Tesla now accepts pre-orders for its affordable Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y in the United States at a price tag of $45,000. The brand-new entry-level Mannequin Y is a follow-up to the recent design refresh unveiled earlier this year.
Since introducing the latest Model Y earlier this year, Tesla has exclusively offered the top-selling electric SUV in a sole Long-Range All-Wheel Drive configuration.
Initially, Tesla launched its Model Y Long Range variant for $60,000; subsequently, in its final month, it commenced shipping the standard Model Y All-Wheel Drive (AWD) trim, starting at a more affordable $49,000.
As previously reported, Tesla did not have a significant order backlog for the new Model Y in the US, prompting the company to quickly restock on Model Y AWD units just weeks after its launch.
Tesla is now offering sponsored financing options for its newly launched SUV, starting this weekend.
The automaker is now accepting reservations for its latest model, the all-new Mannequin Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive.
The brand-new trim starts at $44,990, offering a range of 357 miles – a 30-mile increase over its all-wheel-drive counterpart.
Despite its single-motor configuration, the more affordable variant surprisingly lags only slightly behind, accelerating from 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds compared to 4.6 seconds for the more powerful version.
The automaker has announced that delivery of its latest model is expected to commence in the United States within a timeframe of three to five weeks. The company has recently introduced its latest addition to the Mannequin series, the Mannequin Y RWD, in European markets.
Tesla offers the Normal Range Rear-Wheel Drive option in Europe and China at an even more affordable price point, with deliveries having commenced in China.
Electrek’s Take
Tesla reportedly delayed opening orders for the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in the US to maximize demand for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
To sustain demand at its current manufacturing price, it’s necessary to procure a more affordable mannequin.
As production ramps up within the next few weeks, the company will start building a blend of rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) models at its facilities in Fremont and Austin.
Notably, Tesla currently offers a limited-time financing rate of 1.99% APR exclusively on the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive. It’s likely that Tesla aims to capitalize on the surge in demand generated by the introduction of a more affordable model.
While US customers may not need to wait for weeks, they will likely benefit from reduced interest rates on all models once Tesla starts offering them, just like it does in Europe and China.
