Tesla’s More Affordable Model Y Standard, Model 3 Standard Come Without Many Key Features

As expected thanks to multiple leaks and teasers, Tesla has officially launched its lower-cost Model Y Standard, but a previously unknown Model 3 Standard has also been revealed alongside it. Both are being positioned as new entry-level trim options rather than new models. They start at slightly lower prices than their pre-existing counterparts, but drop a number of key features that might dampen potential buyers’ enthusiasm.

Prices and performance

The Model Y Standard will start at $39,990 in the US (approximately ₹35.49 lakh) which is $5,500 less than the regular Model Y. The Model 3 Standard gets a slightly narrower $5,000 trim, selling for $36,990 (approximately ₹32.83 lakh) onwards. It is not yet known if or when these options will launch in other countries, but they might make sense in India, where high import duties have hurt the brand’s appeal, making Tesla’s long-awaited debut here a bit underwhelming.  

Both are only available in rear-wheel drive configurations with a single motor. They also feature slightly lower battery capacities, at 69kWh. The Model Y standard has a claimed 321 mile range (516.6km) down from 357 miles (574.5km). The top speed remains 125mph (201.2kmph) but acceleration from zero to 60mph (97kmph) is down to 6.8 seconds, as compared to 5.4 seconds for the regular Model Y. 

The Model 3 Standard has a 321 mile claimed range (516.6km), down from 363 miles (584.2km) and the same 125mph (201kmph) top speed, but a 5.8-second time to reach 0-60mph (97kmph). 

Too many compromises? 

In terms of cosmetic changes, both new cars are available only in Stealth Grey, with Pearl White and Diamond Black available as options costing up to $1,500 extra. The Model Y Standard loses its iconic lightbars on the front and rear, shipping with two ordinary-looking headlights and taillights. The bumpers are simpler, and you get smaller 18-inch alloy wheels as standard on both models. Surprisingly, the Model Y’s full-length glass roof has been covered up rather than replaced with metal, which is possibly a cost-saving measure, but the Model 3 Standard’s roof is unchanged. 

You get fabric seats instead of vegan leather. The front seats aren’t ventilated, and the ones in the rear lack heating and have to be folded manually. Steering wheel and side mirror adjustment is also downgraded to manual. Even the shock absorbers are now passive, not the frequency-tuned ones that Tesla now reserves for its more expensive options.

The rear touchscreen has been dropped, so AC vents are manual. There’s no HEPA air filter or “bioweapon defence mode”. The 15-speaker system has been stripped down to seven speakers, and perhaps most surprisingly, there’s no AM/FM radio. Ambient lighting in the cabin has also been dropped.

Owners will have to sacrifice the Autosteer function, which is a significant selling point as Tesla pushes further into fully autonomous driving capabilities. 

In addition to introducing the new Standard trim level, Tesla has renamed its more expensive Long Range offerings, which will now be called Premium. 

The two new Standard cars might disappoint fans, considering how much of the Tesla DNA has been stripped away in terms of conveniences and luxuries. While they do help the company compensate for the loss of a significant tax rebate on EV purchases in the US, the minor price difference could make these offerings feel like poorer value for money than the older models. Elon Musk’s vision of a $25,000 Tesla (approximately ₹22.18 lakh) remains unfulfilled, as the company’s dedicated low-cost car effort was scrapped in favour of the upcoming two-seater Cybercab.