This means the Model S, which usually starts at a price of $88,490 USD now starts at $78,490 USD, however, this also comes with a reduction in range, from 405 miles to roughly 320 miles via the Standard version. As for the Model X, it’s been reduced from a starting price of $98,490 to $88,490 with mileage being reduced from 348 miles to approximately 269 miles.
Interestingly enough, product descriptions on Tesla’s site detail that the Standard Range model weighs the same as the Extended Range models, meaning the mileage is likely limited through a software lock. This potentially allows for the opportunity to sell subscription model upgrades to the owner if they find themselves in need of extra mileage down the road.
However, as seen recently, these software offerings are currently vulnerable to exploitation, with a group of researchers hacking their way past the paywall and jailbreaking all of the paid features.
The price adjustments of the Model S and X follow multiple adjustments of the Model Y and 3, as Tesla seeks to shore up declining gross margins — it’s worth noting though, that this is the first time mileage has been cut in tandem with price, potentially for a later upsell or to not upset buyers who paid full price prior to the cut.
To order your own or explore the now six different offerings between the two vehicles, head over to Tesla’s official site.
In related tech news, Waymo and Cruise have been approved to offer 24/7 driverless taxi rides in San Francisco.
