Tesla Expands Model Y Lineup With a Cheaper Long-Range Option
Tesla is quietly reshaping its European strategy with the launch of a new variant: the Tesla Model Y Standard Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive. This version targets buyers who prioritize maximum driving range without paying for a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup.
The new configuration bridges the gap between affordability and long-distance usability — two factors that are increasingly important as competition in the European EV market intensifies.
More Range, Same Simple Formula
The key upgrade is straightforward: battery capacity.
Tesla Model Y Range Comparison (WLTP)
| Version | Drivetrain | WLTP Range |
|---|---|---|
| Model Y Standard | RWD | 534 km |
| Model Y Standard Long Range | RWD | 657 km |
| Model Y Long Range | AWD | ~533–565 km |
With 657 km WLTP, the new Standard Long Range RWD offers 123 km more range than the base Standard version — a meaningful difference for commuters, business users, and frequent road-trippers.
Pricing Strategy: Battery Over Luxury
Tesla introduced the “Standard” trim in late 2025 to lower the Model Y’s entry price in Europe. This strategy continues with the new Long Range version.
European Pricing (Netherlands launch)
| Model | Price |
|---|---|
| Model Y Standard RWD | €39,990 |
| Model Y Standard Long Range RWD | €46,990 |
The €7,000 premium buys only one thing: a significantly larger usable range — not extra luxury.
What You Give Up in the “Standard” Trim
To keep prices down, Tesla deliberately simplified the Standard specification.
Key Differences vs Premium Versions
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Simpler LED headlights and taillights (no light bars)
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Reduced sound insulation
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More basic suspension setup
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Fewer interior materials upgrades
For many buyers, these compromises are acceptable — especially when paired with Tesla’s core strengths: space, efficiency, and charging access.
Performance and Charging
Despite its budget-oriented positioning, the new Model Y remains perfectly capable.
Tesla Model Y Standard Long Range RWD – Specs
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Single-motor RWD |
| 0–100 km/h | 7.2 seconds |
| Top speed | 201 km/h |
| DC fast charging | Up to 175 kW |
At a fast charger, drivers can typically recover a large portion of range in 20–30 minutes, making the car suitable for long highway journeys.
Still a Model Y: Space and Practicality
Importantly, nothing changes when it comes to practicality.
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Length: ~4,750 mm
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Rear cargo capacity: 850+ liters
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Flat floor and wide tailgate
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Large trunk for charging cables and luggage
This remains one of the most spacious electric family cars in its price class — a key reason the Model Y continues to sell well even amid Tesla’s broader European slowdown.
Market Strategy: Why Europe, Why Now?
Tesla chose the Netherlands as the first launch market to test a simple but important question:
Do European buyers value range more than premium features?
With rising electricity prices, denser charging networks, and longer daily commutes in parts of Europe, Tesla is betting that many customers will happily pay extra for battery capacity — but not for cosmetic upgrades.
Who Is This Version For?
The Model Y Standard Long Range RWD makes sense for:
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Drivers covering long daily distances
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Families taking frequent road trips
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Buyers who want Tesla efficiency without AWD cost
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Fleet and company-car users focused on TCO
It is less appealing for buyers who want premium lighting, quieter cabins, or maximum acceleration.
Final Verdict: Practical, Strategic, and Very Tesla
This new Model Y variant doesn’t reinvent the car — it fine-tunes Tesla’s value equation. By offering two battery sizes with the same stripped-down Standard trim, Tesla gives buyers more choice without complicating production.
In a tougher European market, that flexibility may be exactly what Tesla needs to keep the Model Y relevant in 2026 and beyond.
Tesla has launched a new Model Y Standard Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive in Europe, offering up to 657 km of WLTP range at a lower cost than AWD versions. By prioritizing battery capacity over luxury features, Tesla targets families and long-distance drivers seeking efficiency, space, and value in an increasingly competitive EV market.
