Just like the insiders told us, Tesla chose this week to unveil its cheap entry-level Model Y “Standard” trim. What they didn’t tell us about is that it would simultaneously launch a wallet-friendly version of the Model 3 saloon. Both are about as bare-bones as they come and cost between $5,000–5,500 less than the next trim up the list, so you may forget about Musk’s previously promised price point of “around $25,000”.
Neither car has ventilated seats in the front row or heated ones in the back. The interior lacks ambient backlight, there is no touchscreen for the rear seat occupants and Autopilot is likewise non-existent. Textile upholstery is used throughout instead of leather, and no power adjustments means you’ll have to crank manual levers whenever something needs to be tweaked for comfort. Even the mirrors are now manual, and the audio system makes do with 7 speakers instead of 15.
You can choose from all of three exterior colors, these being white, black and grey, but the latter two will cost you extra. The Model Y doesn’t even have a connecting LED strip between the headlights and ditches the panoramic roof. Basic 18-inch wheels and non-adaptive shock absorbers might make it a shakier ride, especially considering the weight.
Both EVs come equipped with a 69-kWh battery pack EPA-rated at 517 kilometers (321 miles) of range per charge – less than ever, even if by a tiny bit. Sprinting from zero to 60 miles per hour (0-96.6 km/h) is more like jogging now, taking 6.8 seconds.
Prices start from $36,990 for the Model 3 Standard and $39,990 for the Model Y Standard – so much for “affordable”. The first deliveries in the United States are planned for November. With the EV tax subsidies now null and void in the States, it remains to be seen how well the automaker manages to straighten its struggling business.
