Tesla Model 3 Updates: Leasing, Autopilot Standard, Base Model Limited

Tesla announced major changes to its model lineup Thursday, especially the Model 3, in an effort to shore up sales.

The company announced Thursday that it will not produce that base car but will fulfill orders for it with software limited versions of the Standard Range Plus, with 10 percent less range and several features disabled that can be purchased by owners later.

Tesla said orders for the Standard Range Plus, with 240 miles, a premium stereo, power seats, and upgraded upholstery, outnumbered orders for the base car by 6 to 1.

Leasing

To make the car more affordable, Tesla also announced that it will offer leases on the Model 3.

Autopilot standard

To attract buyers at higher price points, as well as to enable this future ride-hailing service, Tesla also announced that it will make Autopilot standard. Autopilot includes active lane control and adaptive cruise control to follow cars ahead and steer into its lane. It no longer includes the company’s Navigate on Autopilot feature, which is now part of the Full Self-Driving Capability option.