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

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【Summary】Tesla has introduced more affordable "Standard Range" variants of its Model S and Model X vehicles, priced at $78,490 and $88,490 respectively. These new versions have shorter ranges and slower acceleration compared to 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 customization options and Tesla's Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features.

FutureCar Staff Aug 25, 2023 9:59 AM PT

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

Tesla has introduced new versions of its Model S and Model X vehicles that are more affordable than the base and Plaid models. These new variants, called "Standard Range," are expected to be delivered in the US between September and October 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 applicable to the buyer's location.

Both the Model S Standard Range and Model X Standard Range are priced $10,000 lower than their base counterparts. However, they do have slightly shorter ranges compared to the other versions in their respective lineups. The Model S Standard Range has a range of 320 miles, while the base variant can travel over 80 miles more 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. Similarly, the new Model X has a range of 269 miles, which is shorter than the base variant's 348 miles, and it takes 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph compared to the base version's 3.8 seconds.

It remains unclear whether Tesla is manufacturing 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 is 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 currently available in Pearl White with an all-black interior, along with standard wheels and a steering wheel. Buyers will need to pay extra for different colors, customizations, and Tesla's Enhanced Autopilot ($6,000) and Full Self-Driving Capability ($15,000) features.

For existing Tesla customers, there is an opportunity to transfer the Full Self-Driving feature to a newly purchased vehicle for free. However, this offer is only valid if the new EV is delivered between July 20th and September 30th, 2023. Since the Standard Range vehicles may be delivered after September, buyers should be aware that they might have to pay for Full Self-Driving again, even if they already have it in their current Tesla EV.