Elon Musk has been talking about a more affordable Tesla for years, and it’s finally here. Surprisingly, there are not one but two new additions, though not entirely new models, but rather stripped-down versions of the Model Y Standard and Model 3 Standard.
Both are now cheaper with prices starting from USD39,990 (approx. RM169k) for the Model Y Standard and USD36,990 (approx. RM156k) for the Model 3 Standard — making them USD5,000 (approx. RM21k) and USD5,500 (approx. RM23k) cheaper than the next most affordable respective counterparts.
As we previously covered with the spy shots from social media, the Tesla Model Y Standard now features a simpler look compared to the other variants. It drops the front light bar, features a simplified rear light design, and replaces the glass roof with a solid panel. As standard, it rides on 18-inch Aperture wheels, with 19-inch Crossflow wheels available for an additional USD1,500 (approx. RM6k).
Unlike the Model Y Standard, the Model 3 Standard hasn’t seen many cosmetic changes — if any at all. The only notable difference is that it now comes with 18-inch Prismata wheels as standard, with 19-inch Nova wheels available for an extra USD1,500 (approx. RM6k). Interestingly, Tesla has also chosen to keep the glass roof on the Model 3 Standard despite its lower price compared to the Model Y Standard.
Inside, both models retain the same 15.4-inch centre display found in their pricier counterparts. However, the new Standard variants feature part-fabric upholstery, drop the ambient lighting system, and lose the rear passenger screen behind the centre console. Unique to the Model Y Standard is an open centre console design, similar to what you’ll find in the Cybertruck.
Tesla has not revealed detailed information about the new model’s powertrains, but it’s likely fitted with a similar powertrain used in its existing rear-wheel drive (RWD) models. The Model Y Standard boasts a range of 321 miles under the US EPA test cycle (approx. 604km WLTP), with a top speed of 201 km/h and travels from 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) in 6.8 seconds.
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The Model 3 Standard, like the Model Y Standard, shares the same range of 321 miles under the same test cycle and 201 km/h top speed but completes the 0-60 mph (0-96.5 km/h) sprint in a slightly faster time of 5.8 seconds — most likely due to its body shape and lighter weight.
Safety-wise, the Standard models will still benefit from Tesla’s suite of active safety systems and a 360-degree surround view camera. Furthermore, the Standard models in the US can also be optioned with Tesla’s Supervised Full Self-Driving system for an additional USD8,000 (approx. RM34k)
With the recent price revision of the Tesla Model 3 in Malaysia bringing its starting price to RM169,000, the new Standard variants could potentially start below the RM150,000 mark if they arrive here — heating up the competition among Chinese electric vehicle (EV) rivals.
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Tesla Model 3 Standard
Tesla Model Y Standard
