Tesla's more-affordable Model Y Standard is now offered in Europe, keeping the FM radio tuner, lane-centring and folding mirrors deleted from the US version.
The more-affordable 2026 Tesla Model Y Standard electric SUV – which deletes features from the standard car to cut costs – has expanded to Europe, but it's no closer to Australia.
Built in Germany for select markets, instead of the United States, the Model Y Standard for Europe retains certain features removed from the US version, including 'Basic Autopilot' lane-centring assist, an FM radio tuner, and power-folding side mirrors, still without auto-dimming.
Priced from €39,990 ($AU71,500), the Model Y Standard is €10,000 ($AU18,000) less than the existing Model Y (€49,990, $AU89,000), which is now marketed as the 'Model Y Premium'.
For context, the Model Y Standard costs $US39,990 ($AU61,500) in its home market, $US5000 ($AU7500) less than the $US44,990 ($AU69,000) Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive.
Deleted features, also from the US version, include the removal of its front and rear LED light strips, 18-inch 'Aperture' wheel covers – reportedly with steel wheels underneath – power steering wheel adjustment, ambient interior lighting, ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats.
It also has cloth and leather-look upholstery, replacing full leather-look trim, while its 8-inch rear touchscreen has also been deleted, with manually-adjustable rear air vents.
A 'closed' roof with non-transparent glass and internal headlining also carries over from the US version, after initial reports suggested the cheaper model would feature a steel roof.
The Model Y Standard is not currently planned for Australia, as it is not built at its factory in Shanghai, China – nor is a right-hand drive version offered.
In addition, while Tesla also launched a cheaper Model 3 Standard in the US, it has not expanded to Europe like the Model Y.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
