Tesla Model S prices slashed
Price cuts across luxury EV sedan line-up as supercar-rivalling Model S Plaid clocks on for $225KIn line with recent cuts in the United States, sticker prices for the Tesla Model S in Australia have been lowered by more than $8500.
At the entry level, the Tesla Model S Long Range Plus is now priced from $133,175 plus on-road costs, which represents a significant $8636 price cut.
The mid-spec Tesla Model S Performance has also received the same $8636 reduction, placing it at $152,675 plus ORCs.
This latest pricing, which is published on Tesla Australia’s website, also now includes the Tesla Model S Plaid at $224,580 plus ORCs, confirming a sub-$250K starting point for the supercar-rivalling triple-motor hyper-sedan that can be ordered ahead of first deliveries occurring late next year.
It’s understood the main reason for the price cuts to the two twin-motor variants, and the slightly lower-than-expected Plaid pricing, are due to rival activity.
The new Lucid Air electric car – a direct competitor to the Tesla Model S – was recently announced with a $US69,900 ($A98,000) price point in the US.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk used Twitter to announce the US price cuts last week, saying: “The gauntlet has been thrown down! The prophecy will be fulfilled. Model S price changes to $69,420 tonight!”
The latest Model S Long Range Plus has a 722km range, up by 9km, and will accelerate from 0-100km/h in rapid-fire 3.8 seconds.
The Model S Performance features Ludicrous mode and dispatches 0-100km/h in just 2.5 seconds. It can also drive 33km further than the previous model, rated at 704km between charges.
The Model S Plaid generates an incredible 820kW and accelerates from 0-100km/h in 2.1 seconds, making it one of the quickest series-production vehicles on the market.
The extreme EV will reportedly slam down a quarter-mile time of less than nine seconds, outperforming drag-strip specials like the Dodge Demon. It also has a high cruising range of 840km.
The Model S Long Range Plus and Model S Performance come standard with a large 17-inch touch-screen infotainment system, power-adjustable heated front seats, wireless phone charging, a robust HEPA air filtration system, LED fog lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a tinted glass roof with UV and IR protection, plus auto-dimming, heated and power-folding side mirrors.
Tesla also claims best-in-class storage capacity of 812 litres (combining front and rear boots), and both models are fitted as standard with the brand’s Autopilot functionality, which comprises semi-automated steering, acceleration and braking.
There’s also a ‘city’ version of Autopilot that adds $10,100 to the price.
Tesla Model S Plaid models are expected to add increased levels of functionality and equipment but specifications and equipment levels for the ballistic EV have not yet been revealed.
The Model S was Tesla’s first mainstream EV and dates back to 2012. It has been joined by the Model X large SUV and, more recently, the Model 3 mid-size sedan, which also benefited from price cuts in Australia this week.
The Model Y mid-size SUV will launch in Australia in 2021, followed by the Tesla Cybertruck pick-up a couple of years later.
There is also a new compact hatchback EV and a Semi truck on their way.
Tesla quotes prices on its website without adding luxury car tax, so our pricing here reflects the LCT included.
How much does the Tesla Model S cost?
Long Range Plus – $133,175
Performance – $152,675
Plaid – $224,580
*Prices exclude on-road costs
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