2026 Tesla Model Y. US.
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The heavily revised Tesla Model Y is now available in the US as well as in Europe. Just a few days after it became available in China.
Just like the Chinese version, only a top-of-the-line loaded “launch Series” is currently available. All other versions like the RWD, AWD, and Performance still have the old design.
That Launch Series trim is priced at $60,000. Which is $12,000 over the “regular” AWD version. However, it does include the “Full Self-Driving” option and any of the 4 available colors. (Somehow the new blue is not available here yet). These can cost thousands more in other versions. Any of the 2 wheel designs are included as well as any of the 2 interior colors.
Which basically can actually be cheaper than a regular Model Y AWD model if you include the $8000 “Self Driving” option, larger 20-inch wheels, the white interior, and any color that isn’t grey.
Such a combo with the red color would actually cost $1000 more than the Launch Series. Otherwise, the launch edition adds a few useless doodads a puddle light, and various “Launch Series” logos here and there.
Once you factor in all options it seems the revised model will be about the same price as the current one once it becomes available. Which will be a great deal since it is much improved. And I think the exterior design changes will make the car look new to most people.
Pricing is of course not as attractive now, especially when leasing. Which jumps from $399 a month for the AWD to $699 for the Launch Series. But things will hopefully get better once other trims are available. Currently, the RWD can be leased for a very attractive $299 a month.
Although the competition is not standing still. VW recently introduced a super low $189 a month for the ID.4 S (not a base model) with under $1000 down. The popular Honda Prologue is also offering cheap leases with $209 a month for the base EX model or $289 for loaded AWD Touring.
These are very attractive options for the growing crowd of potential buyers who will stay away from Tesla because of crazy Elon Musk.
In a sad state of things, it seems impossible to mention any news about Tesla without dealing with an endless string of political comments. From all sides. I can’t remember another company so closely associated with its CEO. Except maybe Apple when Steve Jobs was running it. Like almost everyone running a huge company, Steve Jobs was very careful not to offend or tell people who to vote for. I don’t really know who Mary Barra and Jim Farley vote for or what their position is on British and German politics. And I don’t want to know it because I don’t care. I just want them to run their company properly and make good cars.
Buying a Tesla these days implies so much more and it is very sad.
Launch edition = YouTuber’s edition.
Huh. I just want the tech dystopia to fail.
I wouldn’t own one of Elmo’s rolling cr@p boxes if it were given to me.
Heh. Tesla is looking more and more like a legacy car maker every day.
Selling the “Model Y Classic” alongside the “new” one is a classic GM, Stellantis, and Nissan move.
Guess President Elon is too busy running the country.