2021 Tesla Model Y gets cheaper base model, new seven-seat option

We have good news to share if you’ve been saving up to buy a Model Y as Tesla has quietly introduced a new entry-level variant. It costs $41,990 before incentives and takes the shape of a single-motor, rear-wheel-drive offering an EPA-estimated 244 miles (393 kilometers) of range. That’s 82 miles (132 kilometers) less than the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Long Range trim that costs an extra $8,000.

Aside from losing a significant amount of range, you’ll also have to settle for a slower electric crossover since 0 to 60 mph takes 5.3 seconds en route to 135 mph (217 km/h). The Long Range is half a second quicker in the sprint and has the same top speed. Shell out $59,990 for the Performance model and Tesla will reward you with a 0 to 60 in 3.5 seconds, a 155-mph top speed, and 303 miles (488 kilometers) of range.

The introduction of a base model is not the only change made by Tesla to its US configurator as the Model Y is now also available with a third row. The seven-seat interior costs an extra $3,000 and can be had for the Standard Range and Long Range models. Since the second row of seats have adjustable backrests and slide forward, kids sitting in the rearmost seats should have an adequate amount of legroom.

Kids will be glad to hear Tesla has installed USB-C charging ports in the third row to charge smartphones, tablets, handheld gaming consoles, and other multimedia devices. Both second and third rows fold flat to enable a large storage area when you need to carry more voluminous cargo. You won’t have to access each row to fold it down as the Model Y with the seven-seat option comes with an electric fold-flat release in the trunk.

Tesla’s site says deliveries of the new entry-level variant will be fulfilled anywhere between two and five weeks. The same goes for the seven-seat Model Y in both Standard Range and Long Range flavors, while opting for the five-seat-only Performance version increases the estimated delivery to 6-10 weeks.

After a record-breaking 2020, the arrival of a seven-seat Model Y should allow Tesla to lure in even more buyers who need the third row but can’t afford the costly upgrade to a Model X. Speaking of which, the larger electric SUV is due for a long-awaited update later this year when the Model S is also going to be revised.

Source: Tesla