Tesla introduces more affordable Model S and Model X options with reduced mileage

Home > Industry Analysis > Content

【Summary】Tesla has introduced new "Standard Range" variants of the Model S and Model X, priced at $78,490 and $88,490 respectively. These versions have shorter ranges and slower acceleration than the base models, but are $10,000 cheaper. It is unclear if the battery packs are different or if the range is software-limited. Buyers will have to pay extra for colors and customization, as well as for Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

FutureCar Staff Aug 26, 2023 10:06 AM PT

Tesla introduces more affordable Model S and Model X options with reduced mileage

Tesla has introduced new, more affordable versions of its Model S and Model X vehicles. These new offerings, called "Standard Range" variants, are expected to be delivered in the US between September and October of this year. The Model S Standard Range is priced at $78,490, while the standard Model X is listed at $88,490. It's important to note that these prices do not include any potential savings from EV tax credits.

Compared to the base models, both the Model S and Model X Standard Range vehicles are $10,000 cheaper. However, they do come with shorter ranges. The Model S Standard Range has a range of 320 miles, while the base variant can travel over 80 miles further with its 405-mile range. Additionally, the new Model S takes 3.7 seconds to accelerate from zero to 60 mph, whereas the base version achieves the same speed in 3.1 seconds. As for the Model X, it has a range of 269 miles, which is shorter than the base variant's 348 miles. The new Model X also takes 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, compared to the base version's 3.8 seconds.

It remains unclear whether Tesla is producing new battery packs specifically for these Standard Range vehicles or if it is simply software-locking the packs of its EVs with longer ranges. If it's the latter, there is a possibility that Tesla may offer customers the option to unlock longer ranges in the future for an additional cost. The Standard Range EVs are available in Pearl White with an all-black interior, along with standard wheels and steering wheel. Buyers can choose other colors and customizations, but these will come at an extra cost, as will Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot ($6,000) and Full Self-Driving Capability ($15,000) features.

For current Tesla customers, there is an opportunity to transfer Full Self-Driving to a newly purchased vehicle for free. However, this offer is only valid if they take delivery of a new EV between July 20th and September 30th, 2023. It's important to note that if customers choose to buy the new Standard Range vehicles, which may be delivered after September, they may have to pay for Full Self-Driving again, even if they already have it in their current Tesla EV.