Tesla’s Least Popular Car Isn’t Its Most Expensive
When Tesla first hit the streets with its groundbreaking Tesla Roadster in 2008, they were very expensive. However, in recent years, Tesla has seemingly changed its priorities to get as many consumers as possible under their brand umbrella. The Model 3 and Model Y are leading in Tesla sales as the performance-heavy Model S and space-age Model X continue to push the envelope on the higher end. Oddly enough, Tesla’s least popular vehicle is not its most expensive offering. Here is everything you need to know about Tesla’s least popular vehicle and why price isn’t the main factor keeping consumers at bay.
Tesla’s lineup ranked by sales success
According to GoodCarBadCar, Tesla’s top-selling vehicle as of the second quarter of 2023 is the Tesla Model Y with 105,499 units sold. In second place behind the Model Y is the Tesla Model 3, with 58,500 units sold. The Tesla Model X has sold 5,900 units, and finally, the Tesla Model S has 3,100 units sold.
What makes these numbers so surprising is that the Tesla Model Y is not the least expensive Tesla vehicle you can buy. Similarly, the Tesla Model S, which has sold the least units so far this year, is not the most expensive model on the market. So what exactly is working against the Tesla Model S? Why is the Model X selling more units even though it isn’t as fast on the track and is more expensive than the Model S?
What is the Tesla Model S?
When it comes down to it, the Tesla Model S is a very niche vehicle in an already special automotive segment. It made its introduction in 2012 and instantly caught the attention of everyone looking for an EV. This Model S wasn’t like the other popular mass-market EVs on the marketplace, the Model S was a sports sedan. In a segment so saturated with hatchback economy EVs, the Model S was shockingly different in all the right ways.
Currently, the Model S starts at $78,490 MSRP, according to Tesla. If you want the 200 miles per hour top speed Model S Plaid with its sub-two second 0 to 60 mph time, you’ll be looking at a price tag of around $108,490 MSRP. Despite these high prices, Tesla has one more vehicle that is more expensive than the Model S – the Tesla Model X
Tesla Model X isn’t doing poorly in Tesla sales despite the high price tag
The Tesla Model X is Tesla’s full-size SUV. With distinctive Tesla design and technology, along with signature gullwing doors, the Model X is one of the flashiest vehicles in the Tesla lineup, and that is saying something when your company makes a car that will go 0 to 60 in less than two seconds. The Model X is big and bruising, but it is still quick with a Model X Plaid model available, which can reach speeds of 149 miles per hour and go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds.
The Tesla Model X starts at $88,490 MSRP, which is the highest-priced Tesla vehicle currently. Despite this high starting price, the Model X Plaid is the same price as the Model S Plaid at $108,490 MSRP. The Model X continues to sell better than the Model S because it is easier to live with as a full-size SUV. Families who can afford it are much happier in a Model X SUV than a Model S. SUVs are the new classic family vehicle, and with an SUV that is as technologically advanced and quick as a Model X, it is no wonder that it is selling more than the Model S despite it being more expensive.
