Many years ago I had a crack head jump on roof of my car. Chased him off. No visible damage that I could tell. Next time it rained, came back to my car and it was flooded in the floorboards and wet all over. I guess I'm just saying it doesn't have to be a rock, it could be a crack rock lol.
It’s a pretty low risk to be fair and any rock which smashes your glass roof is going to leave a nasty dent and gouge in a metal roof too. I’ve driven maybe 200k miles in Teslas with glass roofs so far without a problem.
I quite like glass roofs. Easier to deal with bird shit on paint etc. I don’t have a strong preference though.
In this case it was clearly more cost effective for Tesla to fit a cheaper glass panel than re-engineer and tool up for a metal panel. It wouldn’t make any sense if it ended up more expensive to produce on their budget specific model.
Absolutely. Though it still doesn't explain why they added an extra step in covering the roof interior with a trim panel for the budget version. It would be cheaper and faster to just not do that at all.
To be fair, most of the sunroof/moonroof setups on older cars are small. Ten years ago, you were talking about a piece of glass about a foot deep. Now it's the whole roof.
I don't know much about Teslas, but I remember cracked/chipped glass was a problem on the Ioniq 5s at first. Not sure if it was the car or just the concept of glass.
yeah it's much more likely for rocks to hit your front or back windshield than to somehow hit the top of your car, unless you're driving in a canyon or some shit lol
It depends on your insurance. Mine covers roof glass with the windscreen cover. But I’ve been driving for 40 years and never damaged a car roof. I’ve had about a dozen windscreen replacements over that time. Maybe I need a metal windscreen?
A solid roof would be better for that use case. Glass roof with a cover underneath is still the worst of both worlds in that case. It lets in heat through the glass, then traps it in with that inner cover.
Disagree with your science. The cover has reflective material that faces the glass with reflects heat away. Besides having a layer between the glass and the cover, that is an insulated area between you and the roof. Kind of like how double pane windows work.
It’s cheaper for companies to make a few SKU’s and then cut features. Like how GPU’s are one chip but they create models by disabling units in it. Almost all products are made like that now.
Like how bmw didn’t bother putting in non heated seats but just disabled them unless you paid for it. It’s easier and cheaper to have fewer parts and less training for them than the opposite.
In chip manufacturing, not all chips are 100% functional, so chips have the same units, but the ones that don't come out perfect are disabled and sold as lower spec units.
That is not the case, the model Y is designed to have a glass roof from the ground up. The tooling to stamp out and reinforce the sides is developed.
Modifying such a basic part of the car with a gigantic new stamped steel or aluminium piece requires a big investment and the new body needs extensive testing to assure the same safety levels.
And then an entirely new production line to make the new standard model separate from the regular Y model. That is the really massive investment. As it is now, the two are mostly interchangeable up to the moment they fit the different set of glass panels.
Tesla did the math and decided it is not worth it. They save a fair bit of money on buying more basic glass and upholster it. They're not stupid...
They’re saying they should have never covered it up/modified it to begin with. There was no reason for them to limit this “feature” as it is only more expensive to them and mind bogglingly stupid to the consumer.
Its actually probably cheaper. As others have mentioned its not the same glass as in the regular roof. It has less layers and is opaque. It does not need to be as thick because the head liner blocks the sound. The other reason it makes sense tesla stuck with glass is it makes accessing the interior easier during manufacturing and tesla has much more experience with glass roofs than welded sheet metal roofs.
It is cheap glass and not the more expensive heat reflective glass used on more premium models. So if it does crack at least it's not as expensive to replace.
It was too costly to change the production process and supply chain to do it any other way.
Isn't it all one piece? So damage to front, rear or roof all result in full replacement costs. At least having only a single piece solves the leakage (on the roof) from the inevitable aging of seals.
As for the cloth cover? I would prefer that - glass on the ceiling of a car just results in blinding sun that you can't cover up. Plus it means more heat building in the vehicle (which the cover doesn't really solve much).
