 miles on a charge, which is 20 miles more than before. This isn’t a dramatic reinvention of the Model S Plaid. Instead, it's a subtle refresh of what was already one of the most impressive EVs on sale. The 2026 Model S Plaid starts at $99,990.
2026 Tesla Model S Plaid Quietly Updated: Here’s Everything That’s New first appeared on Autoblog on Jul 7, 2025
This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
