Lower-Priced Tesla Model Y And Model 3 Standard Revealed, But They’re Still Not Cheap

Tesla has lowered its standards. That is to say, it has introduced new entry-level versions of the Model Y and Model 3 in a new Standard trim.

Prices start at $38,630 for the Model 3 Standard and $41,630 for the Model Y Standard, which are $5,500 and $6,500 less, respectively, than the next highest trims.

Both have rear-wheel drive and are advertised with 321 miles of range. The Model 3 can accelerate to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds, but the Model Y needs 6.8 seconds. Single-rate shock absorbers replace the the frequency-dependent type that used to be standard on the base model.

Cost-reduction measures in both include the addition of textile upholstery inserts and front seats that are heated, but not ventilated. The rear seats are not heated and don’t get a infotainment system interface display. The rear air vents vents must also be manually adjusted, while the touchscreen is used to do this remotely in other trims. The steering wheel is manually adjustable, but is heated. The sideview mirrors are listed as “manual-adjust” on the Model 3, which apparently refers to the folding system, not the mirrors themselves. Don’t try to tune in your favorite AM or FM radio station, because neither model has a radio, just streaming audio.

Oddly, while the Model 3 still has a glass roof visible from cabin, the Model Y’s is covered up with a headliner, but still in place. Tesla told Car and Driver that this was cheaper than replacing it with a metal roof, but didn’t explain why it bothered.

The Model Y also gets a somewhat extensive front end design that replaces the full-width light bar and headlight nacelles below it that are found on other trims with two simple clusters that incorporate all of the lighting.

Read Also: NEW TESLA MODEL Y NOW ON SALE IN USA, BUT YOU NEED CASH TO BUY ONE

Gray is the basic paint color for both, while white is $1,000 and black $1,500. The only major options are a switch from 18-inch to 19-inch wheels, which drops the range to 303 miles, and the Full Self-Driving system for $8,000. The standard electronic driver aids include a 360-degree camera system, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist, but not the lane-centering Autosteer.

Tesla’s ordering website suggests the first deliveries will begin in November.

This story has been updated with additional information. Follow American Cars And Racing across our social media on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and Reddit