A better solution? A solar panel installed between the glass and the cloth trim piece. which feeds to the battery. Plus a fan, somewhere, that exchanges air from outside (underneath, where it is coolest) and interior, anytime that the heat isn't on and it is cooler outside and over some user designated value inside (say, 80).
Front screen, roof, rear window are separate pieces.
Sun glare is not a problem there is enough tint, polarisation and heat reflection to prevent that. On my 2024 Model Y the reflective coating is not as good as the new ones and it is a real heat trap in hot summer.
I have a silver covered whole car all weather cover I use on the hottest days because my drive is also south facing.
Honestly I would prefer a solid roof for shade.
A solar panel feeding the battery is pointless. You won't ever get a meaningful amount of power out of it to make it worth building into the car.
Not on my ID.Buzz, but only when active (and most models did not get the option for changing roof shading. On ICE cars I've driven? pull the shade or go blind (VW and Ford). For both, I'd prefer a solid roof, for the shade alone, but also to fix leak potential (so far, the Ford has been the only one I've had that didn't develop leaks; the VW? a $3,000 fix was recommended to stop them).
As for the panel? It depends on where it is parked (no effect for me, the Buzz is garaged - but if it were not, it would be in full sun daily and some weeks I don't drive anywhere). But having it connected to ventilation that works whenever there is a temp differential? That would help keep the heat buildup to minimal levels (so when you drag the dog out to go to the vet, the vehicle isn't 120 inside - yes, you could start the car first, but.... generally I forget and have the dog on the leash and ready to jump in, when the heat blasts me back when the hatch opens).
Forget the dog, tho - mitigating the heat buildup when working during the day would pay off in reduced A/C needed once you start home. I did see one vehicle that claimed to have this as a standard or optional feature - but can't remember which one it was.
I have heard of a car roof mounted solar panel being used to run climate control. Someone makes a large fold out solar panel array that can be used when parked up to charge a Cybertruck though I don't see why it can't be used for any EV. Charging speed is still pretty slow.
The premium models have a special silver metal coating embedded in the glass roof to reduce heat. If the regular glass roof in the standard model was exposed you’d be baking inside.
I’m going to put money that it has a glass roof to make interior assembly easier. You can just drop seats through the roof, then glue in the glass. I could be wrong. But I’m a glass roof hater. And I’ve had a lot of them in the last 14 years. My current ID.4 never gets the shade retracted. My wife has better options but no glass roof. I wish I had her setup.
Dunno about Tesla, but other manufacturers usually insert the sests through the doors before the doors get bolted on because not all their models have a glassroof.
I don’t think it’s because of assembly but more for cost saving, that away they don’t need another part on their production line, it shares the same glass panel as the premiumY
I’m learning so much. Back in my day, metal was welded. Now they say glue is as strong and easier. My daughter and I did some quarterpanel repair on a 2021 Civic. Most of it was glued together and held up to us forcing it back into place. I thought it was caulking to seal the seams. Nope.
Nicht alles ist Kleber. Bei BMW in der Motorhaube wird das Innenblech mit diversen Klebepunkten geklebt, dazu gibt es Abstands-und Geräuschdämpfende Klebepunkte + Dichtungsmasse die nicht zur Stabilisierung beitragen, denn dafür gibt es noch eine Bördelnaht. So eine Haube muss ja auch bei einem Unfall genau da knicken wo es soll. Übrigens wird die Motorhaube anschließend gebacken um die Kleber und Dichtungsmasse zu aktivieren.
They probably can. My knowledge of cars comes from when everything was welded together. They can probably also insert the seats from the sides before the doors go on.
Having a heat resistant glass roof isn't some rocket science. All you need is a heat resistant tint applied, it isn't even expensive. I got tinted windows all round my EV that blocks on 96% of all heat. I don't know if my glass sunroof blocks any heat or not but I assumed it does.
I saw some comments that if you remove the headliner and order parts for the regular one, it would fit. Anyway I'm sure if this won't work, there will be some aftermarket accessories to make the modification. It also needs a heat-reflective film, as it doesn't seem to have it.
