Tesla has unveiled the Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard, two new entry-level variants aimed at boosting sales after a challenging period for the brand.
Alongside the launch, Tesla has reshuffled its trim hierarchy, with the former Long Range models now badged as Premium, while Performance continues to sit at the top. Tesla brings prices down and make its EVs more accessible without compromising core performance.
Launched in the US, with markets like the UK expected to follow soon. Tesla aims to make the Model 3 and Model Y more accessible to a broader consumer base globally.
- Prices cut and range gets competitive.
- Fewer comfort features, core tech unchanged.
- Budget trims broaden access without major compromises.
Tesla Model Y: What’s Been Trimmed
More affordable Model Y drops some features but keeps core appeal.
The new Model Y Standard will start at USD 39,990 in the US (Rs 35.49 lakh) which is USD 5,500 (Rs 4.88 lakhs) less than the regular Model Y. To hit the lower price point, Tesla has deleted a few features but kept the driving experience intact.
Outside, the light bars are gone, smaller 18‑inch wheels are standard, and only white, black, or gray colors remain. The Model Y Standard loses its signature panoramic glass roof, replaced with a sealed headliner and added insulation.
Premium features are pared back: side mirrors and steering are manual, rear heated seats and second-row screen removed, audio cut to seven speakers, with a minimalist Cybertruck-inspired center console.
Power dips slightly to 300hp, with a smaller 69.5 kWh battery replacing the 75 kWh unit from the Premium (622 km range), offering up to 517 kms of range. The Model Y stays efficient and comfortable, just more value-focused.
Tesla Model 3 Standard: Subtle Cuts, Same Core
Tesla’s entry Model 3 gets minor tweaks and more affordable price tag.
The Model 3 Standard is now the most affordable Tesla sedan, priced at around USD 36,990 (Rs 32.82 lakhs), a USD 5,000 trim (Rs 4.88 lakhs).
Unlike the Model Y, exterior changes are minimal. It gets standard 18‑inch wheels, with 19s optional. Paint choices are limited to gray (free), while white and black cost extra.
Inside, cost‑saving continues with textile seat inserts, manual steering adjustment, and no rear touchscreen, though the panoramic glass roof remains.
The battery uses a reduced 69.5 kWh pack, which has 10 percent less capacity, good for up to 517 km on the 18‑inch wheels, matching the Model Y’s figures. A single rear‑mounted 286 hp motor drives the Standard, hitting 0–60 mph in 5.8 seconds. It’s slightly slower than the Premium RWD, but still delivers instant torque and efficiency in a more budget‑friendly package.
Core Digital Features Remain
Screen, Autopilot, Sentry Mode Unchanged.
Despite these revisions, the core technology and user experience remain unchanged, including the 15.4-inch central touchscreen, Autopilot, Sentry Mode, Dog Mode, and smartphone-based key access, maintaining Tesla’s digital-first interface.
By stripping away some of the luxury touches and shaving performance slightly, Tesla has managed to create more accessible versions of its two bestsellers.
Strategic play to counter market slowdown
New variants push Tesla closer to true mass‑market EV territory.
The new Standard variants arrive at a crucial time for Tesla, following a 13 percent drop in global sales and a 12 percent fall in revenue. By cutting entry prices, the company aims to steady demand and stay competitive against rising pressure from Chinese and legacy carmakers.
Elon Musk has admitted Tesla may face “a few rough quarters,” making this pricing rethink vital to restoring momentum and expanding market reach. The more affordable models position Tesla closer to the mass-market EV segment without diluting its core appeal.
Also see:
2025 Tesla Model Y India Review: Is The Hype Real?
