Tesla Model 3 Standard vs. Premium The 8 things you lose

Less than a month ago, Tesla introduced new, more affordable trims of its popular Model 3 and Model Y vehicles called Standard. However, the Model 3 Standard isn't exactly new as the trim has been on the streets of Europe for some time now, but the US consumers are getting it at a bigger discount.

Right now, the Model 3 Standard in Europe starts at €39,990, while in the US the car goes for $36,990. Their now-called Premium counterparts with the rear-wheel drive are asking €45,970 and $42,490, respectively.

And while the Model 3 keeps most of the Model 3 core features, there are a handful of cuts to go with the lower price. Here's what you're missing out on if you go for the Standard trim compared to the Premium rear-wheel-drive.

Performance loss

Even though we don't have detailed specs of the motors, the acceleration numbers suggest that the Premium version is the more powerful one, going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, while the standard reaches that speed in 5.8 seconds.

Additionally, the Premium version can be ordered with an all-wheel drive, which is not an option for the Standard one.

Driving range and charging speed

Similarly to the Model Y Standard, the Model 3 Standard settles for a smaller 69 kWh battery, while the Premium holds a 78 kWh pack. Naturally, this results in reduced cruising range as the Standard is rated at 321 miles EPA, while the Premium will get you more than 10% further - 363 miles according to EPA.

As for charging, the Premium can benefit from Tesla's Supercharger V3 charging stations and supports a rate of 250 kW, while the Standard caps at a slightly lower rate of 225 kW. However, real-world charging times will most likely be very similar, and you won't lose much time charging the Standard trim.

Smaller steel wheels

The aluminum 18" and 19" wheels are swapped out for steel ones with plastic covers, which do improve efficiency, but look way worse.

Less comfortable suspension

Tesla's cost-cutting has impacted the driving comfort as well. The Standard uses a basic, passive suspension system, whereas the Premium trim gets more advanced adaptive shocks. This impacts not just comfort but driving dynamics, so if you are sensitive to those sorts of things it may well be the biggest difference.

Downgraded interior and features

The most obvious interior cost cuts are aimed at the seats. The Standard package gets you manually adjustable seats and a steering wheel. Also, the seats are a mix of leather and cloth, with a dual-tone design, rather than full vegan leather upholstery. Last but not least, the back seats skip the ventilation feature. Only the front ones get it.

Surprisingly, the side mirrors need to be folded manually, and the auto-dimming feature to reduce glare is gone. That's quite the bummer since we've gotten used to those features being standard even on much cheaper cars.

Fewer conveniences for the passengers

The Standard Model 3 skips the central armrest entirely, so passengers would need to fold down the center seat completely to access the cup holders. Additionally, the rear 8-inch touchscreen for the climate control and entertainment is also removed.

A different panoramic roof design

Although the Standard still gets the iconic panoramic roof, it's not the same one found on the Premium trim. The roof on the Standard model includes a full fabric headliner, breaking the feeling of openness and spaciousness. Externally, however, the glass roof remains visible.

Less sophisticated audio system

The advanced 15-speaker audio system on the Premium model is replaced by a much simpler 7-speaker setup with limited features. You also lose the FM/AM radio function with the Standard trim.

Verdict

While the Model 3 Standard sounds enticing for anyone looking to buy a Tesla at a bargain price, especially in the US, the vehicle comes a bit late to the party, if European sales are of any indication. The Model 3 itself is already experience a serious sales slump and we are not sure the new option delivers the superior value for money that might reverse the trend.

As the EV tax credit ended in the US its the Model 3 Standard price does make some sense, but the sacrifices aren't insignificant so we don't expect to see a sales boom. It certainly didn't work in Europe, where it has been on sale for the last few months.