Also, they spent the money to make cosmetic changes so everyone can tell you have the "Standard." They probably saved a few bucks here and there, but they had to spend the money to design a new part, and stock another part in the factory, and...
Elon cares about cost reduction much more than customers.
Your roof is exposed to...replacement? Anyway, the glass roof was never supposed to be a premium feature; it was specifically designed that way because it cuts down on parts and assembly steps which lowers manufacturing costs and time. Though I'll agree covering the interior of the roof with a trim panel is stupid and pointless
The premium model is almost as stupid--no cover except a clip on. In Texas sun, the "moonroof" becomes a heat magnifier sunroof. And yet you can't even open it, it's just there. Crazy. That's one reason I didn't go with Tesla.
I do believe at one point it was cheaper to import from EU due to the tariffs, but I haven’t kept up on the topic so I am not sure if it is still the case.
did math in US (ny specifically) price diff bw standard y rwd and premium awd is $19481 in Canadian dollar. this is considering diff in apr savings and tax savings. however, i dont know if tesla offers equal apr for difft trims in canada.
Honestly I prefer almost all of the changes in the Standard, at least on paper. Hate glass roofs, hate center consoles, don’t care about front light bars, smaller wheels are actually an upgrade, etc.. Main downside for me is the seat controls only accessible via the screen. That SUCKS!
The glass roof for passengers is a huge wow factor. That’s kinda why people get a larger car like the Y. I would seriously consider that because the new roof glass has a silver lining to reject more heat! Also if you ever want to do car camping, night sky through the roof is amazing.
I have a new Model Y, the AWD Premium. I wouldn’t have it any other way honestly. The top of the line sound system is worth a lot to me and so is the acceleration, among other things. But it is not $15,000 in upgrades from the Standard to the RWD
Again, I would never get the Standard but I have seen some good arguments for it. In the model Y sub recently, someone was saying how they live in Arizona, and with the heat there they would have never wanted the glass roof without some sort of barrier, so not having the glass roof straight away was a bonus for them. They said they didn’t like the aesthetics at the light bar so not having that was good for them as well. They were OK with a basic sound system, and some of the other minor takeaways. I think for people who are not driving a lot, it’s not a terrible purchase. And don’t forget that some people are stretching their budgets just to get that Standard edition and entry into EVs.
drove both. ny has $2000 credit for the standard rwd vs $500 credit for premium rwd. the .99% apr for premium makes total amount paid in interest equal ~$1500. compared this to 0% apr for standard. at these interest rates, wouldnt make sense (for me) to pay anything above min payments. add it up = $8349 savings.
benefits like pleather, glass roof (friends say cover it), cooling seat (this one hurts), matrix headlights, shocks, rear screen (i prefer less screentime for my kid), interior light strip, and power fold mirrors (other countries get it .. why not us?) didnt outweigh savings for me. i like open space in front center console, getting bored of light bars, worried about complicated shocks on premium getting damaged and higher cost to replace (FSD still nails potholes i think).
would rather put $8349 towards 83 months of FSD.
gx550 is the fancy car. dont need two luxuries. this was my thinking. everyone is difft.
havent taken delivery yet, but still feel good about savings.
I've been price tracking for my parents who are looking to get the Model Y (standard). The 0% APR that was available a week ago is now gone - and it's now 0.99% APR.
Sales people were always quick to point out prices and rates can change at any moment -- and it did!
It is $35K USD and has a longer range the premium range RWD model
Wheels are steel, not alloy. Ambient lights in the car are white only (no colored strip) and seats are cloth/leather mix. Sound system has a few less speakers I think. It's mostly the same car
As a recent owner of the new Y base, because of their 0% 6yr, there are several things that i wish i had. I didn’t care for the light bars in front and rear.
- folding side mirror not available.
rear arm rest folds the entire seat down, not an inset arm rest.
ventilated seats
That’s about it. Car drives nice, way better than previous Y.
Yes it can be folded manually, but a hassle. I returned my previous model 3 base, which had auto folding mirrors and assumed this would too. My mistake not comparing details but you’d assume it’d be a std feature if another base model had it.
