Tesla teaser - cheap model Y or something else?

[SCTesla]

I get what you're saying. The new MY/M3 Standard RWDs aren't missing any killer features. I agree that they will sell, because people will take the $5,000/$5,500 savings relative to the MY and M3 Premium RWDs.

But that's also a problem, because it means that the MY/M3 Standard RWDs will cannibalize sales of the more expensive models. Ideally, the new inexpensive trims would bring in new customers that wouldn't otherwise consider a Tesla. Not sure that they are priced low enough to do that. The Standard RWDs (without the tax credit) still cost more than a Premium RWD did last month (with the credit).

For $5k more you get:

Autosteer
Better Suspension
Double Pained Acoustic glass
Power Seats
"Leather"
Bigger Screen in the front
Screen in the back
More storage space/Larger Frunk (finished frunk, too)
Better HVAC (MY)
Faster 0-60
Better connectivity (Standard doesn't have UWB)
Glass roof (that you can see through)
More range


That's just off the top of my head.

I think the biggest miss was taking out Autosteer TBH, because you get cruise with lane assist on cheaper competitor products.

As you said, to catch new customers $5k and removing all of those features isn't going to do much. I'm sure some will sell, but I don't think it will be a big seller.

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[BlueLightning]

This. 100%. Not that the Standard models aren’t a good value, just that the price isn’t low enough to justify what you lose by not going for a now “premium” model. Y Standard v. Y Premium RWD is only a $5K difference, and with the premium model you get:

• more range
• a better sound system
• FM radio
• a rear screen
• a glass roof
• more storage in the center console
• a power-adjust steering wheel
• some suede interior decor
• a HEPA filter
• second-row touchscreen-adjust air vents
• seats are full leather - front are ventilated and rears are heated
• second row can fold automatically
• adaptive high beams
• power folding mirrors
• frequency dependent shock absorbers
• Autosteer

That’s lots of stuff, and Tesla estimates a $72 difference in the monthly payments.

So yeah, I’d say this thing is DoA and will just push people towards the premium - just like CT did.

Taking out all those features they should have sold it for $25k.

Can get a used one with all those feature and enjoy!

 

[SCTesla]

I didn't even see someone else listed it out.

 

[henchman24]

I get what you're saying. The new MY/M3 Standard RWDs aren't missing any killer features. I agree that they will sell, because some people will take the $5,000/$5,500 savings relative to the MY/M3 Premium RWDs.

But that's not a total win, because it means that the MY/M3 Standard RWDs will cannibalize sales of the more expensive models. Ideally, the new inexpensive trims would bring in new customers that wouldn't otherwise consider a Tesla. Not sure that they are priced low enough to do that. The Standard RWDs (without the tax credit) still cost more than a Premium RWD did last month (with the credit). They aren't breaking new ground when it comes to affordability.

The tax credit is simply gone though and the point of view of buyers moving forward will have to shift to this new pricing. We're in a weird period where people can claim the better deal... but it is a different market today.

The main reason the M3 didn't change much is because they had pretty much already engineered this vehicle in a prior push for a cheaper vehicle. Many compromises were done with a slightly different lens and to change those decisions now would be more costly than just rolling with the ones they already made. The Y was a later start on that, and happened alongside the Juniper development, so a different set of decisions were made.

For $5k more you get:

Autosteer
Better Suspension
Double Pained Acoustic glass
Power Seats
"Leather"
Bigger Screen in the front
Screen in the back
More storage space/Larger Frunk (finished frunk, too)
Better HVAC (MY)
Faster 0-60
Better connectivity (Standard doesn't have UWB)
Glass roof (that you can see through)
More range


That's just off the top of my head.

I think the biggest miss was taking out Autosteer TBH, because you get cruise with lane assist on cheaper competitor products.

As you said, to catch new customers $5k and removing all of those features isn't going to do much. I'm sure some will sell, but I don't think it will be a big seller.

I think the misconception is that Tesla wants this to sell in big numbers. The 3 they probably would move a decent amount of volume. The Y though, they clearly want people to stretch. Fleets and Uber are going to be the cheap Y's main sales.

 

[SCTesla]

I think the misconception is that Tesla wants this to sell in big numbers. The 3 they probably would move a decent amount of volume. The Y though, they clearly want people to stretch. Fleets and Uber are going to be the cheap Y's main sales.

I think that misconception comes from Elon/Tesla. They've been advertising the "new more affordable models" for almost 2 years then Tesla had 4 videos made and pushed out about it.

It's a huge letdown for most.

 

[henchman24]

I think that misconception comes from Elon/Tesla. They've been advertising the "new more affordable models" for almost 2 years then Tesla had 4 videos made and pushed out about it.

It's a huge letdown for most.

And these are more affordable. Well over 10% off isn't nothing. It doesn't make up for the tax credit, but that is outside Tesla's control.

The dreams of a 25k Tesla are just not based in reality, and I think people are clinging on to that idea. The market has shifted dramatically over the past decade. A very base Rav4 with not lane centering or cross traffic, FWD, etc... is 30k. The Corolla Cross (Toyota's cheapest SUV) with no options and even more spartan... is 25k. Their cheapest Corolla sedan is 23k. And you can't find those models on the lots. They get a couple option packages and add 3-5k very easily. There are not very many legitimate <30k new cars on lots any more.

