All this cost-cutting still supposedly sees this cheapest Model Y coming in at over $36,000 (RM 150,000).
While Tesla is no stranger to minimalism — both in its design and user interface — the EV pioneer’s cars have nevertheless traditionally been rather well-equipped out of the box. That, however, looks set to change with the upcoming arrival of a new base-spec Model Y, which strips away many of the niceties long associated with the brand in the name of affordability.
This new base Model Y is shaping up to be Tesla’s most spartan offering yet. Gone for instance are the distinctive front light bar and the full-width LED strip at the rear, leaving it with a more plain-Jane style against the newly sharpened backdrop of this newly-facelifted versions.
Things might also be a bit gloomier inside too, as the once-standard full-length panoramic glass roof is now seemingly replaced by a solid black panel. Though to be fair, this might not be the worst thing in the world, especially in markets where solar load is a real concern and cabin overheating is a daily hassle (i.e. Malaysia).
Rear occupants in this newly stripped-out Model Y will notice another significant omission: the usual 8-inch rear screen is now missing, replaced by a simple set of cupholders behind the central armrest. One neat touch for practicality perhaps, but hardly a premium move. Thankfully though, the 15.4-inch central touchscreen still remains — but that’s likely more of a necessity than a luxury, given how deeply integrated it is into the car’s functionality.
Fortunately, the usual Tesla ADAS suite seems to have made the cut. The base-spec car should still come with basic Autopilot, and the option to tick the (very expensive) Full Self-Driving package is expected to remain.
What’s less clear for now is whether this entry-level version will also come with reduced performance or battery capacity. For reference, the current Model Y Long Range RWD completes the 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) sprint in 5.4 seconds and boasts up to 575 km of driving distance on a single charge. But if Tesla is truly gunning for a lower price point, some compromise in either performance or driving range seems inevitable.
And here’s the kicker: all of this de-contenting only drops the price to around USD 36,000 (RM150,000). Sure, that’s a bit cheaper than the USD 45,000 (RM195,000) starting price of the current base model in the US — but it’s not exactly a game-changer. And when viewed against the broader EV landscape, this strategy might not deliver the competitive edge Tesla is hoping for.
Just look at what’s already on sale in Malaysia for instance. Even with local mark-ups from their home market prices back in China, the Proton e.MAS 7 starts from just RM 109,800, the Leapmotor C10 is priced from RM 125,000, and the Xpeng G6 meanwhile — a true Model Y rival — lands from RM 166,000. All three aforementioned examples are full-sized electric SUVs, all come with more-than-decent specs, and it can really be said that all undercut even this upcoming base Tesla in value-per-ringgit terms.
So while Tesla might be trying to expand its appeal with this barebones Model Y, it may find itself losing the very qualities that once made it aspirational. If anything, this stripped-down variant could simply highlight just how far — and how fast — the (Chinese) competition has come.
