FYI: Tesla’s newly unveiled Cybertruck Long Range Rear Wheel Drive (LR RWD) stirs debate with its pared-down features and premium pricing, raising questions about its market positioning and consumer appeal.
Tesla has recently introduced its Cybertruck Long Range Rear Wheel Drive, generating a gamut of reactions from the electric vehicle realm. While commendations were swift for its impressive battery range, criticisms have arisen over its cost, especially when juxtaposed against the mid-tier Cybertruck All Wheel Drive (AWD) version.
The Feature Gap
The LR RWD is priced $10,000 below the AWD model. Despite this discount, it presents with noticeable feature omissions. Although slower acceleration, reduced towing, and downgraded fabric seating might be anticipated trade-offs, the absence of advancements like air suspension, a HEPA filter, and active noise cancellation position it as a notably stripped-down iteration of Tesla’s flagship pickup.
One might expect the most cost-effective Cybertruck to cater specifically to a practical, work-focused audience. Yet, the reality is somewhat different. At a price tag of $69,990, the LR RWD lacks essential accessories such as 120V and 240V power outlets in the bed and cabin. Even signature design elements like the rear light bar, emblematic of the truck’s futuristic appeal, are conspicuously absent.
Consumer Conversation
This comprehensive list of missing features has sparked discussions in EV circles online, with opinions dissecting whether Tesla’s omitted features exceed a $10,000 value. Some enthusiasts feel that the LR RWD’s pricing should align more closely with earlier comments from Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who, in 2019, envisioned an electric truck available for under $50,000. Adjusted for inflation, this estimate translates to about $62,811 today—making the RWD’s price appear hefty against such predictions.
In November 2019, at its unveiling, the base Cybertruck was pegged at a striking $39,990. When taking inflation into account, that number equates to $50,249 now, offering intriguing context to its current market price.
Strategic Positioning
It’s plausible that Tesla is using the LR RWD as a strategic move to nudge buyers towards the AWD variant, incentivizing them with a wealth of superior features and enhanced performance for a mere $10,000 more.
The commercial success of the LR RWD remains uncertain. Observers recall the brief existence of the $35,000 Model 3 Standard Range RWD, which saw low demand but, paradoxically, acted as a catalyst for the eventual success of the Model 3 Standard Range Plus—an enduring bestseller for Tesla.
Conclusion
In summary, Tesla’s Cybertruck LR RWD introduces an intriguing blend of economics and engineering that seems designed to steer consumers towards more feature-rich alternatives. As the market digests this new offering, its role as a distinctive strategic piece in Tesla’s broader vehicle lineup will become clearer.
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Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
