With U.S. deliveries having started since June, Tesla Motors is now introducing its Model S all-electric luxury saloon in the European market – but only in its higher-end versions.
For the time being, Tesla announced that it will offer only the 60- and 85-kWh battery pack versions, leaving the 40-kWh edition out of the Model S’ European range.
The base price for a 60-kW pack Model S in Germany is €71,400, or US$94,370, which is significantly higher than the US$67,400, before the federal US$7,500 tax rebate, it commands in the U.S.
The range-topping Signature Performance version, which can stun a BMW M5, is priced at €109,150, or US$143,700 at today’s exchange rates, close to $40k more than the US$105,400 sticker price.
George Blakenship, Tesla’s vice president of worldwide sales, said that the higher prices in Europe are due to the VAT (value-added tax), shipping costs from the company’s plant in California and modifications to meet EU regulations.
“Our goal is to make the same level of profit per car no matter where it is ultimately delivered around the world”, he noted.
On the plus side, European customers who’ve already made a reservation or plan to do so until December 31 and configure a vehicle for purchase within four weeks of the end of the year will get a €1,700 (US$2,230) reduction on the pretax price.
By Andrew Tsaousis
Story References: Autonews Europe
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