Tesla announces two new, cheaper versions of the Model S
The Tesla Model S just got slightly less expensive.
Tesla revealed two new variants of the Model S on Thursday morning, the 60 and the 60D. The rear-wheel-drive 60 starts at $66,000, while the all-wheel drive 60D starts at $71,000.
Notably, Tesla has removed the Model S 75 from its site. Now the next cheapest Model S after the new 60 variants available is the 90D, which starts at $89,500.
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Tesla brags that the new Model S 60 can do a 0 to 60 mph run in 5.5 seconds on the way to its top speed of 130 mph. Though it doesn't reveal how quickly the 60D can make the same sprint, it does specify that both cars are good for a 200-mile range per charge.
The benefits of buying the new Model S over, say, waiting for the Model 3 are many.
First of all, you can have a Model S virtually right away. The Model 3 is at best 18 months away from delivery -- and that's for the folks at the front of the queue. If you were to pre-order a Model 3 now, there's no telling when you'd get it.
Secondly, this new entry-level Model S will be privy to free Supercharger access -- for now, at least. The Model 3, company CEO Elon Musk has admitted, will not. So, although this Model S is nearly double the price of the Model 3, it will be less expensive to actually drive. Certainly, the difference won't pay for itself. However, it's something to consider.
Lastly, Tesla says buyers who select the 60 or 60D can -- at any time -- pay to have their car's software updated, turning it from a 60- to a 75-kilowatt-hour Tesla. This means that these new Teslas have the same battery pack as more expensive variants, but their software limits power output.
Imagine, at any time, with a new software flash and -- presumably -- several thousand dollars removed from your wallet, you can, too, have a quicker Model S.
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