Australian pricing and delivery dates pulled for hero EVs and rest of Model S and Model X line-ups
Local pricing, specs and delivery times for the barnstorming new Tesla Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid – as well as regular versions of the large electric sedan and SUV – have been pulled from the Tesla Australia configurator, leaving prospective customers clueless as to when their vehicles might arrive.
Previously officially due to arrive Down Under in late 2022, Tesla’s supercar-scaring electric sports sedan – and the rest of the MY22 Model S line-up, plus the MY22 Model X range – now appears unlikely to hit Aussie roads before 2023.
According to a disclaimer posted at the top of the vehicle configurator, “pricing and options will be finalised as delivery approaches” and customers will be “notified to complete your order when final pricing and options are published”.
When exactly that will be is anyone’s guess for the time being, with no other updates or indications to be found on Tesla’s Australian website.
Before the figures were pulled on December 11, pricing for the tri-motor Plaid was set at $186,990 plus on-road costs, while the eponymous Model S started from $129,990 (plus ORCs).
Meanwhile, the Model X large SUV was priced from $149,990 for the range-opener and $174,990 for the Plaid.
All this mystery and uncertainty is believed to stem from ongoing production and shipping delays which have in turn been inflicted by various component shortages in the US, more than likely driving the eventual prices up.
The timing of these delays could hardly have been worse for Tesla, in an Australian context at least, as the Porsche Taycan continues to go from strength to strength on the sales charts.
Bolstered by the new Cross Turismo crossover wagon variant, Porsche Cars Australia has sold more Taycans so far this year than 911s, 718s and Panameras, and the sporty new GTS variant is due here in the second half of 2022.
While hardly surprising, the radio silence surrounding local Tesla Cybertruck deliveries has also continued, even as spy footage and images emerge of a seemingly production-ready vehicle undergoing testing, although Tesla Australia continues to take refundable $150 deposits for the wedge-shaped electric pick-up.
“You will be able to complete your configuration as production nears,” a disclaimer says on the order page.
Keyword: Tesla Model S Plaid and Model X Plaid prices scrubbed