Next-generation Tesla Model S: Expectations from the Redwood Project
After 12 years, the Model S has the opportunity to enter a new generation thanks to the Redwood platform, expected to begin production in mid-2025 at Giga Texas, amidst the rapid growth of the Lucid Air and Taycan.
The Tesla Model S – the large electric sedan that launched commercially in 2012 – is facing a complete overhaul. According to Reuters, Tesla is reportedly developing an entirely new platform called Redwood, expected to be manufactured in Giga, Texas, starting in mid-2025. If this platform can support large, luxury vehicles, a new generation Model S is likely to appear, amidst increasing competition from the Lucid Air and Porsche Taycan.
For over a decade, the Model S has been continuously upgraded and maintained its appeal thanks to its technology and performance. However, it is no longer the leader in speed, handling, and range as emerging competitors have overtaken it. The Lucid Air Sapphire surpassed the Model S Plaid to become the world's fastest electric sedan, while the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT demonstrated superior performance on the racetrack. Nevertheless, Tesla's Full Self-Driving system is still considered more advanced than most other self-driving technologies on the market, even though it is not yet perfected.
12 years of evolution of an electric vehicle icon.
The Model S began development before 2007 and debuted as a concept in 2009. The 2012 commercial version established a sport-luxury design language, helping to break the stereotype of "slow and strange electric cars" and positioning Tesla at the heart of the shift to electric vehicles.
In 2015, Tesla significantly upgraded the battery and powertrain for the Model S. By 2016, the P100D version with “Ludicrous” mode achieved 762 horsepower, accelerating from 0–96 km/h in approximately 2.5 seconds; the “Ludicrous Plus” mode further reduced this to 2.3 seconds. In 2021, the Model S received a refreshed exterior, a minimalist interior, and a switch to a horizontal center screen instead of the previous 17-inch vertical screen. This also marked the appearance of the Model S Plaid – the most powerful variant of the S line – along with a controversial gear shift design.
| Mold | Main content |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Launched as a concept |
| 2012 | Unveiling the commercial version, defining a sporty yet luxurious style. |
| 2015 | Major upgrades to the battery and powertrain. |
| 2016 | The P100D has 762 horsepower and accelerates from 0–96 km/h in approximately 2.5 seconds; with the “Ludicrous Plus” feature, it drops to 2.3 seconds. |
| 2021 | Refreshed design; horizontal display; addition of Model S Plaid; controversial gear shifter. |
When competitors accelerate, the need for a major overhaul becomes urgent.
The Model S remains appealing but hasn't undergone a major design overhaul since 2016. During that time, its direct competitors have rapidly upgraded both performance and driving experience. The Lucid Air Sapphire surpasses the Model S Plaid in top speed, while the Taycan Turbo GT demonstrates its track capabilities. In the luxury electric sedan segment, the BMW i5, Mercedes-Benz EQE, and Porsche Taycan are putting pressure on competitors with new product strategies and highly regarded performance and handling capabilities.
Despite Model S and Model X sales in 2023 falling short of 69,000 units, the electric sedan segment continues to grow. With its established legacy, the company has little reason to abandon the market it once led. A sharper, next-generation Model S with an improved platform, better performance, and longer range could provide the necessary boost in this highly competitive environment.
Redwood: A new platform and a potential milestone.
According to Reuters, Tesla is developing a model based on an entirely new platform under the "Redwood" project, expected to be manufactured in Giga, Texas, by mid-2025. This platform is not only for small, inexpensive models but can also support large, luxury vehicles – opening up the possibility for the next-generation Model S.
If the Model S enters a new generation, it would be a rare milestone in the company's product history, which has almost never seen a completely new second generation replacing an older version (except for the Roadster). The specific timing and approach will depend on Tesla's strategy, but the market context and product pressure are creating a clear "window of opportunity."
Technology and experience: the platform remains an advantage.
Beyond performance, technology is the cornerstone of the Model S. Its Full Self-Driving system is still considered more advanced than most other self-driving solutions on the market, even though it's not yet perfect. In its 2021 refresh, the Model S switched to a minimalist interior layout with a horizontal central screen – a decisive change in dashboard interaction – demonstrating Tesla's priority on software and user interface.
Conclusion: A pivotal moment for the Model S
The Model S has fulfilled its mission of paving the way for high-performance electric sedans, from the impressive acceleration milestones of the P100D to the arrival of the Plaid. But under pressure from Lucid and Porsche, and with the rapid pace of innovation in the luxury segment, a new generation based on the Redwood platform – if realized – would be a strategic move. With a product history rarely seeing "generational replacements," the rebirth of the Model S would mark a significant milestone for both Tesla and the electric sedan market.
