New affordable Tesla Model Y, Model 3 variants debut in the US
KUALA LUMPUR: Tesla is currently going through a challenging phase, marked by declining EV sales, growing competition, and financial pressure. To turn around this difficult situation, the American EV giant has made a strategic move; it unveiled two new entry-level variants of the Model Y and Model 3.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Why has Tesla launched the new Standard variants?
Tesla launched the Model 3 Standard and Model Y Standard to counter market slowdown, making its bestselling models accessible to a wider audience.What makes them different from regular models?
The Standard models are value-focused options, with some luxury features trimmed and performance slightly reduced.Exclusive to the US as of now, the Tesla Model Y Standard and the Tesla Model 3 Standard are rear-wheel drive models and priced almost USD 5,000 (RM 21,000) cheaper than their regular versions.
- Model Y Standard starts at USD 39,990 (RM 169,000), USD 5,000 (RM 21,000) cheaper
- Model 3 Standard starts at USD 36,990 (RM 156,000), USD 5,500 (RM 23,000) cheaper
In line with lower pricing, Tesla Standard models also see a significant reduction in features. Here’s a quick look at what has been retained and what has been trimmed.
|
Feature |
Tesla Model 3 Standard |
Tesla Model Y Standard |
|
Drivetrain |
Slightly reduced than the Premium RWD Power: 286 hp Performance: 0 - 100 kmph in 5.8 seconds |
Slightly reduced than the Premium RWD Power: 300 hp Performance: 0 - 100 kmph in 6.8 seconds |
|
Battery and range |
69.5 kWh (trimmed from 75 kWh) 517 km |
69.5 kWh (trimmed from 75 kWh) 517 km |
|
DC charging |
225 kW (down from 250 kW) |
225 kW (down from 250 kW) |
|
Exterior |
Minor changes are there. New Standard 18-inch wheels (optional 19-inch Nova wheels) Limited paint options |
Light bars removed, slim one-piece headlights, simplified air intake Limited exterior colour options New Standard 18-inch Aperture wheels (optional 19-inch Crossflow) |
|
Sunroof |
Panoramic roof retained |
Panoramic roof replaced with sealed headliner and insulation |
|
Interior |
Ambient light strips and ventilated seats are removed Rear heated seats are gone while steering adjustments are now manual No rear touchscreen 15.4-inch infotainment unit, wireless chargers, seven speakers, smartphone based key access, maintaining Tesla’s digital-first interface retained |
Manual steering & mirrors, no rear heating, rear seats manually fold Minimalistic console No rear touchscreen 15.4-inch infotainment unit, wireless chargers, seven speakers, smartphone based key access, maintaining Tesla’s digital-first interface retained |
|
Safety |
Autopilot retained (Full Self-Driving optional) |
Autopilot retained (Full Self-Driving optional) |
Tesla EVs in Malaysia
Tesla made its way to Malaysia in 2023 with the Model Y and Model 3. Both these Tesla EVs are winning the hearts of local enthusiasts, with the Model Y currently being the fourth best-selling EV with 2,045 units sold from January to August 2025. The Tesla Model 3 is also a strong contender, securing sixth place in the top-selling list with a sales figure of 1,116 units.
The Tesla Model Y price ranges from RM 199,000 to RM 288,000, while the Tesla Model 3 retails between RM 189,000 and RM 218,000.
Also read: 6-seater Tesla Model Y L launched in China with longer wheelbase
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Ground Clearance
138 mm
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135 mm
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5
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5
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5
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5
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5
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Fuel Type
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Petrol
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162
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118
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213 Nm
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Automatic
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Automatic
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1991
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