Tesla Model Y ‘Standard’ Seen in the US Ahead of Debut

Tesla’s new entry-level Model Y ‘Standard’ variant was recently seen in the US ahead of its rumoured debut. (Photo credit: Ryan Mable via Twitter/X)

It appears that the long-rumoured entry-level variant of the Tesla Model Y might be launching soon, as the ‘Standard’ variant of the EV SUV was recently spotted on the road in the US.

Spotted by Twitter/X user Ryan Mable, this supposed stripped-down version of the Model Y was seen on the road nearby the Tesla Giga Texas factory, featuring a more simplistic design than its existing siblings.

Photo credit: Ryan Mable via Twitter/X

From the images, we can immediately see that the Model Y ‘Standard’ didn’t get the same LED light bar at the front as other Model Y Juniper variants while riding on smaller 18-inch wheels. Given its entry-level moniker, it comes as no surprise that the car gets the default white exterior colourway.

On top of that, the Tesla Newswire fan account on Twitter/X also provided additional details on the car, such as a “closed glass roof,” a more basic interior with textile upholstery, a 15.4-inch touchscreen, no dedicated screen for the rear passengers, and a slightly smaller luggage compartment.

Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' in Malaysia

Additionally, Twitter/X user Green also tipped that the Model Y ‘Standard,’ codenamed E41, would feature a simplified fibreglass headliner and two audio specifications, while ditching other bits like the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), the heating element on its reverse camera, and many more.

Green further elaborated that the E41 will include either a rear- (RWD) or all-wheel drive (AWD) powertrain option, while its suspension system has been said to be downgraded from the current model. 

So folks, what do you think of this stripped-down Tesla Model Y ‘Standard’? Could this new entry-level EV SUV be Tesla’s new talisman against the surge of affordable Chinese EV SUVs?