A Subtle Change With Big Meaning
Tesla has taken another quiet step that suggests two of its oldest EVs may soon leave the lineup. The company recently removed the Model S and Model X from its U.S. referral program, eliminating a long-standing purchase incentive.
Previously, buyers could receive a $1,000 discount when purchasing either vehicle through a referral code. That benefit has now disappeared. In addition, Tesla reduced the loyalty discount for existing owners to $500, cutting it in half.
The update happened without a major announcement. Still, the timing strongly hints that Tesla is entering the final phase of these two vehicles’ lifecycle.
Tesla Gradually Winds Down Its Flagships
This is not the first sign. Over recent months, Tesla has made several small adjustments affecting the two luxury EVs.
Certain paint options have already disappeared, and incentives have slowly shrunk. Now the removal from the referral program adds another clear signal.
These changes currently affect only the United States, but they align with Tesla’s larger strategy. The company appears focused on streamlining its lineup while prioritizing newer products.
Production Expected to End in 2026
Tesla previously confirmed that manufacturing for the Model S and Model X should stop around the second quarter of 2026.
The decision reflects shifting priorities inside the company. Tesla plans to dedicate more factory resources to next-generation vehicles and the Optimus humanoid robot project.
Demand for the two models has also slowed compared with Tesla’s mainstream vehicles. Combined deliveries for the sedan and SUV reached about 53,900 units in 2025, making them relatively low-volume products.
With production scheduled to end, Tesla appears confident the remaining demand will carry the models through their final months.
Incentives Shift Toward Software
Tesla also updated incentives for other vehicles. Buyers using referral codes for Cybertruck Premium AWD or Cyberbeast versions will no longer receive a $1,000 discount.
Instead, both the buyer and the referrer now receive three months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised).
The change highlights Tesla’s growing focus on software services and autonomous driving features rather than traditional purchase discounts.
The End of Tesla’s Original Luxury Era
The Model S and Model X helped define Tesla’s early success in the premium EV market. For years, they represented the brand’s technological showcase.
However, Tesla’s lineup is evolving. Vehicles like the Cybertruck and future next-generation EV platforms now sit at the center of the company’s strategy.
As incentives disappear and production winds down, the message becomes clearer: Tesla’s first flagship chapter is nearing its final pages.
