Automotive reviewer Doug DeMuro has named the 2012 Tesla Model S as the most important car of the last 30 years for revolutionizing electric vehicles. Tesla plans to end production of the Model S and Model X to repurpose factory space for its Optimus robot. This shift comes as newer models like the Model 3 and Model Y dominate sales.
Doug DeMuro, a prominent automotive YouTuber and author, recently described the 2012 Tesla Model S as the "number one most important car of the last 30 years." In a YouTube video, he explained that the Model S "made you think that EVs could be cool, could be fast, could be luxurious, could be for enthusiasts."
Launched with deliveries starting in June 2012, the Model S arrived when few practical electric vehicles existed. It featured 416 horsepower, up to 265 miles of range, and accelerated from 0-60 mph in about 4.4 seconds, proving EVs could match or exceed traditional luxury cars in performance and appeal.
The Model S helped shift public perception of electric vehicles, paving the way for broader adoption. Its successor, the Model X, introduced in 2015, expanded Tesla's reach with premium SUV features, contributing to the company's mainstream success.
However, sales of the Model S have declined. In 2025, Tesla sold 5,889 Model S units, compared to 192,440 Model 3 sedans and 357,528 Model Y SUVs, according to Kelley Blue Book data.
Tesla is discontinuing production of both the Model S and Model X to allocate factory space for manufacturing the Optimus humanoid robot. Elon Musk has announced this move as a strategic focus on robotics.
The 2026 Model S, priced starting at $94,990, offers 410 miles of range, 670 horsepower, and 0-60 mph in 3.1 seconds. The Plaid variant, at $109,990, provides 309 miles of range and accelerates to 60 mph in 1.99 seconds, maintaining strong performance despite the impending end of production.
