Model S Options and Pricing Observations
Tuesday, Dec 20, 2011 by Max Mindel
Late this afternoon, Tesla Motors released their list of options and pricing for the Model S. It was exciting and at the same time it was a reality check for many of us. The total cost that you thought you might spend on a Model S probably went up for many of us, especially since those who were considering a 160 mile 40kwh battery, may be reconsidering and now opting for a 230 mile 60kwh battery. If you haven’t read about the options yet at Tesla Motor’s Options and Pricing page, you may be disappointed to find out that supercharging, that is, the ability to pull over and charge your car quickly (160 miles in 30 minutes) at a Tesla Motors supercharger will only work on either a 230 mile or 300 mile battery; and if you have a 230 mile battery, that supercharging feature comes at an additional undisclosed ‘TBD’ (to-be-determined) cost. So, if you were planning on purchasing a 160 mile version with the dream of being able to pull over at a supercharger and quickly refuel while enjoying a meal, that dream became just that--only a dream, not a reality. One day, however, while needing to travel beyond your 160 mile limit, you may end up being grateful for having made that choice.
Below is a table that summarizes of options for the Model S and Signature version. This table does not include the Performance versions of either vehicle. Model S Performance versions will be discussed in a subsequent article.
COLORS AT A PREMIUM, BUT THEY’RE METALLIC!
NO ONE GETS A FREE PANO ROOF
MICROFIBER, PLAIN LEATHER OR PERFORATED?
ARE YOU AN AUDIOPHILE?
ARE YOU A SERIOUS TECHIE?
I’ve always had a hard time justifying the high price for automobile navigation systems. When it was something new, I could understand the charge for thousands of dollars. As portable navigation systems (GPS) began to come out that were $500 and less, I began to question it. Even now, I have two great GPS apps on my iPhone that I count on regularly. I stopped using my Magellan GPS at least 2 years ago. Tesla Motors is offering navigation in a package that includes a whole lot more for a total price of $3,750. This is of course included in the Signature model. With such a technologically advanced vehicle, it would feel odd not to have a navigation system, particularly with that revolutionary 17” screen. But at $3,750 considering GPS’s are now already priced under $100 and you’re already paying for the 17” screen in the Model S. My reaction...Ouch! Perhaps the blow is less severe when you consider that the price is part of an entire “Tech Package” which also includes, an HD back-up camera, a power rear liftgate, xenon headlamps, LED foglights, Electrochromatic (automatically dimming) side mirrors, a 16gb hard drive, two rear USB ports, homelink (to open your garage door), and automatic keyless entry. Clearly with these add-ons, the price of the navigation component is thousands less. I suppose the geek in me will have to seriously consider this option.
TIRES AND WHEEL DILEMMAS
WANT TO CHARGE YOUR CAR FASTER? YOU CAN!
While supercharging won’t be an option for those with a 160 mile battery, charging more quickly at your home or office is still a possibility. Telsa Motors is offering a twin charger that doubles the rate at which you recharge your battery. The standard single charger that is included in the non-signature model will charge up to 31 miles per charge. However, the twin charger will charge up to 62 miles per charge. This feature costs an additional $1500, but is included with the Signature version. All models come equipped with a 100 volt standard outlet adapter, a 240 volt dryer outlet adapter, and a J1772 public charging station adapter too.
FOR $250, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED
In any SUV or hatchback car, you need some kind of cover so that prying eyes don’t see and get tempted by your cargo. When you have a regular trunk, you don’t have to worry about this, but certainly anyone would need this. So I’m not sure why Tesla didn’t just make this a standard item. My Lexus RX SUV has one, and it was included at no additional charge. If you ordered a Signature model, this cargo cover which they call a “Parcel Shelf” will cost an additional $250.
GOT KIDS?
CONCLUSION
It is a relief to now have a full list of pricing and options. Some things such as the Air Suspension appear to be reasonably priced while other options will have some of us suffering from sticker shock. Nevertheless, for those who are on budgets it finally gives us an opportunity to figure out what we can’t live without, and what we would love to have and gives us hopefully the time to make sure we have adequate funds to end up with the Tesla Model S of our dreams. It’s comforting to see that prices were not raised as some people feared and that Tesla Motors is on target for a Summer 2012 release and has disclosed the time table for the release of each version of the Model S. All this has made it all more real and thus more exciting.
Model S Options and Pricing Observations
Index to News Articles
Feb 08, 2012 - EVs are the Future: Believe the Hype!
Jan 23, 2012 - Cell Phones and Cars in an Alternate Universe
Jan 15, 2012 - Model X: What to Expect on Feb 9, 2012
Jan 08, 2012 - Model S Signature Cars Sold Out in the USA!
Jan 05, 2012 - New Car Value Index Reveals Best Deals
Dec 21, 2011 - The Signature Model S has a $3,550 Premium
Dec 20, 2011 - Model S Options & Pricing Observations
Dec 10, 2011 - Model S Options may be disclosed on Dec 15?
Nov 28, 2011 - Tesla Reinvents the Car Buying Experience
Copyright © 2012 TeslaRumors.com All rights reserved.
EVs are the Future: Believe the Hype
Tesla Model X: What to Expect on Feb 9, 2012
The Signature Model S is now Sold Out!
New Car Value Index Reveals Best Deals
The Signature Model S has a $3,550 Premium
Model S Options and Pricing Observations
Modei S Options may be disclosed on Dec 15
Tesla Reinvents the Car Buying Experience
Did I realy just buy a car online?
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