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 significant move to capture a larger share of the electric vehicle market amid increasing competition. The announcement was made through an in-app message to Tesla users, emphasizing that this new model provides “all the best Tesla features with a lower cost of ownership over time.” The Model 3 Standard is priced differently across various European countries, starting at €37,970 in Germany and slightly lower at €36,990 in France and Italy. This pricing represents a substantial reduction of approximately €8,000 compared to the next trim, now labeled as Premium. However, potential buyers should be aware that opting for the Standard model comes with notable sacrifices in features, including reduced range, slower acceleration, and a lack of certain luxury elements such as heated rear seats and additional passenger displays.
Despite these trade-offs, the Model 3 Standard retains some appealing features that differentiate it from its U.S. counterpart. Notably, it includes Basic Autopilot with Autosteer, which is absent in the U.S. version, and it also boasts a Panoramic Glass Roof, a feature that has been well-received by customers. Additionally, both the Standard and the cheapest Premium trims in Europe come equipped with seven speakers, while the U.S. Premium variant offers two additional speakers, showcasing some of the subtle differences in specifications between the two markets. This launch comes at a time when Tesla is facing a challenging sales environment in Europe, attributed to both CEO Elon Musk’s controversial political stances and fierce competition from companies like China’s BYD.
In a positive turn for Tesla, the latest Consumer Reports ranking has seen the company rise to 10th place, a notable improvement from its previous standing at 18th. However, this is juxtaposed with findings from Germany’s TÜV association, which recently flagged some Tesla models as among the least reliable tested. This mixed reception highlights the complexities of Tesla’s position in the European market, where affordability and brand perception play crucial roles in consumer decision-making. With the introduction of the Model 3 Standard, Tesla aims to attract a broader customer base while navigating the challenges posed by both market dynamics and consumer expectations.
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.
