Tesla has quietly dropped the ‘Standard’ badge from its most affordable versions of the Model 3 and Model Y, just weeks after the cut-price variants went on sale in the UK. Instead, both cars are now simply labelled ‘Rear-Wheel Drive’ on Tesla’s website, while the more expensive versions retain the ‘Premium’ name.
Premium models are variants fitted with the bigger Long Range batteries, offering a choice of rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and they come with a noticeably higher level of equipment. That includes an eight-inch rear touchscreen, ambient lighting, full faux-leather upholstery, ventilated front seats and heated rear seats. There are also mechanical differences, with Premium cars getting frequency-selective dampers, while the cheaper versions make do with passive suspension.
The Model Y Premium also stands apart visually, thanks to different bumpers, full-width light bars front and rear, a panoramic glass roof and a redesigned centre console.
Previously, all versions of the Model 3 and Model Y looked broadly the same and came with similar equipment levels. That changed with the introduction of the entry-level versions, which saw Tesla remove some kit in order to hit lower price points.
Despite the removal of the Standard nametag, the Model 3 still starts from £37,990. That undercuts rivals like the BYD Seal, which starts at close to £46,000, and the BMW i4, priced from more than £51,000. The Model Y starts at £41,990, which, makes it significantly more competitive against its rivals. That said, models such as the Škoda Enyaq and new Kia EV5 are cheaper and don’t attract the Expensive Car Supplement which can customers £425 a year. The upper limit for the supplement rises to £50,000 in April, but currently affects all EV models priced above £40,000.
To sweeten its deals further, Tesla is also offering sizeable discounts on pre-registered cars, alongside a year of unlimited free Supercharging, making the Model 3 and Model Y particularly tempting for buyers looking to cut running costs from day one.
Both entry-level Tesla models will drop the Standard nametag as part of the brand's range rejig 