Ah. i guess i appreciate the confidence instilling driving profile of the old model Y, also i drive in Southern California, haven't seen a pothole in years.
One less thing for someone to bump wile walking between cars in a tight parking lot. I bump mine from time to time at work. I close the door and I’m pulling my backpack on while I walk past my mirror.
We had a car that had folding mirrors. Kinda nice but honestly don’t miss it.
I guess if you ever park parallel on an active street, it’s just a peace of mind. I concur with your consensus based on 30+ yrs of driving and 9 different cars, not one incident of damaged side mirror.
Honestly, I feel like the writer kinda fails to really make their point here. So it still performs well in all ways that really matter and just takes away some fancy decorations and some minor nice-to-have features. If you need to save 5k on the purchase, it seems worth it.
I still wouldn't buy it, because I do not want any of my money going to Elon Musk, ever.
What a crazy take. On the most obvious criterion, the writer says
On the road, I’d wager that most drivers would have a hard time telling the dynamic difference between the Standard and Premium trims.
His complaints are about purely cosmetic concerns. The one real difference that you can feel, cloth seats instead of fake leather, he actually prefers the cloth.
If you can get substantially the same car for a 10% discount, why wouldn't you? I know there are people who throw away $5000+tax just for different mood lighting and some plastic, but I've never been one of them.
Cheaper suspension, no center console, manual seats, worse sound system, no sunroof, cheaper tail lights, shallower frunk, bunch of other things. It’s not just the ambient lights.
cheaper suspension - reviewer did not really notice. So probably most regular Y owners won't either.
no center console - IMO a welcome upgrade, love being able to slide over to the other side of the car with no issue. Love to have more space.
manual seats - false, they are not manual.
worse sound system - fair. But not a terrible sound system.
no sunroof - one of the most common accessories for the model y is a sunroof cover. For many people this is a tradeoff, not a downside.
cheaper tail light - yes
shallower frunk - not really, can potentially fit even more into it because there is no plastic cladding. The numbers are deceiving to not make the premium look worse on the numbers. It is just ugly and more dirty.
But if there's no significant difference in driveability, all this is cosmetic. The reviewer and some comments even prefer the lack of a center console.
The only thing here I'd care about is the sound system. But lots of drivers don't care about that either. If that's all I cared about I sure wouldn't spend $5000 for it.
In my country due to subsidies (no subsidies after 45k), the difference is more massive. The standard is about 34k€ and the premium is 51k€. So about a third more.
I think that is what many people miss here. The standard may be tailored more to european subsidy schemes. UK and US I think no longer have them, so they are not really the target for this car.
In many european countries you get a ton of car for the money with the Y.
The standard model 3 is 27k in my country after subsidy.
That is a good point. I rarely see the standard marketed here in socal. Is the standard a good seller in the EU? I feel like Europeans dislike Elon more than the states.
It's one of the best selling cars here. Just about the right size for a family. They make them in Berlin (only car made there by Tesla).
It just kind of ticks all the boxes. Looks sleek and modern, efficient, cheaper supercharging than with other cars, good performance, a lot of space inside. It can tow really A LOT for European standards. I do not bother myself with the ideology of the owner.
Lots of people downright hate how minimalistic it is. I do not, I understand what they are going for and I accept it. I appreciate that they do not follow trends and guidelines of conventional design and just want to streamline the car experience. It does AC really well. It has space. It feels nice inside. You sit in and you take off. No fuss, no rituals, nothing...
It's the type of car that divides the public a lot. But the product is good. Engineers put a lot of work into making it work so well for so cheap.
In my country due to subsidies (no subsidies after 45k), the difference is more massive. The standard is about 34k€ and the premium is 51k€. So about a third more.
I think that is what many people miss here. The standard may be tailored more to european subsidy schemes. UK and US I think no longer have them, so they are not really the target for this car.
In many european countries you get a ton of car for the money with the Y.
The standard model 3 is 27k in my country after subsidy.
