Tesla will end production of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV in the second quarter of 2026. The company announced the decision during its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings call, calling it an “honorable discharge.” No replacement models will take their place. Instead, the factory will shift to manufacturing Optimus robots.
Used market flood expected
The move will push a large number of used Model S and X vehicles into the market over the next 12 to 18 months. Owners who ordered final units, long-term drivers upgrading, and fleet operators clearing inventory will all contribute. Prices, which have remained high due to the vehicles’ premium status, will likely drop to reflect actual depreciation rather than brand value.
The next year and a half may offer the best chance to buy a Plaid or fully loaded Long Range model at a more reasonable price. For current owners planning to keep their cars long-term, the change raises concerns about the wheels.
Factory wheels come with trade-offs
The Model S ships with either 19-inch Cardenio wheels in a square fitment or 21-inch Arachnid wheels in a staggered setup. The Model X comes with 20-inch Slipstream wheels as standard or 22-inch Turbine wheels as an upgrade—both staggered. Staggered setups prevent front-to-rear tire rotation, increasing wear and long-term costs. Larger wheels also use low-profile tires that transmit road imperfections directly to the cabin, and OEM replacement tires cost more.
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For owners keeping their cars for years, the factory wheel setup becomes a drawback rather than an advantage.
A single wheel for every Tesla
Unplugged Performance has released a flow-formed version of its forged UP-RW Road Warrior wheel, now available in a 19-inch size that fits every Tesla Model S and Model X. The single diameter and square fitment allow front-to-rear tire rotation, extending tire life. The taller sidewall improves ride comfort compared to the low-profile tires on larger factory wheels.
Owners with 19-inch wheels can reuse their existing tires. The new wheel works with Tesla’s factory TPMS sensors, requiring no additional hardware. It does not support bolt-on wheel spacers, a limitation for owners who use them.
The wheel has a 2,095-pound load rating per wheel, matching the forged version and exceeding Tesla’s requirements. Unplugged Performance offers a lifetime structural warranty, covering cracks or breaks during normal use.
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The design was originally tested at 20 inches, where it reduced drag by 12.3% compared to Tesla’s factory Performance 20-inch wheels. At 19 inches, with the same integrated disc architecture, the flow-formed version should perform at least as well.
Unplugged Performance offers pre-selected wheel-and-tire packages for those who want a ready-to-install solution. These packages combine the UP-RW FF with high-performance or sports tires, sold at a lower price than buying components separately.
For owners keeping a Model S or X long-term, the UP-RW FF addresses the main weaknesses of the factory wheel setup. It improves aerodynamics, allows tire rotation, and includes a strong warranty. This marks the first time the Road Warrior design has been available for Model S and Model X, arriving as the vehicles near the end of production.
After years of waiting for more aftermarket options, the timing feels intentional. The market for these vehicles will shift, but the cars themselves can remain practical.
