Tesla simplifies lineup again, removes Standard Range Model S and X

Good news: Tesla has simplified its vehicle lineup, and reduced prices on some cars. 

Bad news: The cheapest versions of the Model S and Model X are no longer available for purchase. 

In yet another reshuffling of its car lineup (there have been a couple in recent months), Tesla has removed the Standard Range versions of the Model S and Model X, and adjusted the prices of other models, Reuters reported Tuesday. 

This means that you can now only get two basic variants of the Model S and the Model X: Long Range and Performance. They’re cheaper than before: The Model S Long Range starts at $79,990 (a $5,010 price reduction), while the Model X Long Range starts at $84,990 (a $6,010 price reduction). 

Unfortunately, this also means that the base price for the Model S and X is significantly higher than before — $5,000 and $4,000, respectively. 

Additionally, the Model 3 is a bit cheaper now, starting at $38,990 (the long-promised $35,000 model still exists but the company would rather it didn’t). 

“To make purchasing our vehicles even simpler, we are standardizing our global vehicle lineup and streamlining the number of trim packages offered for Model S, Model X and Model 3,” Tesla told Reuters.

There are other changes in the lineup. Ludicrous Mode — previously a $20,000 option — is now standard on Performance variants on both the Model S and the Model X. But the price of Performance variants of both cars has gone up compared to a day ago; from $96,000 to $99,990 for the Model S, and from $102,000 to $104,990 for the Model X.

The price changes may be good news or bad news, depending on the buyer. Those who hoped to get the cheapest possible version of the Model S or X are out of luck. On the other hand, those who wanted the absolute top variant of either car, including Tesla’s crazy Ludicrous Mode, are getting a much better deal. 

After a dismal first quarter of 2019, Tesla has been squeezing every little bit of profitability from its car business, including constantly adjusting its vehicle lineup. With the Standard Range option gone, the company has fewer types of battery packs to produce, which should cut costs somewhat. 

But even though Q2 financial results aren’t out yet (the company plans to announce them on July 24), Tesla did great in terms of shipments. We’ll see if the combination of cost-cutting measures and record shipments will net the company another profitable quarter.