Elon Musk is like that friend who is always late for dinner, but when he finally arrives, he brings the best wine. It's November 2025. The year that, according to our spring predictions at City Magazine, was supposed to be a breakthrough year for "baby Tesla" is coming to an end. Let's remember: in March, we wrote that the "Model Q" (or Model 2, or even Model 1, as we affectionately called it in May) would hit the roads in June. What did we get? A cheaper Model 3 and a bunch of new promises about robotaxis. But don't be disappointed. Everything suggests that the delay was a tactical move of genius - or just chaos in Texas. Either way, 2026 is the year.
If you have read our columns and forecasts Tesla Model S through 2025, you know it was an emotional ride.
March 2025: Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja hinted at “the next generation.” At City Magazine, we boldly announced at the time: “This is the Tesla Model Q: an affordable electric car that promises a lot in early 2025.” We were optimistic.
June 2025: The world was waiting for the big “reveal” on June 12th. We expected a compact crossover. We got… updated renders and Musk’s lecture on AI.
October 2025: Reality hit us. Instead of the Q, we got a “Standard Model 3” for 35,000 euros. But at the same time, solid information emerged: production lines for “Project Redwood” are actually being set up.
What we know now (and it's more than fixed)
Forget the speculation from 2023. Today, at the end of 2025, we have a clearer picture, made up of information leaks, supply chain analysis, and the fact that Musk can no longer ignore China's BYD.
- Name: Although we've played around with the names Model 2 and even Model 1, the Model Q designation (for "Quantum" leap in production or just "Question mark"?) is holding up surprisingly well in the media.
- Battery – The Heart of the Revolution: This is what we wrote about in May. It’s not about size, it’s about chemistry. The 53 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery is the “sweet spot.” Why? Because it’s indestructible, cheap, and gives you the range you actually need.
- Consumption: This is the data that should worry the VW ID.3. We expect consumption of around 12.5 to 13 kWh per 100 km. This is not just “good”. This is a physical miracle of aerodynamics.
Specifications: Numbers that kill the competition
We're not going to lie to ourselves. This won't be a record-breaking car on the Nürburgring. But it will be a Tesla Model Q that will still leave every diesel Golf behind at the traffic lights.
- Drive: Rear-wheel drive (RWD). Because it's more fun and cheaper.
- Power: Around 150 kW (200 hp). Just enough that you don't need a racing license, but enough to make you smile.
- Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in approximately 7 seconds.
- Reach: 400 – 500 km (WLTP). Realistic? Around 350 km of mixed driving. For a price under 30 thousand? Sold.
- Trunk: This is where Tesla surprised us. Despite being about 4 meters long, our sources and analysis of the floor plan (which resembles a miniature Y) indicate an astonishing 470 to 600 liters of volume (if we count that “frunk” in the front and the bottom of the trunk). Enough for four suitcases or a very large dog.
“Unboxing”: Why is this important for your wallet?
We’ve written about the “unboxing” process in City Magazine before. This isn’t a marketing ploy. This is how Tesla will achieve its €25,000 price tag (plus VAT, of course). Instead of the car traveling down a conveyor belt like a snake, it’s assembled in pieces (like Lego bricks) and assembled at the end. Less painting, less welding, fewer people. The result: A car that’s cheaper to build than a Toyota Corolla. The key to success will be a completely changed way of building a car.
Technology: Where Q gets “smart”
The biggest advantage? Hardware 4 (HW4) or maybe already HW5. While other manufacturers charge for navigation, it will Tesla Model S probably came ready for autonomy. And here's the catch – Musk needs millions of these cars on the road, not for sales, but for data for his AI. You're not just a customer; you're a trainer for his AI. And for that privilege, you'll get the car cheaper. Fair trade? Probably.
Conclusion: Worth the wait? Tesla Model Q
2025 was the year of “almost.” 2026 will be the year of “finally.” If you have $25,000 or $30,000 in your pocket and are looking for a new car, you have two options: Buy a used Model 3 now, or wait for the Q. My advice? If you can, wait. Tesla Model S It won't just be a "cheap Tesla". It will be a car that, thanks to its small size, agility and efficiency, may even be a better Tesla for European roads than its bigger brothers. It's aerodynamic, practical and has that "cool factor" that the Renault 5 (for all its nostalgia) has a hard time achieving without Google software.
The Tesla Model Q is coming. A little later than we predicted in March, but for a reason. And when it's here, the silence on the road will become very loud for the competition.
