With its cutting-edge technology, impressive range, and sleek designs, Tesla has gained immense popularity among environmentally-conscious drivers and technology enthusiasts alike. But navigating through Tesla’s various models can be an exciting but potentially overwhelming experience.
To help you make an informed decision, we will explore the standout features, pricing options, performance specifications, and other important considerations for the Tesla Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y. We will also discuss the evolving pricing dynamics and potential future developments in Tesla’s lineup.
By the end of this guide, you will have a solid foundation of knowledge to navigate the Tesla buying process with confidence, enabling you to choose the Tesla vehicle that best aligns with your preferences, budget, and driving requirements.
First and foremost, let’s discuss a key aspect shared by all Tesla vehicles. Unlike hybrid or electric cars with backup engines, Tesla manufactures fully electric vehicles that rely solely on electric power.
Presently, the Tesla supercharger network boasts over 45,000 charging stalls located worldwide. It’s important to note that owning a Tesla does not necessarily mandate relying solely on superchargers for charging. Ideally, you can charge your Tesla vehicle at home, rendering the need for superchargers less essential for day-to-day charging. All Tesla models can utilize the supercharger network, with charging rates typically proving more economical than gasoline costs.
Tesla prioritizes safety in all its vehicle models. Each of their four cars excels in terms of safety, receiving top ratings in every category from reputable authorities. The Model 3 and Model Y, in particular, have been extensively tested and are regarded as two of the safest cars ever evaluated. The Model S and Model X also rank highly in terms of safety performance. Furthermore, Tesla equips its vehicles with a range of safety features designed to prevent accidents and protect occupants in the event of a collision.
Additionally, Tesla vehicles are equipped with Autopilot, a driver-assistance system that offers various functions. Autopilot incorporates adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the car’s speed and braking according to surrounding vehicles, as well as autosteer, which helps keep the vehicle centered within the lane.
Tesla provides the option to upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot for $6,000 or opt for the Full Self-Driving package at an additional cost of $15,000. Tesla also offers a subscription option for $199 per month, which may be a more reasonable choice for some customers.
Enhanced Autopilot includes features such as navigation on autopilot, auto lane change, auto park, summon, and smart summon. The Full Self-Driving package encompasses all the features of Enhanced Autopilot, along with current limitations, and adds traffic light and stop sign control, allowing the vehicle to recognize and respond to traffic signals with driver supervision.
A notable aspect of Tesla vehicles is that they no longer include a mobile charging connector kit by default. The kit contains a portable charger to plug into household outlets for medium- to low-speed charging. This is useful to have in case of long road trips or emergencies. When purchasing a Tesla, you now need to add a charger as an extra option. The Mobile Connector is $230. But for the fastest at-home charging, we recommend purchasing the Tesla Wall Connector for $425. This will need to be permanently installed in your garage by an electrician.
Furthermore, every Tesla vehicle comes with the Tesla phone app, allowing users to control various aspects remotely, such as climate settings, charging percentage, and summoning the vehicle. The app also provides functionalities like locking the doors, honking the horn, venting the windows, and more.
Tesla Model 3
The most affordable and popular Tesla model currently available is the Model 3. This five-seater vehicle features a standard trunk with an automatic liftgate, a front trunk, and sleek all-black exterior trim. The rear seats can be folded down to provide additional storage space. Inside, it boasts a glass roof, wireless phone charging in the front console, a vegan interior, premium audio, heated seats, USB-C ports, and a USB drive for sentry mode and security footage. The standout design element is the large 15-inch center display, which controls various functions within the car, including windshield wiper settings and climate controls.
The rear-wheel-drive Model 3 is the most affordable option, priced at $40,240. It offers a range of 272 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds.
The only distinction between the standard-range rear-wheel-drive model and the long-range model is that the standard-range version comes with a partial premium interior. This means you get slightly less premium audio, no LED fog lamps, and no front heated seats. The long-range all-wheel-drive model, priced at $47,240, provides a range of 333 miles and achieves 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds. Currently, Tesla is only selling the long-range model with limited inventory and states that it will be widely available in 2023, according to its website.
For both Model 3 options, you can choose between standard 18-inch aero wheels or 19-inch sport wheels for an additional $1,500. The standard interior color is black, but you have the option to upgrade to a white interior for an extra $1,000, which offers an aesthetically pleasing look. The standard paint color is white, but you can opt for gray or blue paint for an additional $1,000 or choose black for an extra $1,500. If you desire a vibrant look, you can select the red paint option for $2,000.
For those seeking a high-performance experience, the Model 3 Performance model offers a range of 315 miles and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.1 seconds. It is priced at $53,240 and includes specific upgrades such as 20-inch Uber turbine wheels, performance brakes, a carbon fiber spoiler, aluminum alloy pedals, lowered suspension, and track mode.
