Are the New Standard Range Tesla Model S and X Worth It?

Recently, Tesla made standard range versions of the Model S and Model X available. Are they worth it?

Standard Range Model S

Tesla has released a standard range Model S and Model X. The standard range Model S has the following specs. Let's see how they compare to the long range versions, as that comparison is what really matters if the standard range is going to make sense to buy. We'll use the most efficient wheels for range as well.

Model S Standard Range:

• Price: $78,490
• Range: 320 miles
• Top Speed: 149 mph
• 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds

Model S Long Range:

• Price: $88,490
• Range: 320 miles
• Top Speed: 149 mph
• 0-60 mph: 3.1 seconds

The price is a $10,000 difference. Here's what that $10,000 price difference means for a standard range Model S:

• $10,000 cheaper
• 85 miles less range
• Same top speed
• 0.6 seconds slower from 0 to 60 mph

On the one hand, these changes don't seem like much and $10,000 is a LOT of money. On the other hand, if you are in the market for a car that is $78,490, you most likely can afford one that is $88,490. Batteries also degrade, and you can expect a 10% degradation within the first year or two and an additional 1% to 2% per year after that.

These vehicles don't have LFP batteries, which means they will degrade faster than normal. For instance, I have owned my Model 3 RWD from 2022 for a year now, and it has just over 10,000 miles on it. My battery degradation is 3.5%. This is probably half of what it would be in a NMC battery instead of the LFP I have.

After a year of use, you will most likely be using about 260 miles of range in the Model S standard range (10% degradation and charging to 80%) while the long range Model S will have you at 291.6 miles. Since you will most likely have home charging if you are buying a car as expensive as this, you could get away with the standard range version.

My verdict is that the standard range version is just fine if you have home charging, however, if you want to take frequent road trips, you should get the long range Model S instead because of the superior range.

You May Also Be Interested In: Tesla releases a cheaper Model S and X with less range

Standard Range Model X

The standard range Model X gives you all the features of the Model X, which includes more space than even the Model Y, but for $10,000 less and with less range and performance. The Model X standard and AWD versions are more expensive than the Model S, but with that, you get a very roomy vehicle.

The specs of the Model S standard range are as follows:

• Price: $88,490
• Range: 269 miles
• Top Speed: 149 mph
• 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds

The specs of the Model S AWD are as follows:

• Price: $98,490
• Range: 348 miles
• Top Speed: 149 mph
• 0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds

With the standard range Model X, you are getting a car for $10,000 less that has 79 miles less range and a 0-60 mph time that is 0.6 seconds slower. Is the standard range Model X worth it?

In my opinion, it is not. The price of this is even with the Model S long range. You get a range that is 269 miles that shouldn't be charged to 100% regularly. As far as I know, these new standard range vehicles don't use LFP batteries. If they do, that could change my opinion, however, 269 miles of range for nearly $90,000 doesn't seem like a good deal.

You can also get a Model Y long range that is about 10 inches shorter for $50,490. That's nearly $40,000 cheaper. Yes, the Model X has some premium features and a screen in the back, but for most people, is that worth $40,000? In my opinion, it is not.

The income bracket for the Model S and Model X is very high, and only a small % of people can afford cars in that range. Those that can afford them - are they really worried about a $10,000 difference? That's the question we'll need to see answered by Tesla in the sales volumes they report of these vehicles.

What do you think? Are the Model S and Model X standard range vehicles worth it?

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Jeremy Johnson is a Tesla investor and supporter. He first invested in Tesla in 2017 after years of following Elon Musk and admiring his work ethic and intelligence. Since then, he's become a Tesla bull, covering anything about Tesla he can find, while also dabbling in other electric vehicle companies. Jeremy covers Tesla developments at Torque News. You can follow him on Twitter or LinkedIn to stay in touch and follow his Tesla news coverage on Torque News. Image Credit, Tesla, Screenshot