Skip to main content

Tesla reportedly phases out one of its entry-level options, the Model X 60D

Remember when Tesla introduced lower-cost Model S and Model X variants in July, perhaps hoping to draw some buyers from the Model 3 reservation list? Both the Model S 60 and the Model X 60D actually had 75 kWh batteries, but they were software-limited to 60 kWh. Well, the Model S 60 is still available but the Model X 60D is no more, according to Left Lane News.

The lowest-price Model X is now the 75D, which starts at $86,700, including a $1,200 freight charge. Other Model X starting prices, which depend on battery pack capacity, are $96,700 for the 90D and $136,700 for the top-of-the-model-line P100D.

Recommended Videos

Speculation about the reasons for the entry-level Model X’s disappearance range from a Tesla mystery announcement scheduled for October 17 to possibly just wanting to cut the variety of offerings. It also could be a simple matter of supply and demand.

The Tesla Model X got off to a horrible start. The signature falcon-wing doors did not work well from the start, prompting Tesla CEO Elon Musk to admit an error of hubris — packing too many new features in the Model X. At the Tesla annual shareholders meeting in early June, Musk said getting the door sensors and doors to work correctly was more of a challenge than expected. He predicted it would take two future software upgrades to get the doors to be “fully functioning.”

More recently, however, the Model X doors are working just fine, according to Electrek. Also from Electrek are stories that the Model X is selling exceedingly well in Norway, where it is now the second best-selling car, and in the Netherlands, where Tesla has a final assembly plant and where even the king was recently added a Model X to his fleet. Apparently, the Model X is also extremely popular in mainland China.

So it might be international demand drove Tesla to stop selling the Model X 60D — which did not cost the company any less to manufacture than the more expensive 75D. Or some other reason. The point is, if you want a new Model X, the price sheet starts at $86,700 with shipping.

Bruce Brown
Bruce Brown Contributing Editor   As a Contributing Editor to the Auto teams at Digital Trends and TheManual.com, Bruce…
Cheaper EVs ahead? GM and LG say new battery cells are the key
2025 Chevrolet Equinox EV front quarter view.

General Motors and LG Energy Solution have announced a new phase in their ongoing partnership: developing a new battery cell chemistry that could significantly lower the cost of electric vehicles. The joint effort centers on lithium manganese iron phosphate (LMFP) battery cells, a variation of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) that’s gaining popularity for being more affordable and less reliant on expensive materials like nickel and cobalt.

This is a big deal because battery costs are still the single largest expense in producing EVs. According to GM and industry experts, LMFP cells could help bring the cost of electric vehicles close to — or even on par with — gas-powered cars. The goal? Making EVs accessible to a broader range of drivers without sacrificing range or performance.

Read more
Waymo recalled 1,200 robotaxis following collisions with road barriers
Waymo Jaguar I-Pace

Waymo’s autonomous-car technology has made great advances over the years to the point where it’s now allowed to offer paid robotaxi rides in select locations in the U.S.

But the development of the technology is ongoing, and the robotaxi rides continue to gather valuable data for Waymo engineers to pore over as they further refine the driverless system to make it as reliable and efficient as possible. Which is why glitches will sometimes occur.

Read more
Apple CarPlay Ultra looks stunning in Aston Martin supercar debut
Apple CarPlay Ultra

Apple CarPlay Ultra is the next generation of the Cupertino, California-based firm's smartphone projection system for your car, and it's available in new vehicles in the US and Canada.

When we say "new cars", your options are very much limited to one brand... Aston Martin. So you'll need deep pockets if you want to experience CarPlay Ultra for yourself.

Read more