Tesla Announces Standard Range Model 3: Entry Level Model Starts From $35,000

The entry-level Model 3 is live on the configurator site

The least expensive Model 3 comes in two levels.

Earlier today, Tesla suspended orders on the Model 3, Model S and Model X ahead of a major announcement. “Great things are launching,” the website stated at the time. Elon Musk even tweeted yesterday, “Thursday 2PM”. That had us wondering exactly what Tesla had up its sleeve. At last, Tesla announced the entry-level, $35,000 “standard range” Model 3.

Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor Hot or Not

According to the company’s website, a Standard Range Model 3 comes with a 220 mile range. That’s down from the “Mid Range” model’s 264 miles, and the “Long Range” version’s 310 mile range (the rear-wheel drive model is getting an update). Top speed of the Standard Range Model 3 is 130 mph, and Tesla claims a 0-60 time of 5.6 seconds. Stepping up from the Standard Range is the “Standard Range Plus”. For $2,000 more, the model offers what Tesla calls a “Partial Premium Interior.” The Standard Range Plus model offers 240 miles of range, a 140 mph top speed and claimed 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds.

According to Tesla’s configurator site, the Standard Range Model 3 comes with 18-inch wheels and a black interior. The car comes with manually adjustable cloth seats and basic trim, rather than the more premium feel of the higher-end models. You still get a large, central screen, with what Tesla refers to as “basic audio” and “standard maps and navigation.” A premium interior is not available on the Standard Range model.

The Standard Range Plus model adds power-adjustable seats, a 14-speaker premium audio system, satellite-view maps and navigation, LED fog lamps, a tinted glass roof, and auto-dimming, power folding, heated side mirrors.

Standard Tesla Model 3 released

Tesla Autopilot is available for $3,000 (or $4,000 as an after-delivery option). The company also offers a “Full Self-Driving Capability” feature as a $5,000 option. Apart from Autopilot, the feature lets the car park itself and lets you summon it from a parking lot. Later this year, Tesla claims the Model 3’s self-driving feature will be upgraded with traffic light and stop sign recognition, as well as automated city driving.

Tesla says that deliveries will start in 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the configuration. Other updates include bumping the Long Range rear-wheel drive up to Model 3 to a 325 miles.

This story is developing. We may update the post with more information as it becomes available.