Tesla launches cheaper Model 3 in Europe
Tesla has officially launched its most affordable Model 3 variant, the Model 3 Standard, across European markets, a move aimed at boosting sales amid increasing competition and a recent downturn in demand. The announcement was made through an in-app notification to users, emphasizing that this new model provides access to essential Tesla features while offering a lower cost of ownership. The pricing for the Model 3 Standard varies by country; in Germany, it starts at €37,970, while in France and Italy, it is slightly cheaper at €36,990. This pricing represents a significant reduction of approximately €8,000 compared to the next trim level, now referred to as Premium.
However, prospective buyers should be aware that opting for the Standard model comes with notable compromises in features. Compared to the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Premium trim, the Standard version offers reduced range, slower acceleration, and fewer luxury elements, such as the absence of rear heated seats and a secondary display for backseat passengers. While the Standard model retains Basic Autopilot with Autosteer and the Panoramic Glass Roof—features not available in the U.S. version—there are still differences in audio systems, with European trims having fewer speakers than their U.S. counterparts. This launch comes at a challenging time for Tesla in Europe, where sales have been sluggish, partly due to CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political stances and strong competition from companies like BYD.
In a silver lining for the brand, Tesla’s reputation appears to be improving, as evidenced by the latest Consumer Reports ranking, which placed Tesla in 10th position—up from 18th last year. However, this comes alongside mixed reviews, as Germany’s TÜV association recently flagged some Tesla models as among the least reliable they have tested. As Tesla navigates these challenges, the introduction of the Model 3 Standard could be a strategic move to regain market share and attract budget-conscious consumers looking for electric vehicle options.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7RY7AU9peo
Tesla
‘s cheapest Model 3 is now available in Europe.
The company started offering a stripped-down version of the model across its European markets on Friday, notifying its users via an in-app message.
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The Model 3 Standard is “our most affordable vehicle,” Tesla wrote in the message. “(It) gives you all the best Tesla features with a lower cost of ownership over time.”
The price of the Model 3 Standard varies by market. In Germany, it starts at €37,970, while in France and Italy, it’s a bit cheaper at €36,990.
While that’s roughly €8,000 cheaper than the next trim (which is now called Premium), you do lose quite a lot in terms of features.
We’ve covered the details for both the Standard trims of
Model Y and Model 3 on Mashable
. In short, compared to Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Premium trim, you get lower range, slower acceleration, no additional display for passengers in the rear, no heated seats in the back, less fancy decorative elements, partially textile seats, and fewer colors on offer, among other reductions.
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Some good news: Unlike in the U.S., the Model 3 Standard keeps Basic Autopilot with Autosteer; and unlike the Model Y Standard, it keeps the Panoramic Glass Roof. There are other, subtle differences between trims in Europe compared to America. For example, in Europe both the Standard and the cheapest Premium trim have seven loudspeakers; in the U.S. the Premium variant gets two speakers more.
The new model comes amidst a painful slump in sales
across most European markets
for Tesla, likely because of
CEO Elon Musk’s politics
, but also due to strong competition from
China’s BYD
and other electric vehicle makers.
Another bit of good news that may entice users to choose Tesla, though, is the latest
Consumer Reports’
auto brand ranking, which puts Tesla in the 10th place for the first time, a big jump from the 18th place last year. On the other hand, Germany’s TÜV association
recently highlighted
some of Tesla’s models as the least reliable it ever tested.
