Tesla offers to wrap up your car in new colors

11 October 2023

In a bid to offer Tesla enthusiasts a little more personalization, Tesla is now offering vehicle wraps for the Model 3 and Model Y. But does this move from Elon Musk’s company truly electrify the aesthetics of these cars or simply puts a premium price on an old idea?

For those new to the concept, wraps allow car owners to change their vehicle's appearance without a repaint. These wraps not only jazz up your car's exterior but also shield the original paint from unsavory scratches and weather-related damage. They've been particularly alluring to Tesla owners as their vehicles come in very limited paint options.

It's no accident we've seen a slew of companies specialize in Tesla wrapping like Unplugged Performance, TSportline, and RPM Tesla. While Tesla did dip its toes in the wrap market in China, this new venture marks its foray into the US market.

Now for the bad news. A clear wrap by Tesla is priced at $5,000 - it lets your car’s original hue gleam through, shielded against those pesky chips and scratches. For those looking for a color overhaul, Tesla's offerings colored paint protection films – a more robust and pricier material. The prices go from $7,500 to $8,000, color-dependent. Shades on the palette include Slip Grey, Satin Ceramic White, Satin Stealth Black, Glacier Blue, Forest Green, Satin Rose Gold, and Crimson Red.

While Glacier Blue, Forest Green, and Satin Rose Gold offer a tinge of newness, the other shades seem all too familiar. In essence, those with a penchant for eye-catching customization might find Tesla's wrap offerings a tad underwhelming, especially considering the price.

There are further caveats, too. For one, only Model 3 and Y cars from 2023 onwards are eligible. Furthermore, installation is currently limited to two service centers in West Covina and Carlsbad, California, taking up to a week. During this period, don’t expect a courtesy car to drive around.

Interestingly, Tesla's upcoming Cybertruck has been seen flaunting colorful wraps. It gives us a hint that perhaps Tesla might extend this wrap offering to other vehicles, especially since the Cybertruck's stainless steel frame won't entertain paint.

Taking a skeptical lens, the shades Tesla is providing, though exclusive, mirror the ones it already has in its paint arsenal. The Satin Rose Gold might be the only shade offering that bespoke feel. Sure, the idea of a manufacturer-installed wrap might sound great, but considering the limited color options and the price, most will still lean towards aftermarket alternatives.

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