This refers to Tesla’s decision in late January 2026 to officially sunset the Model S and Model X. While many saw it coming due to aging designs, the definitive “end of the road” marks a massive cultural and industrial shift.
Why “The Most Important Car”?
Journalists and historians call the Model S the most important car of this century because:
- It Shifted the Paradigm: Before 2012, electric cars were “compliance cars”—small, slow, and ugly. The Model S was fast, beautiful, and aspirational.
- The OTA Revolution: It pioneered Over-the-Air updates. It was the first car that actually got better after you bought it, turning the hardware-first industry into a software-first one.
- Market Disruption: It didn’t just compete with other EVs; it beat the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series in sales, proving that “Green” could be “Elite.”
The “Murder” Mystery: Why Kill It?
The controversy stems from Elon Musk’s strategic pivot. Instead of redesigning these luxury icons, Tesla is clearing their floor space at the Fremont factory for a new priority:
- Optimus over Automobiles: Musk has made it clear that Tesla’s future value lies in Robotics. The assembly lines that once built the Model S are being repurposed for the mass production of the Optimus humanoid robot.
- The Robotaxi Bet: Tesla is doubling down on the Cybercab. They believe the future isn’t owning a premium sedan; it’s hailing a cheap, autonomous pod.
- The “Legacy” Label: In a move that shocked car enthusiasts, Musk essentially labeled his own flagship sedans as “legacy products,” signaling that Tesla is now an AI and Robotics firm, not a car manufacturer.
The Critical Consensus
The “killing” of the Model S is viewed by critics as a symbolic divorce. Tesla is walking away from the “car person” demographic—those who value driving dynamics, luxury interiors, and sleek aesthetics—to chase the “AI-driven future.”
“Tesla didn’t just retire a model; they retired their identity as an automaker.”
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