Entry into the world of electric mobility was once reserved for eccentric millionaires and tech enthusiasts who enjoyed the smell of leather and silence. Today? Today, for 39,990 euros (or a subsidized 34,000 euros with a subsidy), you get a ticket to this club, but through the back door. This is the new Tesla Model Y Standard RWD. A car that has lost some of its luster to become "people-friendly", but in the process has become perhaps Elon Musk's most sincere product. Is this just a Tesla Semi in the guise of a passenger car, ready for 400,000 kilometers of suffering, or a stroke of genius?. Buckle up, because we're going to check whether it's possible to enjoy a car that wears jeans on the dashboard.
At a price of 39,990 euros (taking into account a subsidy of around 34,000 euros) you rightly ask: Where is the deception? The neighbors won't find it at first glance. Tesla Model Y Standard It wears the same Stealth Grey paint that is standard even on the most expensive Performance model, so it doesn't visually scream "I bought the cheapest one." Connoisseurs will notice that there is no light bar connecting the headlights at the front and rear. But when you realize that this car is cheaper than Enyaq damages, it becomes clear: you didn't buy a semi-finished product, but you probably tricked the system.
Interior: When "Premium" meets H&M
The first thing you notice is not what's there, but what is not. Forget the vegan leather that tries to imitate cows. This car wears cloth. And not just any cloth – the dashboard is covered in a material that looks suspiciously like denim. It may sound cheap, but it actually feels indestructible, like work clothes that will outlast all your children and probably the next owner. The workmanship is good, although the materials are sometimes lousy, but they clearly indicate the purpose: this is a car aimed at autonomous taxi services.
The center console has been redesigned, apparently inspired by the Cybertruck. It ends earlier, just behind the cup holders, which creates a more airy feel, but you lose some storage compartments. And yes, the steering column doesn't have power adjustment. You have to adjust it manually, which in 2026 is about as archaic as using a fax machine.
Spaciousness: A black hole for your junk – Tesla Model Y Standard
If you think they "cut off" the trunk at the lower price, you're wrong. Tesla Model Y Standard there is a real cavity behind it – we are talking about 850 liters of space in the rear and more 110 liters in the front "frunk" under the hood. This isn't just a trunk, it's a hangar. In the test, they crammed nine flight cases into it in the back and another one in the front, an achievement that would make rivals like BYD and MG blush. An electric tailgate is also standard, which is a nice gesture at this price. But beware, not everything is perfect. The rear bench does split 40:20:40, but if you want a center armrest, you'll be disappointed. Instead of a real backrest, you have to fold down the entire center part of the seat. All you get is a backrest with cup holders that is too low and too hard to be comfortable. But hey, when you're carrying half of Ikea in it, you won't care about the backrest at all.
Numbers that count: Kilometers, watts and reality
Under that »Stealth Grey« tin (which, incidentally, is the only free color) hides the heart of the savings package.
Battery and range: The car is powered by a 60 kWh battery. The official range is 505 km (314 miles), but let's be realistic. On the highway, where the Tesla spends most of its time, you'll realistically get between 320 and 386 kilometers (200 to 240 miles), depending on the weather. In winter? Prepare to use around 22 kWh per 100 kilometers. The battery is on the limit, but enough for the average user.
Charging: This is where the savings come in. The maximum charging power is limited to 175 kW. That's less than on more expensive models, but still enough to charge a 10-80 % battery in 24 minutes. And don't forget - access to the Supercharger network is still a key advantage.
Acceleration and speed: It shoots you to 100 km/h (62 mph) in about 7 seconds. It's not exactly a "rocket", but it's fast enough that overtaking isn't stressful. The top speed is officially limited, but at 150 km/h (93 mph) the car drives confidently, like a normal car. The official top speed is 177 km/h (110 mph).
Driving: Digital Angels and Demons
The software is at Tesla Model Y Standard, as always with Tesla, 10/10. Everything works smoothly, intuitively, like an extension of your smartphone. But the ride is not perfect. The lane keeping system (Lane Assist) is downright slippery at high speeds – it corrects too much and too aggressively, which causes discomfort, probably also due to the cheaper, passive suspension and different tires. I also find the rather large turning circle annoying.
The suspension is not that sophisticated as with Long Range models, which have frequency-dependent dampers. Here you get classic dampers. Is the ride bad? No. It's a bit rougher or "bumpy", but still better than in many competing electric SUVs. The steering is quick, maybe even too quick for a family car, but that gives it a certain agility.
What will you miss?
Besides the leather and softness, you'll miss the light in the back. Tesla Model Y Standard It doesn't have that wonderful panoramic glass roof, but rather grey upholstery, which makes the back seat quite dreary on cloudy days. There's also no touchscreen in the back, which will disappoint any parents who were counting on a digital nanny while driving. The front seats are heated but not ventilated, and there's no heated rear seats at all - not even for an extra charge.
FSD: Terminator in the guise of a nanny
You may think you bought just a good family car, but in reality you bought a ticket to the future. This is the car that will probably be the best-selling model in the world this year, and for good reason. Underneath this cheaper sheet metal is exactly the same arsenal of sensors, chips and cameras as in the most expensive Performance version. Yes, you read that right. Even this “Standard” model has all the necessary equipment for FSD (Full Self-Driving), including a new, additional camera in the front bumper that is there for one purpose only: to let the car see better than you.
Elon Musk is not stupid. This car is not designed just for you, but as the foundation for a future fleet of autonomous taxis. When the software allows it – and given that the software in this car is already a classic Tesla ten – this “jeans” Tesla will drive itself completely, just as confidently as the one for 60 thousand. The irony is perfect: you paid less for comfort, but you got the same brains. This is democracy according to Tesla – we are all equal in the face of artificial intelligence, only some sit on leather, while others on durable fabric.
Conclusion: The victory of reason over emotions
Tesla Model Y Standard It's not a car you buy with your heart. It's a car you buy with a calculator in your hand. For €39,990 you get 850 litres of boot space, another 110 litres of front "front" space and technology that's years ahead of the competition.
Is this the best? Tesla? Not even close. It's "stripped down", has less range and wears jeans on the dashboard. But it's also an interesting and good tool for modern mobility. It feels like a taxi of the future that you could buy today and in a year it will be transporting your neighbors to work and making you money. If you get over the fact that it doesn't have all the "premium" toys of the more expensive dual-engine models, This is probably the most rational purchase on the market.Don't let the fabric bother you – after all, jeans have always been in fashion.
My rating? As a moving tool: 10/10. As a status symbol? Well, let's call it "urban chic." For this price, it simply has no competition that offers this much space, smarts, and usability.
