The automotive landscape has witnessed numerous changes in recent years, and Tesla is no exception. The company's lineup continues to evolve with the introduction of a new Cybertruck variant, which marks a significant shift in pricing strategy. The latest addition to the Cybertruck family is an entry-level rear-wheel-drive model that was initially introduced last year but later canceled. However, this time around, Tesla has created another base Cybertruck that retains all-wheel drive and much of the same performance while costing significantly less than its predecessor.
The new variant, dubbed Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive, boasts a starting price of $62,235, which is a whopping $20,000 less than the existing all-wheel-drive trim now known as Premium. Despite this substantial reduction in cost, the two electric motors still deliver an impressive 593 horsepower and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. The Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive variant also boasts a range of 325 miles on a single charge, comparable to other two-motor Cybertrucks.
However, it's essential to note that the performance is mostly unchanged, and Tesla has made some compromises to lower the price by such a large margin. The entry-level Cybertruck no longer features air suspension found in pricier models, although it still comes equipped with adaptive dampers. Additionally, the new trim rides on smaller 18-inch wheels, but shoppers can opt for the larger 20-inch wheels for an extra $2500 without compromising the range estimate.
The base Cybertruck has also had to sacrifice some features to achieve this lower price point. The motorized tonneau cover and three power outlets in the bed are still present, but the two outlets in the cabin have been omitted, as well as the 9.4-inch screen for rear passengers. Furthermore, the seats are now wrapped in fabric instead of leatherette upholstery, and the front seats no longer offer ventilation.
The sound system features seven speakers, down from 15 in the Premium trim, and active noise cancellation is also absent. These compromises are a testament to Tesla's focus on reducing costs without compromising performance. The company's willingness to make such changes will undoubtedly impact the target audience for this new base model.
Alongside the introduction of the new base AWD model, Tesla has also revised the price of its range-topping Cyberbeast. The tri-motor model now starts at $102,235, a decrease of $15,000 from its previous price in August 2025. This adjustment may indicate that Tesla is attempting to reposition its lineup and attract more customers.
The automotive industry is known for its unpredictability, and it's impossible to predict how long this updated lineup will last. As with any Tesla model change, we can expect the company to reassess its strategy and make further adjustments in the near future.
Ultimately, the new base Cybertruck model offers impressive performance while sacrificing some features to achieve a lower price point. This shift in strategy may appeal to customers seeking an affordable all-wheel-drive option without compromising on driving dynamics.
The introduction of this new base model marks another significant development in Tesla's ongoing efforts to expand its customer base and increase sales. As the company continues to evolve, it will be essential to monitor its pricing strategies and feature offerings to understand the impact on its target audience.
This new base model offers impressive performance while sacrificing some features to achieve a lower price point.