Tesla Model Y
The Model Y is designed as a compact SUV, largely based on and priced similarly to the Model 3. Depending on the package you choose, it can seat either five or seven passengers. The seven-seater option includes two small rear seats that can accommodate passengers when needed, albeit with limited space. This option comes at an additional cost of $3,000.
The Model Y’s main selling point is its trunk space. When you open the hatchback, you’ll find a spacious cargo area, and the rear seats can be easily folded flat at the touch of a button, making the rear cargo area highly versatile. The long-range Model Y starts at $50,490 and provides a range of 330 miles. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds with this configuration.
You can choose between the included 19-inch Gemini wheels or upgrade to the 20-inch induction wheels for an additional $2,000. However, note that opting for the larger wheels reduces the range to 318 miles. The performance model is priced at $54,490 and offers a range of 303 miles, a 0 to 60 mph acceleration time of 3.5 seconds, and a top speed of 155 miles per hour.
Just like the Model 3, an all-black interior is standard. Change the seats to white for an extra $1,000. The standard paint color is white, while gray and blue are available for an additional $1,000. Black carries an extra cost of $1,500, and red is available for an extra $2,000.
The Model 3 and Y are highly recommended for most individuals, but Tesla also offers the more luxurious Model S and Model X with numerous additional upgrades.
Tesla Model S
The Model S, a sedan that sits low like the Model 3, can accommodate five passengers and features a hatchback trunk similar to the Model Y. It boasts an all-glass panoramic roof, providing breathtaking views similar to those of the Model Y. All seats, including the steering wheel and windshield, are heated.
At the front, there’s a wireless charger for two phones, center console storage, climate control settings on the screen, and the option for a yoke or traditional round steering wheel. The second row has three seats, with the middle seat doubling as an armrest and featuring cupholders and a wireless charger for rear passengers when needed. The rear also includes a screen that allows rear passengers to stream content, play games with wireless controllers, and more. The seats can be folded flat, offering excellent storage space, with Tesla claiming that a bike can fit without removing a wheel.
The long-range all-wheel-drive Model S starts at $88,490, providing a range of 405 miles, a top speed of 149 mph, and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.1 seconds. It comes with the standard 19-inch Tempest wheels, and there’s an option to upgrade to 21-inch wheels for an additional $4,500, which reduces the range to 375 miles.
The standard interior is black, but you can choose white or cream for an extra $2,000. White is the default paint color, while black, gray, and blue require an additional $1,500, and red is available for an extra $3,000.
The Model S Plaid starts at $108,490, featuring a tri-motor setup with a range of 396 miles, a top speed of 200 mph, and a blistering 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 1.99 seconds. It holds the title of the fastest production car ever made. The Plaid model includes specific upgrades such as impressive acceleration, 1,020 horsepower, three high-performance motors with carbon-sleeved rotors, torque vectoring, higher thermal capacity brake calipers, and a spoiler.
Tesla Model X
Moving on to Tesla’s largest vehicle, the Model X, an SUV that shares many similarities with the Model S and Model Y, features a significantly larger panoramic windshield than the Model S, providing an exceptional view for the driver. It has four doors but stands out with its distinctive falcon-wing doors for the rear passengers. Apart from their cool appearance, these doors serve a practical purpose, making it easier to load cargo from the sides of the car. The Model X has a larger trunk space than the Model S and has an overall taller profile.
The Model X offers three seating options: 5, 6, and 7 seats, with all the premium features mentioned for the Model S. The tow hitch is included, allowing for a 5,000-pound towing capacity. The base price for the Model X is $98,490, providing a range of 348 miles, a top speed of 149 mph, and a 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 3.8 seconds. It comes with 20-inch cyberstream wheels, and there’s an option to upgrade to 22-inch turbine wheels for an additional $5,500, which reduces the range to 330 miles.
The standard interior is black, but white or cream can be chosen for an extra $2,000.
The available paint colors are the same as for the Model S. Five seats are included, while the six-seater option costs an extra $6,500 and the seven-seater option costs an extra $3,500. You can also choose between a round or yoke steering wheel.
The Model X Plaid starts at $108,490, featuring three motors, a range of 333 miles, a top speed of 149 mph, and 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 2.5 seconds, making it the SUV with the quickest acceleration currently in production. The Plaid model includes the same upgrades as the Model S Plaid, including impressive acceleration, 1,020 horsepower, three high-performance motors with carbon-sleeved rotors, torque vectoring, and higher thermal capacity brake calipers.
Nevertheless, Tesla’s pricing has indeed shown volatility recently, with the company experimenting and making adjustments to its pricing strategies. It’s important to note that pricing in the automotive industry can be subject to change as companies evaluate market conditions, production costs, and other factors. Therefore, it’s possible that Tesla’s pricing may continue to evolve and fluctuate in the future. It’s always advisable to stay updated with the latest information from Tesla’s website to have the most accurate and current pricing details.