For all of Elon Musk’s grand talk over the past couple of years, Tesla’s much-touted affordable models have landed with more of a thud than a bang. As anticipated after several recent leaks, the newcomer is essentially a heavily cost-cut version of the Model Y. Even so, Tesla slipped in a small surprise with the introduction of a lower-priced Model 3, both now bundled under the newly introduced “Standard” trim name.
Alongside these launches, Tesla has reshuffled its trim lineup. The entry-level versions now carry the Standard name, while the mid-range Long Range models have been renamed Premium. The Performance flagship remains unchanged at the top of the hierarchy.
Lower Price, Leaner Package
The headline figure sets the tone: the Model 3 Standard starts at $33,490, which is $5,500 less than the previous base model, now renamed RWD Premium. The Model Y Standard begins at $36,490, a $5,000 reduction compared with its RWD Premium equivalent. Both rely on rear-wheel drive, powered by a 300 hp electric motor and a smaller 69 kWh battery pack built with one fewer module than usual.
Model Y Standard
Starting with the Model Y Standard, the range sits at an EPA-estimated 321 miles, a dip from the 357 miles offered by the RWD Premium. Acceleration is slower too, hitting 60 mph (97 km/h) in 6.8 seconds with a rollout, versus the Premium’s 5.4-second run. Top speed remains unchanged at 125 mph.
Specs tell only half the story, though. Tesla has stripped away enough that the car now carries the faint aura of something you’d return after a weekend trip and immediately forget about. The middle section of the lightbar has vanished, which, to be fair, isn’t the biggest tragedy. In fact, sSome might even call it an improvement, if only by accident.
The bumper design has been simplified too, featuring revised air inlets, while the lighting elements have migrated into the headlamps. Around the rear, the Juniper’s signature taillamps lose their connecting center lightbar, creating a more subdued look.
New smaller 18-inch wheels come as standard, with a 19-inch option available. The simplified wheel covers might not win any style awards, but the extra tire sidewall should improve ride comfort. Color choices are limited to three: Stealth Grey as standard, plus Pearl White for $1,000 and Diamond Black for $1,500.
The most noticeable changes happen in the cabin. Vegan leather seats have been replaced with textile inserts, and the redesigned center console now features a large open section similar to what’s seen in the Cybertruck. Front seat ventilation and rear seat heating have been deleted, while rear passengers also lose the small touchscreen in favor of manual vents.
Look upward and you’ll spot the most unexpected alteration. The Model Y Standard trades its see-through roof for a regular headliner with sound-absorbing material above it. But appearances deceive; the glass roof is actually still there, simply hidden beneath. Apparently, Tesla found it cheaper to retain the glass panel and cover it rather than engineer a new metal roof. And yes, it’s as redundant as it sounds.
Model 3 Standard
Moving to the Model 3 Standard, the EPA estimates a 321-mile range, down from the RWD Premium’s 363 miles. The sedan sprints to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds with rollout and matches the same 125 mph top speed.
Visually, changes are subtler than on the Model Y. There wasn’t much to strip anyaway, so the main differences are the smaller, softer-riding 18-inch wheels, with 19s again optional, and the same trio of exterior colors, including standard grey, optional white, and black.
This is a developing story.
