Which Tesla Should You Buy - Model 3 or S60?

By Armen Hareyan from TorqueNews

By end of April the orders for Tesla Model 3 have reached nearly 400,000 globally by mid April and while Tesla reintroduces Model S 60 at twice the price of Model 3, but cheaper than Model S 70. Who will buy them and what should you do if are thinking to buy a Tesla.

In order to make an informed decision you need to first understand the difference between Tesla Model S 60 and Model S 70. Model S 60 is cheaper than 70, but with lesser range, about 20 miles.

Interestingly, in May 18 Automotive News reported that according to Tesla, 12,200 Model 3 orders are canceled. 8000 cars are canceled by the customers, while 4200 are canceled by the company due to the duplicates.

“If we wanted to, we believe that we could further increase the number of Model 3 reservations with minimal effort but believe it is better to guide customers to purchase products currently in production,” Tesla said in the filing to raise $1.4 billion in a share offering to ramp up the production of Model 3.

So amid this long weight line, the Model S 60 is back. What does this mean? Probably two things.

2 Reasons Model S 60 is Back

First, Tesla wants to be realistic about the products of Model 3 and the customer demand and therefore, as it says in the filing, wants to guide its Model 3 buyers to buy cars that are currently in production: This means Model S or Model X. But since Model S and X are expensive, Tesla is offering something already in production for a lesser price, power and range, which brings us to the second point. If a customer is on the fence about waiting for the Model 3, but would really prefer an S, now is the right time. And Tesla offers an incentive if you buy early.

Apparently there is a benefit too, writes Raisler in Tesla Motors forum. “There is also some advantage to having a software limited battery(actually 75kw total capacity), it will last longer than a straight 60kw would under the same usage. You can charge it all the way up and drain it all the way with less harm to the pack. And if you decide later you want the greater range, it is available with a software update.”

On the other hand if someone is on a limited budget and is interested in a compact car, Model 3 is the way to go with a 35,000 dollar price. These people are unlikely to buy a full sized Model S 60, which is almost twice the price of Model 3. Model S 60 costs $65K ($58,500 after incentives). I think Tesla Model S 60 is targeted to those people who would like to buy a full Model S, but consider it too expensive and not affordable.

Therefore, these people are not interested in Model 3 because of two simple reasons.

They want a full size sedan.
They want now, without waiting.

You see, the Model S 60 is not the best alternative for Model 3 buyers, who want a cheaper and affordable car. Also, they are willing to wait for it. Chevy Bolt may be the alternative for Tesla Model 3, but not the S 60.

Jennifer Wilkens

Jennifer has a degree in communications from Utah Valley University and enjoys writing business and financial news articles. She loves snowboarding and spending time with her two kids.