Tesla Cuts Prices: What You Lose with the Standard Model 3
- Published on 05/12/2025 15:52
Tesla launches a more affordable Model 3 Standard, but some compromises come with this base price.
Tesla is expanding its European lineup with the Model 3 Standard, now the most accessible version of the sedan. Priced starting at €36,990, it comfortably slips well below the psychological barrier of €40,000, a crucial threshold in Europe where Chinese manufacturers are ramping up their pricing offensives. But what exactly does this lower price hide?
The essentials of Tesla, no frills
Behind this tightened price, the Model 3 Standard retains the DNA of the range: unchanged silhouette, panoramic roof, and a 15.4-inch touchscreen still at the heart of the interface. Games, OTA updates, route planner, Sentry and Dog modes: everything that makes the Tesla ecosystem is present.
On the other hand, some choices are clearly aimed at “controlled costs.” The rather ungainly 18-inch Prismata wheels replace more sophisticated designs, the seats are switched to fabric, interior lighting is simplified, and the color palette is now limited to three shades (white, black, gray). It’s clear that Tesla tightened the screws to achieve this base price.
The technical sheet reassures
On the technical side, the specs are clean. The WLTP range reaches 534 km, with a consumption of only 13 kWh/100 km. The 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds remains more than adequate for daily use. And the main practical features have not disappeared: electric tailgate, access via the app, USB-C ports front/rear, generous rear trunk (up to 1,659 liters with the rear seat folded) and an 88-liter frunk. Compatible with Supercharger, the Model 3 Standard retains serious arguments to attract buyers.
Orders are open, and the first deliveries will begin in January 2026. One question remains: will this “light” version really change the game? Will the financial gap of just a handful of euros per month in LOA or LLD between the Standard and Premium influence customers? Will the very particular Tesla clientele accept to drive in downgraded mode?
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Unless, perhaps, Tesla is primarily targeting corporate fleets. In this area, the formula is already appealing as demonstrated by the Standard Model Y. And here, this new Model 3 could indeed find a bright future.
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This page is translated from the original post "Tesla casse les prix : ce que vous perdez avec la Model 3 Standard" in French.
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