HomeGuide2026 Tesla Model S Plaid Facelift Shows Subtle Changes During Nürburgring Test

2026 Tesla Model S Plaid Facelift Shows Subtle Changes During Nürburgring Test

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Tesla has made another run on the Nürburgring, but this time, it’s not just the Model Y Performance that gets people’s attention. While initial glimpses of the Model S Plaid excited people, the test results suggest its changes are not as striking as expected. Hopeful fans hoping for something new to look at may find Tesla’s update unimpressive.

Since 2012, the Model S has been an essential model for Tesla. Though many updates have happened inside the building over the years, including a major interior refresh in 2021, the outside hasn’t changed much. Tesla’s Plaid, which has three motors and is super quick, still made clear that the brand is the performance king in this section. Now, Tesla is being surpassed at the Nürburgring by the Taycan Turbo GT from Porsche and the new SU7 Ultra from Xiaomi.

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2026 Tesla Model S

Speculations on the Latest Test Run of Model S

Based on the test prototype seen at the ’Ring, the handling is not as dramatic as it seems. A black wrap with camouflage at the front and back of the test car meant Tesla was still keeping some features a secret. In reality, the amount of change is slim. The only changes you can see in the aerodynamics package are a front lower lip spoiler and a rear diffuser. Even the daytime running lights, standard headlights, and main bumper seem identical to those on the last model.

Thanks to the new diffuser, downforce and car stability at high speed are likely to improve which helps with breaking lap records, but it boosts only a little from what we remembered. The new lip spoiler is designed first for function and second for appearance. Those drawn to new developments in the industry might wonder why there weren’t bigger changes.

One promising chance for growth is with the wheels. The prototype has all-new, larger alloys that are built for performance and look better than the standard rims. Choosing bigger wheels can bring better grip which is very helpful for track driving. It is still unclear if these design ideas will end up in the final version of the car.

Refreshed Tesla Model S

Performance Over Styles

Previously, Lars Moravy, Tesla’s VP of Engineering, gave a hint that the Model S may see an update this year. The idea that this would be an exciting redesign turned out to be wrong. Since the Model S first launched over a decade ago, many hoped Tesla would give it a styling update similar to the Juniper Model Y facelift seen in digital renderings. That is not what happens.

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Tesla is choosing to improve the car’s performance on the race track over changing its appearance. It seems that Tesla’s strategy right now is to finalize the good parts and improve only what they need to stay with other manufacturers. Nevertheless, since competitors are evolving fast, customers in search of the next major trend might not be satisfied with a simple design.

As a conclusion, most people had anticipated a bigger change from the 2025 Tesla Model S Plaid facelift, but didn’t get it. Much of the updates are about making small, aerodynamic improvements and subtle changes to the car’s performance. The high-speed EV from Tesla is leading the way right now, but its competitors are approaching rapidly—and with a more sophisticated look.

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Chingkheinganba Haobam
Chingkheinganba Haobam
Chingkheinganba is an EV enthusiast with a passion for sustainable technology, always staying up-to-date on the latest Tesla innovations and industry news. He has a particular fondness for the Tesla Model 3.

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