Tesla has limited how customers in the United States can purchase its Full Self-Driving (FSD) suite, removing the ability to buy it outright for most models and shifting towards a subscription model. The FSD option has now vanished from the Online Design Studio except for higher-end vehicles. Tesla’s subscription-only approach for FSD is expected to filter into other markets in the coming months, reflecting a broader push toward recurring revenue. Consumers paying close attention to Tesla’s model changes are voicing concerns over long-term costs and flexibility, especially as subscription prices are expected to rise and transfer restrictions are set in place.
Earlier iterations of Tesla’s FSD purchase options allowed more flexibility, including outright purchases across different vehicle types or the ability to transfer FSD to another Tesla or owner in some scenarios. The current approach marks a notable shift towards locking advanced driver-assistance features to the initial vehicle and owner. Previous offers were often promoted as lifetime perks that could raise resale value or be bundled with incentives. The new restrictive policies create a tighter ecosystem, reducing those benefits for future owners and closing loopholes that once seemed advantageous to buyers.
What Does the Luxe Package Include?
The only way left to secure a lifetime FSD feature without a subscription is by purchasing a Model S, Model X, or the top-tier Cyberbeast trim of the Cybertruck. Customers who buy these Luxe models receive a comprehensive bundle, which not only provides the FSD suite for the life of the vehicle but also includes free lifetime Supercharging at over 75,000 stations, Premium Connectivity, and a four-year service package with coverage for wheel, tire, and windshield repairs. Tesla has adjusted the pricing accordingly, increasing the cost of the Model S and Model X by $10,000 to accommodate the Luxe Package.
Are There Restrictions on Lifetime Benefits?
The terms of these benefits now specify that they cannot be transferred to another owner or another vehicle if the original owner decides to sell. This restriction marks a change in policy, closing potential loopholes. Tesla clarified these updates to customers, aiming to streamline the relationship between advanced software features and vehicle ownership.
“Full Self-Driving and Supercharging under the Luxe Package is non-transferable,”
stated the company on its updated policy announcement.
How Might FSD Subscription Pricing Evolve?
Currently, the FSD subscription costs $99 per month, but Tesla has indicated that prices may rise as new capabilities, such as unsupervised driving features, are rolled out. The possibility of having both supervised and unsupervised versions at different price points has been floated, but no concrete plans have been disclosed. In some global markets, Tesla has postponed the shift to subscription-only models, with deadlines for outright FSD purchases extended in countries like Australia.
“We continue to evaluate pricing and options as Full Self-Driving technology advances,”
said a Tesla representative.
The recent shift away from outright purchases of Full Self-Driving across Tesla’s lineup reflects a broader industry trend of linking advanced features to subscription models, emphasizing recurring income and data-driven innovation. While the Luxe Package still provides premium access and perks, its increased cost and non-transferable nature limit the flexibility that earlier customers enjoyed. Buyers interested in maximizing FSD features should closely watch policy adjustments in their region and be prepared for additional long-term costs. For those seeking to avoid monthly fees and secure a full suite of driving and maintenance benefits, the Luxe Package remains the last remaining option—albeit with significant caveats. As Tesla’s offerings mature and boundaries on feature ownership are tightened, prospective customers have fewer avenues to secure long-term value when investing in high-tech vehicle platforms.
