The SUV has long been established as the hot segment of the automotive market. For manufacturers, the interest is also to sell a larger vehicle, and in this case more expensive, than the equivalent sedan. Examples abound, with the Clio/Captur couples at Renault (3,500 euros difference in the basic version), or 208/2008 at Peugeot (5,920 euros difference), to name the most popular models in France.

A Model Y 3,500 euros cheaper than the Model 3

But Tesla somehow breaks this rule. Starting this Friday, August 26, the American brand is offering its Model Y in a Propulsion version (single rear engine) at a price of 49,990 euros. The Model 3, which is based on the same platform, is offered for its part at 53,490 euros, in this same Propulsion version.

A difference of 3,500 euros in favor of the SUV that finds several explanations. The main one: Tesla is clearly trying to encourage customers to turn to this second model, which Elon Musk already sees as the new car that will become the best-selling car in the world, all engines combined.

Tesla’s future bestseller

And this Propulsion version could well prove the Tesla boss right: with its price now just below the symbolic threshold of 50,000 euros, the Model Y is thus eligible for the ecological bonus. Not the 6,000 euros that apply to purchases of new electric cars up to 45,000 euros, but the 2,000 euros (the bonus for vehicles purchased between 45,000 and 60,000 euros until December 31), that is, a starting price with help including 47,990 euros.

Until now, with a starting price of more than 60,000 euros, the Model Y Grande Autonomie et Performance were not eligible for the ecological bonus in France.

Another shocking argument given the current context: delivery time. In the Tesla configurator, this Model Y Propulsion made in Shanghai (as well as the Long Range version) indicates an expected date between December 2022 and February 2023, as does the Model Y Performance, the only version currently manufactured in Berlin .

Enough to seriously position itself against its main competitors, even with a range reduced to 455 km WLTP (with 19-inch wheels), or 100 km less than the Long Range version. It is thus cheaper than an Audi Q4 e-tron (smaller but with 520 km of autonomy, which currently starts at 50,900 euros). And much more affordable than a BMW iX3, with equivalent autonomy and a similar workforce, but sold from 69,950 euros.