Tesla launches cheaper model Y in some markets, is Australia next?

Tesla has stopped selling the new Model Y Launch Series in various European markets and has re-introduced cheaper variants.

The Launch Series is a limited edition Model Y with bespoke features to celebrate the start of production of the refreshed model and was offered in all markets globally, including here in Australia. 

Now, reports from multiple sources, including Tesla and EV news X account Sawyer Merritt, shared this update, highlighting the availability of these more affordable variants of the world’s best-selling car after it recently got a refresh.

In the Netherlands, prices of the refreshed RWD and Long Range models are the same as they were prior to the introduction of the refreshed model.

Prices in the Netherlands start at € 45,990 for the RWD while the long range variant is offered in single motor RWD and dual-motor AWD variant.

The configurator does not show any Launch Series vehicles currently on offer, highlighting the limited production run for that market to be over.

Similar reports from Belgium also noted that the prices of the new model were the same as those of pre-refresh Model Y variants.

Over in the UK, there is a slight price increase over the outgoing model for the very popular RWD variant which now starts at £46,290 and the Long Range variant is prices from £53,290.

Interestingly, the Launch Series is still offered in the UK with a price tag of thosuands above any other variant at £60,990.

Given it’s a right-hand-drive market like ours in Australia, production of this variant for such markets is likely to be on-going for a little while longer.

Locally, Tesla is still offering the Launch Series across both variants with discounts being offered on existing inventory of the previous generation of the Model Y.

These special edition cars start at $63,400 for the single-motor RWD variant, while the dual-motor Long Range AWD variant bumps that to $73,400 before on-road costs. 

With European markets, including the UK, seeing non-launch series models benig offered, these prices are likely to drop in the coming weeks with the release of shte standard RWD & Long Range AWD variants, offering exceptional value for the new car with significant upgrades over the outgoing model.

We look forward to testing it on local roads in the coming months and seeing how all the upgrades compare to the growing competition in the mid-sized family SUV segment.