Tesla launches cheaper Model 3 in Europe
Tesla has officially launched its most affordable Model 3 variant, the Model 3 Standard, across Europe, marking a strategic move to regain traction in a market where the electric vehicle (EV) giant has faced declining sales. The announcement was communicated to users through an in-app message, emphasizing that this model offers “all the best Tesla features with a lower cost of ownership over time.” The pricing for the Model 3 Standard varies by country, starting at €37,970 in Germany and slightly lower at €36,990 in France and Italy. This new entry is approximately €8,000 less than the next trim level, now referred to as Premium, but it comes with significant trade-offs in features.
While the lower price point is appealing, prospective buyers should be aware of the compromises involved. The Standard version offers reduced range and slower acceleration compared to the Premium variant, and it lacks several luxury features such as a second display for rear passengers, heated rear seats, and enhanced interior finishes. However, there are notable advantages to the European Model 3 Standard, including the retention of Basic Autopilot with Autosteer and the Panoramic Glass Roof, which are not available in the U.S. version. Additionally, both the Standard and entry-level Premium trims in Europe come equipped with seven speakers, contrasting with the U.S. Premium model that features nine speakers.
This launch comes at a critical time for Tesla, as the company has been grappling with a slump in sales across Europe, attributed to various factors including CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political stances and fierce competition from Chinese manufacturers like BYD. Despite these challenges, there is a silver lining for Tesla; recent rankings from Consumer Reports placed the company 10th among auto brands, a significant improvement from its previous 18th position. However, the German TÜV association has raised concerns, highlighting some Tesla models as among the least reliable it has tested, which could influence potential buyers’ decisions. As Tesla navigates these complexities, the introduction of the Model 3 Standard could be a pivotal step in re-establishing its foothold in the competitive European EV market.
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.
