Tesla cuts the starting price of Model S by $5,000
If you're thinking of buying the entry-level Tesla Model S, we've got good news for you: Not only is it cheaper, it also comes with some free extras.
The changes, which went live Monday, are as follows: Tesla Model S 75, which comes with a 75kWh battery, and the all-wheel drive variant 75D, are now $5,000 cheaper and cost $69,500 and $74,500 (before incentives), respectively.
Furthermore, both variants now come standard with automatic rear liftgate and a glass roof.
The changes in pricing come a month after Tesla discontinued the 60 and 60D versions of Model S, which were are little cheaper at launch than the freshly priced 75 and 75D.
There were changes in pricing further up Tesla's Model S lineup, but these are a little less straightforward. The 90D model got cheaper as well, and it now costs $87,500 before incentives (a $2,000 decrease). However, the top-of-the-line models, 100D and P100D, will actually become more expensive starting April 24, at $97,500 and $140,000, respectively.
And for those who recently purchased a Tesla Model S 60 and are now thoroughly enraged by these pricing changes, Tesla has a pacifier as well: Upgrading from the 60kWh to the 75kWh battery on the 60 now costs $2,000 instead of $9,000. For owners of the 70kWh Model S, the upgrade to 75kWh costs $500 instead of $3,500.
These changes likely have to do with Tesla's upcoming Model 3, which should start shipping later this year with a base price of $35,000. Tesla recently posted a little explainer on its website, reminding potential buyers that Model S will remain the company's flagship model and the longest-range car it offers. But most importantly, the highest battery capacity for the Model 3 will be 75kWh -- right where the Model S now starts.
Tesla also tweaked the prices of its electric SUV, the Model X. The changes were less dramatic: The 75D variant now starts at $82,500 before incentives and 90D costs $93,500. Top models are getting pricier: 100D will jump to $99,500 and P100D will go to $145,000 starting April 24.
Stan is a Senior Editor at Mashable, where he has worked since 2007. He's got more battery-powered gadgets and band t-shirts than you. He writes about the next groundbreaking thing. Typically, this is a phone, a coin, or a car. His ultimate goal is to know something about everything.
