There’s a new entry-level Tesla Model 3 Standard to match its Y sibling

Just when we thought the Model Y ‘Standard’ was going to be the new entry-level Tesla, they immediately go and announce something even cheaper.

Yep, the Model 3 has also been given the bargain basement treatment, and we now know that it’ll cost $36,990 in the US (that’s $3,000 less than the Y Standard). Rumours are it will arrive in Europe at some point, although how much it’ll set you back if it eventually reaches our shores is yet to be confirmed.

Like the Model Y Standard, this 3 also gets a smaller battery than the newly renamed ‘Premium’ trim. Tesla doesn’t give out capacity figures, but it means a claimed 321 miles on a single charge, with a single motor powering the rear wheels for a 0-60mph time of 5.8 seconds.

So, what’s different if you go for the Standard saloon over the Standard crossover? As well as keeping hold of that extra $3,000, you’ll also retain the panoramic glass roof and erm, that’s about it as far as we can tell.

The 3 Standard also gets 18in wheels and a manually adjustable steering wheel, plus manual mirrors, passive shocks and fabric inserts on the seats. There’s the 15.4in touchscreen up front too, although the second screen for rear seat passengers has been ripped out to reduce costs and you won’t find any customisable ambient lighting. You don’t even get FM/AM radio.

It is a full $5,500 less than the Premium trim in rear-wheel drive form though. Can this and the matching Model Y get Tesla back on track?