I don't see a lot of the Model S refresh changes as positives. I see many of them as cost cutting. The yoke, haptic buttons instead of real buttons, touchscreen gear change instead of stalks, the landscape screen. I see all of these as cost cutting negatives that make the product worse. For me. I see the 2024 Model S as a 2012 Model S with a few upgrades and a few nerfs. My car was about $123k new. After 13 years of heavy inflation it now starts at $75k. There's a lot of cheapening out of the product going on as well as production efficiencies.
I tried out a newer Model S and didn't think the seats were as comfortable, and didn't like several other elements that felt cheaper.
I've been loaned a Model X Ludacris and I didn't think it was very good. Harsh ride, poor handling, mediocre interior. This was prior to the Raven era updates.
I do think they aren't a horrible value and still really good performance/range for the money. But there's competition now.
I've been in a couple Model 3's and it felt just too cheap and bare bones for me, like sub Camry quality for sure.
I don't think "minimalism" marketing works on me. I just see cheap cost cutting. I like premium materials, physical buttons and stalks, cleanly integrated screens, pleasing ergonomics. All the things Porsche tends to get just right. I'm too big for a Taycan though and they're too expensive.
Ideally I'd like to see the S and X combined into a single mid size crossover that's slightly larger and much more luxurious than the Y for $80k. Then they could offer an extended wheelbase version with a 3rd row to cover 2 segments.
The essence of my gripe is there doesn't seem to be an upgrade offering from Tesla from my 2013 P85+. Yes, some things have improved like suspension but many things have gotten worse, so it's a wash for me and not worth spending any money.
*I also really like that my car is the lightest Model S with RWD. I call it the Miata of Model S's. I wish we could still get a RWD Model S. I have no interest in extreme launch acceleration or AWD. RWD just feels better, simpler.