Tesla have added a new entry-level model to their Model S range – the 60 and 60D. The new 60 will be much cheaper to own, and possibly even enough to keep aspiring Tesla owners happy until the entry-level Model 3 becomes available.
Tesla say the Model S 60 and 60D will both offer at least 320km (200mi) of range – and if that sounds familiar, you’d be right. Tesla used to sell a Model S with a 60-kWh battery, but it was later discontinued, along with the 40-kWh model. This is the first time that a cancelled model is making a return but, as you might suspect, things are a bit different this time around.
For a start, the price is lower – starting at US$66,00 – plus there’s also an all-wheel drive 60D version available . There’s also the fact that both cars have a secret inside: they’re both fitted with a 75-kWh battery pack. The new 60s also come with Autopilot hardware, so if someone who buys a new Model S 60 wants to upgrade the battery pack (to access the extra 15-kWh for more range) or turn on the Autopilot options, that will be possible. An over-the-air software update downloaded by the car (Tesla isn’t saying when, or how much it could cost) will unlock the extra capacity, bumping range and performance up a notch. That’s new-school tuning for you.
It’s hardly a slowcoach for a ‘My First Tesla’ – 0-100km/h (60mph) is dispatched in 5.5 seconds and it’ll do 210km/h (130mph).