Hey everyone, DennisCW here! Today, I want to dive into a topic that’s been on a lot of Tesla enthusiasts’ minds: the Tesla Model Y Launch Series. With some of these special edition vehicles still sitting in inventory, many of you might be wondering if they’re actually worth the price. I’ve crunched the numbers, and honestly, I’m not entirely convinced they’re a great deal—depending on the build, of course. Let’s break it down together so you can make an informed decision.
If you’re new to Tesla or the Model Y, you might be scratching your head wondering what the “Launch Series” even is. Essentially, these are pre-configured Model Y vehicles that Tesla rolled out with specific options and features already baked into the price. Your sales rep might pitch one to you with a small discount (like $600 off) and attractive financing rates (1.99% as of now, same as the all-wheel-drive version). Some of these are still in inventory—not demos, mind you—and they come with preloaded features that could either be a steal or a total rip-off, depending on what’s included.
The big question is: Are you actually getting value for your money with these Launch Series builds, or are you better off configuring a standard Model Y yourself? Let’s itemize the costs and features to find out.
I pulled up a sample Launch Series Model Y still in inventory (priced at $59,990 or $52,490 after tax credits) to analyze the included options. Here’s what you’re getting with this particular build:
When you add it up, the value of the paid options comes to $11,000. However, if you build a standard Model Y with the same specs (minus the Acceleration Boost), the price comes out to $50,490. This means you’re essentially paying a markup just to get the Acceleration Boost bundled in. There’s no real savings here compared to configuring your own Tesla.
Now, not all Launch Series builds are created equal. If you find one with premium options like:
...and the total savings hit at least $2,000 compared to a custom build, then it might be worth considering. But if the build includes base wheels, free paint colors, or options you don’t need (like the tow hitch, which many owners might not even use), it’s definitely not worth the price. You’re better off building your own Model Y and adding features like Acceleration Boost or Full Self-Driving (FSD) later—potentially through a subscription ($100/month for FSD) to save on upfront costs.
Some Launch Series vehicles come with unique touches like special badging or LED lights, but honestly, these extras aren’t always game-changers. I own a Model Y Launch Series myself, and while I don’t regret the purchase (it’s a fantastic vehicle), I do wish I’d waited a month or two for better discounts and financing rates like the current 1.99%. Timing can make a huge difference with Tesla purchases!
If you’re eyeing a fully loaded Launch Series with cool color combos and all the bells and whistles, it might be worth pulling the trigger. But if you’re just getting base options with no real savings, I’d skip it.
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At the end of the day, whether the Model Y Launch Series is worth it comes down to the specific build and your personal needs. Do the math on the included options, compare it to a custom build, and don’t forget to factor in potential future discounts. I suspect Tesla might start offering deeper discounts ($1,000–$3,000 off) on these inventory units if they continue to sit.
Also, don’t forget to use a Tesla referral code (like mine below!) before ordering your Model 3, Y, S, X, or Cybertruck to get three months of Full Self-Driving for free. Thanks to everyone who’s used our code in the past and future—it means a lot!
What do you think? Are you considering a Launch Series, or are you building your own? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you found this breakdown helpful, be sure to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell for more Tesla tips and updates!
Links & Promo Codes:
Until next time, drive safe and stay charged!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.