Tesla (TSLA) made headlines this week with the launch of a new base Cybertruck AWD Standard variant in the US. Priced at $59,990, this new Cybertruck has garnered attention from Tesla enthusiasts and pickup truck fans alike.
This new Cybertruck variant is being touted as the most value-for-money option in terms of features and specs. While there are some compromises to be made in terms of aesthetics and certain downgrades compared to last year’s Cybertruck RWD, the overall package seems to offer great value for the price.
Interestingly, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has hinted that the price of this variant may increase if there is unexpected demand for this most affordable Cybertruck option.
In this report, we will compare the two Dual-Motor Cybertruck AWD versions currently being offered by Tesla: the $59,990 Standard AWD and the $79,990 Premium AWD.
Let’s dive into the details and see if the $20,000 price difference between the two variants is truly justified or if Tesla has made the same mistake as with the RWD version last year.
Exterior & Suspension:
One of the major differences between the Standard and Premium AWD Cybertruck variants is the wheels and rear lighting setup. The Standard AWD comes with 18″ Aero Wheels, while the Premium AWD offers 20″ Core Wheels as standard. Additionally, the Premium AWD variant features the original rear light bar across the tailgate, while the Standard AWD has only two small brake lights on the sides.
The absence of L-tracks in the Standard AWD variant is another notable difference. L-tracks are rail-type tracks on both sides of the Cybertruck bed that allow for easy tying down of luggage. Unfortunately, this feature is not available in the Standard AWD version.
Suspension:
The Standard AWD Cybertruck is equipped with an adaptive coil spring suspension, while the Premium AWD and Cyberbeast trims come with an adaptive air suspension. Unless you plan on extreme off-roading, the standard adaptive suspension should be more than sufficient for most off-road adventures.
Interior:
The interior of the Standard AWD Cybertruck features a gray-tone interior with Textile Seats, as opposed to the vegan leather seats in the Premium AWD version. While the color theme of the Standard AWD interior is similar to the Tactical Gray interior of the Premium AWD, there is no option for interior upgrades in the Standard AWD.
Other differences in the interior include the absence of rear seat screens and a reduced speaker count in the Standard AWD compared to the Premium AWD.
Range, Towing, and More:
Both Cybertruck AWD variants come with the same powertrain and battery pack, resulting in an EPA estimated range of 325 miles for both. However, the towing capacity and payload capacity differ significantly between the two variants, with the Premium AWD offering higher towing and payload capacities.
Despite these differences, both variants offer impressive performance and charging capabilities, making them both compelling options in the electric pickup truck market.
In conclusion, the new base Cybertruck AWD Standard variant from Tesla offers a great value proposition for those looking for a high-performance electric pickup truck. While there are some compromises compared to the Premium AWD version, the Standard AWD still packs a punch in terms of features and capabilities. It will be interesting to see how this new variant performs in the market and whether it will drive more interest in Tesla’s Cybertruck lineup.