Tesla's formidable Cyberbeast iteration of the Cybertruck has recently undergone a significant price adjustment, with its top-tier model now commanding a higher sum. This change, which adds $15,000 to the vehicle's cost, is accompanied by the inclusion of the 'Luxe Package' as a standard offering. This bundled package aims to justify the increased expenditure by integrating advanced technological features and premium services, such as the company's supervised Full Self-Driving capability, lifetime Supercharging, and extensive maintenance coverage. However, this upward revision in pricing sets the Cyberbeast at a premium over its electric truck counterparts, raising questions about its market appeal and sales trajectory compared to competitors like the Ford F-150 Lightning.
Just a couple of months prior, the Californian electric vehicle manufacturer had already implemented a $5,000 price increase on its Model S and Model X vehicles. Yet, the recent surge in the Cyberbeast's price eclipses these previous adjustments. Previously available at $99,990, the performance-oriented Cyberbeast now carries a starting price of $114,990, marking a considerable 15% jump. To mitigate the impact of this increase, Tesla has made the Luxe Package a standard inclusion. This package, though not focused on traditional luxury amenities, offers substantial technological benefits. Key components of this package include the 'Full Self-Driving (supervised)' system, which typically carries an $8,000 standalone price tag, along with complimentary lifetime Supercharging access, a four-year premium service plan, and Premium Connectivity features.
The premium service component of the Luxe Package provides comprehensive vehicle care, encompassing wheel and tire protection, windshield coverage, and routine maintenance such as wheel alignments, tire rotations, HEPA filter replacements, wiper blade changes, and front camera cleaning. Tesla's strategic move to bundle these features with the Cyberbeast suggests an effort to enhance profit margins while appealing to high-end buyers who prioritize cutting-edge technology. The rationale appears to be that a buyer investing in a six-figure electric truck would naturally expect the most advanced autonomous driving capabilities, especially when more affordable Tesla models already offer such functionalities.
For those interested in the raw performance data, the Cyberbeast boasts a formidable triple-motor, all-wheel-drive configuration. This setup allows the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds, achieve a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds, and offer an estimated driving range of 320 miles when equipped with the standard Core wheels. While the top-tier Cyberbeast now sits at a higher price point, the entry-level Cybertruck variants, such as the Long Range and All-Wheel Drive models, retain their original base prices of $69,990 and $79,990 respectively, excluding federal tax credits. A fully optioned Cyberbeast, including enhancements like 20-inch Cyber wheels, a white interior, and various accessories, can push the total cost to approximately $122,735, including destination charges.
Comparing the fully loaded Cyberbeast to its competitors reveals a distinct pricing advantage for Tesla's rivals. For instance, the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, despite being a top-tier model, starts at a more accessible $84,995. Even with extensive customization, the Lightning's price remains significantly lower than that of the Cyberbeast. Although the Cybertruck offers superior acceleration and potentially more frequent use of its Full Self-Driving suite, the F-150 Lightning presents a more economical alternative for electric truck enthusiasts. Similarly, the Rivian R1T with its new quad-motor setup, priced at $115,990, offers comparable speed to the Cyberbeast but with a greater emphasis on luxury. Given these market dynamics and the current sales figures indicating the Cybertruck's lag behind the F-150 Lightning, the substantial price increase for the Cyberbeast is unlikely to bolster its competitive position in the electric pickup truck segment.