It may seem like an odd move for the electric car company, but Tesla is aiming for a different market with the all-new Model S. The company has recently added some upgrades to the Model S, and it’s clear that Tesla is now directing its efforts towards the luxury car market.
The new upgrades include all-wheel drive in addition to more power. The changes will be made to the Model S base model only, but this also means a higher price.
Some Changes
Tesla has officially stopped selling the older Model S (the 60) that included running from 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds, and a 380-horsepower motor that could go up to 208 miles on one charge. In its place is the 70-D that can go 240 miles per charge, can go from 0-60 in 5.2 seconds, and has 514 horsepower. In addition, those that purchase the new 70-D can gain access to all of the Tesla charging stations.
But in order to get the new 70-D, you’ll have to pay $75,000 instead of $70,000, which is a 7% increase. Tesla owner and founder Elon Musk justifies this price change by stating that buyers can get a $7,500 federal tax credit, and in some states further credits can be applied, which can bring the car down in price to compete with other luxury brands. Musk cites the BMW 5 Series, which retails for approximately the same price as the 70-D would following all of those tax breaks in addition to the amount of money you could save by not purchasing any gasoline.
Changes Based on Logic
Musk told press that the company needed to make an all-wheel drive in order to sell more cars in the North East. Most luxury cars are sold in states like New York, and that means harsh winters and lots of different weather issues. In these states, all-wheel drive is the only option, and that means that Tesla was out of the running prior to creating the 70-D.
Now, the car company hopes to become part of the decision making process when consumers living in the North East decide on a luxury all-wheel drive model. The appeal is real too. For many drivers, simply skipping out on high fuel costs can justify the higher price of a car like the 70-D. If you add to that the all new all-wheel drive feature, Tesla begins to look like an appealing car choice.
SUV Coming Soon
Tesla is also working on a model X SUV, which will hit markets later this year. The new SUV will have many of the same features as the lower end Tesla models, and will also be electric. For buyers that need to have bigger cars, saving on fuel could be a major benefit. Of course, the tax breaks that Musk refers to only apply in the US, but other countries offer tax breaks when buying electric cars as well.
If you’re looking into purchasing a new car, you may want to research the tax breaks that you can get when buying an electric option. If you add up the amount you pay each month on fuel, add in those tax breaks, and consider the sheer beauty of the Tesla cars, these cars really start to sound good. Then again, you do have to take care of any car, including a Tesla, in order to maintain it.
Repairs and Maintenance
When it comes to keeping your car in good shape, Fort Collins Foreign Car Service is here to help you. Whether you have a Tesla or a BMW or any other domestic or foreign car, you can trust us to make the best possible decisions for you and your automobile. For auto repair in Fort Collins, we’re proud to be the number one choice of our customers. Come and see why our mechanics in Fort Collins are some of the best! Book your appointment today.
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