Tesla (TSLA) launched a new base Cybertruck AWD Standard variant in the US earlier this week. The $59,990 price tag of this Cybertruck has grabbed the attention of Tesla and pickup truck enthusiasts.
This new Cybertruck offers the most value-for-money when it comes to features and specs — you just have to compromise on looks a bit, and some bearable downgrades, like last year’s Cybertruck RWD.
Interestingly, according to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Tesla might increase the price of this variant if the automaker receives unexpected demand for the most affordable Cybertruck yet.
In this report, we will compare the two Dual-Motor Cybertruck AWD versions that Tesla is offering right now. The electric vehicle-maker has divided Cybertruck AWD into two variants: the $59,990 Standard AWD, and the $79,990 Premimum AWD.
Let’s see if the $20,000 price difference is a real discount, or Tesla made the same mistake it did with the RWD last year, stripping down too many features, resulting in poor sales and discontinuation of this version.
The All-Wheel Drive (AWD) powertrain of both these variants is
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Cybertruck Standard vs Premium AWD: Exterior & Suspension
Closely looking at the picture above gives us an idea of the cosmetic differences between the Standard and Premium AWD Cybertruck variants. The major differences are the wheels and the rear lighting setup.
There are only 2 small brake lights on the sides of the Standard AWD trim’s rear. The Premium AWD variant has the original rear light bar going across the tailgate of the Cybertruck(see comparison pic above).
Cybertruck Standard AWD comes with 18″ Aero Wheels, while the 20″ Core Wheels are optional for an additional $2,500.
The 20″ Core Wheels are included in the price of the Cybertruck Premium AWD (see comparison pic below). Anyone buying an affordable Cybertruck wouldn’t opt for the premium wheels for a hefty price of $2,500.
Wheels alone make a big difference in the looks of the Cybertruck. The 18″ standard wheels don’t look that great. But — who buys a Cybertruck for looks? The lower-end Standard AWD version is as safe as its higher-end trims. No compromise on safety, even with a $20K price difference.
Bed and Storage
Cybertruck has a 6’x4′ bed across all variants. It has a storage capacity of up to 120 cubic feet. The new Standard AWD variant offers a motorized hard-top tonneau cover. Means you can open and close the bed cover with a single touch of a button.
No L-Tracks in Cybertruck Standard AWD
Tesla has also removed L-tracks in the Cybertruck Standard AWD variant. L-tracks are two rail-type tracks on both sides of the Cybertruck bed.
In the Premium AWD and Cyberbeast variants, these tracks have two hooks installed in the center of the bed to tie up luggage. The L-tracks allow for several hooks to be installed on both sides. Bungee straps or rope can be used to tie and keep the luggage together while the Cybertruck is on the move.
Unfortunately, Cybertruck Standard AWD does not offer this handy feature.
Adaptive vs Air Suspension
Tesla Cybertruck Standard AWD has an ‘adaptive coil spring suspension’ vs the ‘adaptive air suspension‘ included in the Premium AWD and Cyberbeast trims.
If you’re not going to use your Cybertruck for extreme off-roading and wading, having an air suspension that raises your pickup truck isn’t going to be useful in the long run. The standard adaptive suspension is going to allow you most of the off-road adventures you’ve fantasized about with your Cybertruck.
Cybertruck Standard vs Premium AWD: Interior
Tesla Cybertruck AWD comes with a gray-tone interior with ‘Textile Seats’. The seats are made of high-quality fabric, unlike the Premium AWD version, which has vegan leather seats.
Looking at the picture posted by Tesla, the color theme of the Standard AWD interior is similar to the Tactical Gray interior included on the Cybertruck Premium AWD. There is no interior upgrade option available on the Standard AWD.
Ambient lighting remains the same on the base Cybertruck AWD. Front seats of the new Cybertruck Standard AWD are only heated, while the Premium model offers both heated and ventilated seats.
The rear screen is also not offered on the Standard AWD Cybertruck. The Premium variant boasts 15 speakers, but the Standard Cybertruck has only 7 speakers.
Range, Towing, and More
Since both Cybertruck AWD variants come with the same powertrain (Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive with Mechanical front and rear locking differentials) and the same battery pack, the EPA estimated range is 325 miles (523 km) for both.
However, the towing capacity of both versions of Tesla’s electric pickup truck differs significantly. Cybertruck Standard AWD has a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, and the Premium version has 11,000 lbs of towing power.
The payload capacity also differs significantly between the Standard and Premium Cybertruck versions. Standard comes with a payload capacity of 2,006 lbs, while the premium comes with a 2,500 lbs capacity.
0-60 mph remains the same for both variants, i.e., 4.1 seconds. Standard vs Premium can charge up to 132 miles (212 km) and 137 miles (220 km) in 15 minutes at a Supercharger.
Cybertruck Standard AWD also has the Powershare feature. You can plug in another Tesla to charge, power your home and equipment with three outlets installed in the Cybertruck bed.
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