Image: Tesla
Tesla is rolling out a new entry-level Model Y variant in Europe, and it’s a bit of a surprise. Dubbed the Model Y Standard Long Range RWD, the new configuration delivers significantly more driving range than the existing base model, while still undercutting other trims on price.
According to Tesla Europe, the Model Y Standard Long Range RWD offers up to 657 km of WLTP-rated range, making it the most efficient Model Y to date at just 12.7 kWh per 100 km. Cargo space remains generous as well, with up to 2,118 litres available. Pricing starts at around €40,000 in most European markets, roughly €5,000 over the basic Model Y Standard.
What makes this launch notable is how unexpected it is. Europe is the first market to receive this specific Long Range rear-wheel-drive configuration, despite the Model Y Standard first debuting in the U.S. last October before expanding to Europe. Tesla has been aggressively reshaping its lineup globally, this week introducing the budget Model Y Standard RWD in Canada as well, where vehicles are now being supplied from Gigafactory Berlin.
Image: Tesla
For comparison, the existing base Model Y Standard offers up to 534 km of WLTP range, a top speed of 201 km/h, and a 0–100 km/h time of 7.2 seconds. While the new Long Range RWD variant prioritizes efficiency and distance, Tesla continues to make strategic trade-offs to keep pricing competitive.
Despite being positioned as a lower-cost option, Tesla says the Model Y Standard lineup maintains the brand’s core safety and efficiency standards, running on its latest Hardware 4 (HW4) platform. To achieve the lower price point, Tesla trims some premium features. The panoramic glass roof is replaced with a fabric headliner, the steering wheel and second-row seats are manually adjustable, and features like ventilated seats, heated rear seats, and the rear passenger touchscreen are absent.
It remains unclear when (or if) Tesla will launch the Model Y Standard Long Range in other markets. Still, for European buyers focused on range and value, this new Model Y variant could be one of the most compelling EV options yet — especially as Tesla continues to experiment with pricing and configurations across global markets.
