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Tesla's new Model S and Model X Standard Range variants offer a significant $10,000 price reduction, but this comes with a software-limited driving range and slightly slower acceleration, making them a value proposition for buyers who prioritize cost over maximum performance.
In a move to boost sales of its flagship models, Tesla has introduced new, lower-priced versions of the Model S sedan and Model X SUV. Dubbed the "Standard Range," these models start at $79,880 for the Model S and $89,880 for the Model X, which is $10,000 less than their respective Long Range counterparts. The key trade-off is a reduced driving range and marginally slower acceleration, achieved not through a different battery but via software limitations. Crucially, both new models remain ineligible for the federal EV tax credit of up to $7,500.
The primary difference lies in the driving range, which is the estimated distance an electric vehicle can travel on a full charge. The Standard Range Model S is rated for an estimated 320 miles, a significant drop from the Long Range model's 405 miles. Similarly, the Model X Standard Range sees its estimated range decrease to 269 miles from 348 miles. According to reports, this reduction is not due to a smaller battery pack or different cell chemistry but is enforced by software, a strategy that simplifies manufacturing.
Performance is also slightly affected. The 0-60 mph time (a standard measure of a vehicle's acceleration from a standstill to 60 miles per hour) for the Model S Standard Range increases to 3.7 seconds from a blistering 3.1 seconds. The Model X variant takes 4.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, compared to 3.8 seconds for the Long Range model. Top speeds remain unchanged. Both Standard Range models retain dual-motor all-wheel drive (AWD), a system that powers all four wheels for improved traction.
| Feature | Model S Long Range | Model S Standard Range | Model X Long Range | Model X Standard Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $89,880 | $79,880 | $99,880 | $89,880 |
| Estimated Range | 405 miles | 320 miles | 348 miles | 269 miles |
| 0-60 mph Time | 3.1 seconds | 3.7 seconds | 3.8 seconds | 4.4 seconds |
| Drivetrain | Dual-Motor AWD | Dual-Motor AWD | Dual-Motor AWD | Dual-Motor AWD |
The software limitation means the physical battery pack in the Standard Range models has the same capacity as the Long Range versions, but its full potential is not accessible. Based on our assessment experience, this approach offers Tesla significant manufacturing efficiency. From an owner's perspective, there is a potential long-term benefit: battery degradation. Since the vehicle uses a smaller percentage of the battery's total capacity for daily charging cycles, the chemical wear on the battery cells over time could be reduced, potentially helping the battery maintain a healthier state for longer. However, this theory will require real-world data over several years to verify.
These new variants are a strategic response to increasing competition in the luxury EV market. They are best suited for specific types of buyers:
The decision ultimately hinges on whether the $10,000 price reduction is more valuable to you than the extra 85 miles of range (Model S) or 79 miles of range (Model X) and the sharper acceleration. For buyers who frequently undertake long journeys or simply want the maximum performance available, the Long Range models remain the superior choice. Deliveries for the new Standard Range variants are scheduled to begin next month.
