Tesla launches new Model S and X with minimal design changes, higher price tags

Tesla's updated Model S and Model X are here, but you have to look very closely to see the differences.

Tesla's own list of highlights for the new Model S and X starts with a new color option, Frost Blue, which tells you that this is just a retouch of the company's premium models.

Other highlights include:

• quieter cabins, with less wind and road noise and more effective Active Noise Cancellation

• new wheel designs with improved aerodynamics

• improved front fascia camera with better visibility

• dynamic ambient lighting, with "unique animations along the dash & doors upon entry"

• improved suspension design for a smoother ride

• adaptive driving beams

That's for both the Model S and the Model X, but there are a couple of specific improvements for each model, respectively.

The 21-inch Velarium wheels are a $4,500 option. Credit: Tesla

For the Model S:

• The Model S Long Range now has up to 410 miles of range, making it the longest-range Tesla in the company's lineup

• Model S Plaid has new exterior styling, which the company says is optimized for high-speed stability

For the Model X:

• there's now more space for 3rd row occupants and for cargo

In terms of exterior styling, the cars are very similar to what they were before; the Frost Blue color, which is a $2,500 option for both the Model S and Model X, as well as new wheels, will make the biggest difference.

The wheel options now include the 20-inch Perihelix and the 22-inch Machina wheels for the Model X, and the 19-inch Magnetite, and the 21-inch Velarium wheels for the Model S.

The headlights are now adaptive. The new, 22-inch Machina are an optional, $5,500 upgrade. Credit: Tesla

Inside, the new, customizable ambient lighting is the thing that'll make the biggest difference, though that's merely catching up to the new Model 3 and Model Y, which got the ambient lighting as part of their most recent upgrade.

Woohoo, ambient lighting is here! Credit: Tesla

As for the Model X's improved third-row space, that could be a big deal for people who often haul more than five passengers, but Tesla didn't share any details and it's hard to judge the differences based on official photos alone.

Potential customers won't like the fact that both the Model S and Model X now cost $5,000 more than before. The starting price for the Model S is now $84,990, while the Model X now starts at $89,990. That's for the All-Wheel Drive variants; if you want the Plaid versions, they start at $99,990, and $104,990, respectively.