Tesla’s flagship vehicles, the Model S and Model X, may be preparing for a European comeback after disappearing from the online configurator just last month. Newly updated type approval filings suggest that the company has secured certification for 2026 model-year versions, at least for the Model S, hinting that a reintroduction could be on the horizon.
Back in mid-July Tesla abruptly stopped taking new orders for the Model S and Model X in Europe, leaving customers with the only option to purchase these vehicles from existing inventory. The disappearance of the two vehicles from the online configurator led to speculation that the automaker might phase out its premium lineup in the region altogether.
However, regulatory documents show that the vehicles will return once more. Both the Model S Long Range and Model S Plaid variants have been updated with European type approval revisions, as shared by X user Julien. The changes include range improvements, a softer suspension setup, and the addition of a front bumper camera, matching the changes we saw in North America with the recent refresh.
The Model S Long Range is now rated at 744 km (462 mi) on 19-inch wheels under the WLTP cycle, a significant improvement over the previous figure that was only tested on 21-inch wheels. That version now achieves 651 km (404 mi), an increase of 17 km (10 mi).
Other adjustments include a slight weight reduction of 3 kg, a maximum speed reduction of 10 km/h (now capped at 240 km/h), and minor hardware refinements. Despite these updates, the Model S continues to use the same Panasonic NCA100 battery pack and the same dual-motor setup.
The Model S Plaid also saw its WLTP rating climb to 611 km (380 mi) on 21-inch wheels, alongside minor weight and efficiency changes. However, filings also indicated the deletion of one Plaid variant, highlighting Tesla’s shifting focus on streamlining its offerings.
What About the Model X?
While the Model S shows clear signs of life, the Model X remains a question mark. The latest type approval lists no updates for Tesla’s larger SUV. This suggests Tesla hasn’t yet filed the appropriate paperwork with authorities, or that Europe may have to wait longer for a refreshed version. The lack of revisions could mean Tesla is prioritizing the sedan for reentry while evaluating the future of the electric SUV in the region.
This Has Happened Before
Historically, when Tesla decides to stop producing a model or variant, these European type approvals simply stop being updated. That was the case with the BYD Blade battery version of the Model 3, which quietly stopped receiving type approvals and then soon after also stopped being produced. While regulatory filings do not guarantee a relaunch, the fact that the Model S filings are being actively updated for 2026 suggests Tesla is keeping the door open for a launch of the refreshed versions.
As we noted, Tesla halted new orders for the Model S and Model X in Europe back in July, redirecting customers to existing inventory. However, this is not the first time Tesla has pulled the vehicles from Europe. A similar pause occurred following the 2021 refresh, which resulted in nearly two years without deliveries before the updated versions returned. Hopefully the wait won’t be as long this time around.