Elon for a while has shifted the conversation away from that model and been talking about autonomy being the key. For about 2 years he has been on that message. Right path or wrong path, that is their path.

FTR I think these models are a bit overpriced for what they are. The 3 should be ~2k less and the Y should be ~4k less than they are... but they clearly couldn't cut as much cost out as they want, and they want to push sales up still.

 

[YDR37]

So over the past few months, we have seen two different pricing strategies from Tesla:

1. Add features and charge more. Applies to the Model S, Model X, and Cyberbeast, which now include the expensive "Luxe Package" as standard.

2. Remove features and charge less. Applies to the Model 3 and Model Y, which now come in lower-cost decontented "Standard RWD" trims. Also applied to the now-discontinued RWD Cybertruck.

So where does this leave the $79,990 dual-motor AWD Cybertruck? Based on what has happened recently with other models, Tesla could theoretically:

- Make the Luxe Package or other goodies standard on the dual-motor AWD, and charge more.
- Offer a dual-motor AWD with decontented features like on the single-motor RWD, and charge less.
- Do both of those things.
- Do neither of these things, just keep current pricing and features.

My best guess would be that they do nothing. But I could be wrong.

 

[Black306]

For $5k more you get:

Autosteer
Better Suspension
Double Pained Acoustic glass
Power Seats
"Leather"
Bigger Screen in the front
Screen in the back
More storage space/Larger Frunk (finished frunk, too)
Better HVAC (MY)
Faster 0-60
Better connectivity (Standard doesn't have UWB)
Glass roof (that you can see through)
More range


That's just off the top of my head.

I think the biggest miss was taking out Autosteer TBH, because you get cruise with lane assist on cheaper competitor products.

As you said, to catch new customers $5k and removing all of those features isn't going to do much. I'm sure some will sell, but I don't think it will be a big seller.

Same. Tesla is a technology company. Makes absolutely no sense to me for them to pull one of their key features. Anyone looking at a base 3/Y is probably significantly cost conscious and not likely to get FSD. So if they pulled Autosteer in hopes to make FSD sales/subscriptions, doubt that'll work. Plus, since Autosteer is a flip of a digital switch, cost is nothing. However, having Autosteer included might be enough to convince someone to buy a 3/Y.

Only reason I can think of would be for people looking at a base, but may consider upgrading to a higher model. Then in that case, thought process might be 'well, $5k upgrade is going to Autosteer, etc, etc, etc.' Then it might make spending more money more palatable.

 

[WHIZZARD OF OZ]

Probably, but it's an odd move for a vehicle losing demand for 3 straight years to introduce a stripped version for more money just 7 days ago.

It just seems like a misstep by Tesla. Even some of the decisions like putting cloth on the roof to cover the glass (permanently) instead of making it metal. There is a lot stripped out for only a $5k discount. Adding in that there's no driver assist at that price and the RWD may still be a better deal. The stock dropped $20 since the announcement because most don't think this will help Tesla sell many more vehicles and it shouldn't have been so hyped by the company and just probably posted online, silently, instead.

Edit: Since they removed the comfort suspension and double pained glass. There's no reason to get this over a used MY AWD, which would be cheaper considering all you would gain.

The headliner in the Model Y Standard will be a great option for Australia. ( If it comes Downunder)
Summer gets a bit HOT HOT HOT under glass....this one coming is bound to be a scorcher

 

[WHIZZARD OF OZ]

This. 100%. Not that the Standard models aren’t a good value, just that the price isn’t low enough to justify what you lose by not going for a now “premium” model. Y Standard v. Y Premium RWD is only a $5K difference, and with the premium model you get:

• more range
• a better sound system
• FM radio
• a rear screen
• a glass roof
• more storage in the center console
• a power-adjust steering wheel
• some suede interior decor
• a HEPA filter
• second-row touchscreen-adjust air vents
• seats are full leather - front are ventilated and rears are heated
• second row can fold automatically
• adaptive high beams
• power folding mirrors
• frequency dependent shock absorbers
• Autosteer

That’s lots of stuff, and Tesla estimates a $72 difference in the monthly payments.

So yeah, I’d say this thing is DoA and will just push people towards the premium - just like CT did.

That $5K difference is an interesting conversation starter. The pool of people buying in that segment is probably quite BIG. They will consider the Tesla up against all other EV brands and possibly go with a M3/Y.
I wait to see the data.....

 

[WHIZZARD OF OZ]

OK, that could make sense. But then the next question is ... why did they leave the panoramic glass roof uncovered on the new Model 3 Standard RWD?

Headroom would be reduced is my reckoning.....just a thought

 

[2025CTAWD]

Just my two cents. Take it with a grain of salt. I don’t mean any harm to this forum, but we are on a forum for a truck that costs $80ish K++. The people in the market for a $35~45K car are much more cost aware than the people who spend $80K on a Car. It’s relative to your income and needs. Not everyone needs all the bells and whistles and the people who have the wherewithal to spend $80K on a car don’t/should not bat an eye for a few extra bucks (if you do, you cannot afford it truly imo).

There are a few posts about the stock price of Tesla on this thread. That doesn’t matter, and I highly doubt Mr. Musk cares about his stock value.

I see the standard models doing well where insurance, cost of gas, and maintenance for ICE cars is higher. Big Cities.

Just my two cents….

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