Originally published on EVANNEX.
By Blane Erwin, Current Automotive*
Note: The prices shown here are subject to change, so if you’re in the market for a Model 3, this handy guide can help — but it’s always important to check directly with Tesla for the latest updates.
Tesla Model 3. Photo by Kyle Field / CleanTechnica
After Tesla’s Q1 earnings call, it’s official — the $35,000 Model 3 Standard Range option will live on. However, it will no longer be available on Tesla’s website. The option is now only available as an “off-menu” item – customers have to call or walk into a Tesla store to order those cars.
Customers receiving deliveries of standard range cars have happily discovered more features than they may have anticipated earlier – instead of getting the base interior trim, they’re receiving software-limited versions of the partial premium interior.
That means they’ll get the premium seat material and power-adjustable seats, but won’t be able to access other features like the seat heaters.
“Similar to other software-limited vehicles produced in the past, Standard customers will have the option to upgrade to a Standard Plus at any time,” said Tesla in a blog post announcing the changes.
Additionally, all Model 3s (ordered after April 11) now come with Autopilot standard, though it comes with a small price hike for non-performance cars.
Today, Model 3s come with only two interior options: partial premium, and premium. Here’s a breakdown of what you get with them…
 Image by Current Automotive |
The partial premium and premium interiors are very closely aligned in what’s available. The big difference is the audio system. Though full details aren’t out yet regarding how the two systems differ, comparisons have been done by people who own both cars.
The video below, by YouTuber Daniel Spalding, compares the two sound systems. He shows that the partial premium interior does not have an amp or subwoofer in the rear of the car where the premium interior typically does. It’s also clear that the partial premium interior does not have immersive sound enabled, even though Tesla lists it on their website.
YouTube: Daniel Spalding
The premium interior also maintains an exclusive hold on in-car internet media streaming and Tesla’s satellite maps and navigation system that uses live traffic data.
Buyers don’t get to mix and match interior trim with battery and performance levels, though — each version of the car comes with a set interior trim. Take a look at the table below…
 Image by Current Automotive |
Finally, there are four options to choose from. Those include paint color, wheel style, interior color, and Full Self Driving. [Note: Full Self Driving pricing is set to increase about $1,000 on May 10th, according to Elon Musk on Twitter.]
At this stage, it’s possible to add $9,500 in options to a Model 3. When you factor in Tesla’s $1,200 destination fee, it’s possible to turn the $39,500 Model 3 Standard Range Plus into a vehicle that costs over $50,000.
It can be tough to keep track of all the tweaks Tesla is making to its vehicle lineup, and the changes in prices of new cars can make it tough to track the value of used ones. When looking for a Model 3, one must keep options like interior trim and Autopilot in mind.
Tesla’s changes to Autopilot functionality, along with the discontinuation of popular Model 3 models, like Mid Range and Long Range Rear Wheel Drive vehicles, means that an older vehicle may offer a better value depending on what features are important to the buyer.
*Current Automotive, launched by two former Tesla employees, is a US car retailer focused exclusively on used electric cars.
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