Tesla unveils limited 250 invite-only model S 'Signature' series for $160k before discontinuation

Tesla is waving goodbye to the Model S and X with an exclusive, limited-edition run of its groundbreaking electric vehicles.

Elon Musk's automaker is inviting select admirers to purchase a "Signature" edition of the soon-to-be-discontinued luxury models, according to social media screenshots and videos.

The "Signature" Model S and X both start at $159,420 — a nod to Musk's favorite number and approximately $60,000 more than the initial models — and include free supercharging and Full Self-Driving, as per the screenshots.

Additional highlighted features encompass a gold Tesla emblem, gold carbon-ceramic brakes, and a special "garnet red" color reminiscent of early Model S versions.

Approximately 250 of the "Signature" Model S and an unknown quantity of Model X vehicles will be manufactured, according to shared social media content. 

Last week, Musk mentioned that Tesla had only a "few hundred" Model X and S units remaining in inventory.

The two luxury electric vehicles, which Tesla began offering in 2012 and 2015, were instrumental in bringing electric cars into the mainstream and establishing Tesla as a leading global automaker.

Nevertheless, they now represent only a small fraction of Tesla's sales, and Musk informed investors in January that the two models would be discontinued to allocate factory capacity for Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot.

The billionaire announced that the S and X would get an "honorable discharge," describing this as part of Tesla's shift towards an "autonomous future." 

Musk noted earlier this month that Tesla would hold a special ceremony to honor the two models and commemorate the "end of an era."

This unexpected decision marks yet another shift, signaling Tesla's transition from traditional EVs towards autonomous vehicles and robotics.

Musk has stated that the company's Cybercab robotaxi and Optimus, both set for mass production this year, represent Tesla's future.

The Austin-based automaker hasn't released a new vehicle since the Cybertruck in 2023, and Musk told investors in October 2024 that it would be "pointless" for Tesla to develop a non-autonomous, budget-friendly EV.

Aside from the two-seater Cybercab, lacking both a steering wheel and pedals, the only other new vehicle Tesla has announced is a new version of the Roadster, which Musk mentioned the company aims to unveil later this month.