Tesla Model 3 And Model Y Add Fresh Colors As Fans Wait For Bigger Updates

Tesla has introduced two new colors for the Model 3 and Model Y EVs in the United States. These new shades add a little variety to the brand’s ordinarily conservative color palette, but they aren’t available on all trim levels. The new Marine Blue shade is reserved for the Model 3 and Model Y Premium variants, while the lighter Frost Blue is exclusive to the Performance derivatives of both vehicles. Here’s a closer look at the new shades and how much you’ll pay for them.

New Tesla Colors

Marine Blue is a metallic shade that takes the place of the older Deep Blue. It’s a darker, moodier shade than Deep Blue, and will likely look close to black in dark conditions, so it’s actually less distinctive. This color costs $1,000 extra on Premium trims, the same as Pearl White but not as expensive as Diamond Black ($1,500), Quicksilver ($2,000), and Ultra Red ($2,000). The only no-cost color on Premium trims is Stealth Grey. For the non-Premium base models, the palette remains limited to Stealth Grey, Pearl White, and Diamond Black.

The Performance variants have the same palette as Premium models, but the new Frost Blue replaces Marine Blue. None of the colors on these top trims will add anything extra to the price. Frost Blue is a lighter shade that conceals less of the EVs’ lines and works well with the red brake calipers and larger wheels of the Performance models.

Deep Blue disappears from the range of color choices for the first time in eight years. 

Tesla’s Customization Choices Remain Limited

Even with the new shades, Tesla still lacks a truly interesting color palette, and that goes for its customization choices as a whole. Take the Ford Mustang Mach-E, for instance, which can be had in vibrant, unique shades like Velocity Blue, Eruption Green, Adriatic Blue, and Desert Sand. The Ford is also offered with playful hood stripes and a Sport Appearance Package. Even the new Toyota C-HR comes with a range of two-tone exterior colors.

Of course, by limiting the number of variants, Tesla can simplify the production process. Besides that, buyers across the globe also choose neutral colors overwhelmingly, based on recent data which shows that white is the most popular shade, with a 29% market share. It’s followed by black, gray, silver, and blue, so it can be argued that Tesla is simply offering precisely what buyers want. There are other advantages to choosing a neutral color, too. They tend to hide dirt and imperfections better, while boosting your vehicle’s resale value. 

Related: The Surprising Car Colors That Actually Make You Money (And the Ones That Cost You)

Not The Update Tesla Fans Want

While Tesla fans always welcome new color choices, many expressed disappointment that the brand seems to be occupying itself with everything besides introducing new models. With the Model X and Model S gone, Tesla needs a more spacious three-row SUV, and it already has one: the Model Y L. No plans have been announced to bring this model to the U.S., though. There has also been much shuffling of trims recently, with a new Model Y AWD trim introduced earlier this year. The ‘Standard’ name was also dropped from the cheapest Model Y and Model 3.

New colors, fresh trims, and name changes are fine, but they aren’t going to meaningfully keep Tesla’s lineup fresh. It needs a larger crossover at a time when the electric three-row segment is rapidly expanding.

Related: Clues Suggest a Bigger Tesla Model Y Is Coming to the U.S.

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