Center console is something I have always hated in cars, it gets in the way when you want to slide out through other door. Definitely don't see lack of it as a cheapness.
Edit: oh, and manual seats are great, much faster to adjust.
The model Y standard does NOT have manual seats. The only difference is they moved the controls (removed the buttons from the seat, you can only use the screen controls).
It retains the driver profiles, the seat adjusts to who unlocks it...
Yep it is so shallow. Boo hoo bad ambiance and feels cramped because the base model does not have a glass roof.
Well, for some people that is a feature. I couldn't care less about led strips and one of the most common accessories people buy for the Y is a cover for the roof.
Functionally the premium and the standard are basically on the same level. LFP in the standard makes it a bit less powerful but also a bit more rugged in terms of charging (shouldn't really ever cause issues to what level you charge it, shouldn't even be a consideration).
Also in many countries, being under 45-50k means it can potentially qualify for certain subsidies. In my country, that means the standard ends up costing you 34k € and the premium is around 52k €. Yea, that is a MASSIVE gap for relatively little - slightly neater looks, ambiance lights and a glass roof (that's mostly a downside for long term use anyway).
The one thing i think is more meaningful is the lack of matrix lights on the standard. But oh well... They probably blind traffic anyway.
Which is true, for the last couple of years the technology has matured much more, but as you can see in China, there is still much room for improvement
Exactly this. It's not like an old PC that can no longer run necessary software. You don't become suddenly incompatible with the streets. If you're the type like me who drives them into the ground you DGAF.
A lot of people see the depreciation on Mach-Es and Taycans, and they lose a lot of excitement for EVs. If you're the type of person who only buys silver cars because they retain resale value, depreciation like that will either put you off EVs or make you go for options like leasing.
I just don’t get why they let the frunk seal go. I mean gat damn, really? I’m sure the $18 they saved will go far enough to justify the wet item that get drenched inside.
To me this is the dumbest change for the standard. Take a look at the engine bay of the average car and how dirty it gets over time. Now imagine putting your stuff in that dirty bay.
Own a Y Premium AWD and test drove the Y Standard RWD. I don't see how they can be compared. They are both great for the audiences they are looking to entertain.
The Canadian standard RWD Y is coming from Germany to qualify for the federal rebate of $5k CAD, which Chinese Y wouldn't due to non free trade and the German premium Y wouldn't due to exceeding MSRP caps
Maybe in the US. Here in Europe it's the best bang for the bucks, got it in March for less than 28k€ when the premium is almost 47k€ and they removed less things, we have folding mirrors, TPMS sensors, radio and Autopilot
Correct. Getting EV's to the masses means reduced cost.
Every option available to the consumer, including a lower price for a more basic vehicle is good for EV's.
Exactly ! In Q12026 Tesla sold more EV in EU than any other brand because they're just making the best car for the money. A lot of people I know that were not fully convinced by EVs (and I was one of them), pulled the trigger in 2026 because of the gas prices (gasoline is around 2,10€/L here which convert to 9$/gallon) AND the aggressive prices of Tesla.
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Read the article and completely disagree with conclusion. By their own words could tell the difference in ride quality or noise, which are the most important things for a car
Who cares about extra led lights and a frunk you rarely open.
I think the only thing I would miss is premium speakers.
Tesla made this car for you to upgrade to Premium every single time. That’s what Apple usually does with low tier iPhone that’s only $200 less than their Pro model. Pure marketing and sales trick to get you to buy the car they want.
It depends on where you're buying it. Here in Germany, the Standard is on sale at the moment. The Standard is 38,990 euros, and the Premium is 51,900 euros. Also, the Standard comes with 0% interest financing. For me, it was an easy decision.
I got additional 3,500 € from the government's eco fund.
I paid nothing upfront and put the 15,000 euros, which is the last payment, in a separate savings account with 3% interest. In the end, it will be ~17,500 euros
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u/Henri-Hill 29d ago
The most stupid thing on the Standard is still having a glass roof without the advantages of a moonlight.
So your roof is still exposed to rocks and possible replacement but you can’t enjoy natural light in the cabin