Cyberbeast under $100k: Tesla strategy or premium sacrifice?

The Tesla Cyberbeast has just crossed a symbolic milestone: its price is now below $100,000, coming in at exactly $99,990. A spectacular drop of nearly $15,000 in just a few weeks that’s making waves in the premium electric pickup world.

But watch out—this reduction hides an important nuance: the Luxury package has been removed, which notably included FSD Supervised. So, aggressive pricing strategy or simply a lineup reshuffle? As a Tesla enthusiast and close market watcher, I broke down this move, which goes far beyond a simple promo.

A price cut calculated down to the dollar

Let’s look closely at the numbers. Before this change, the Cyberbeast topped out at $114,990 with its Luxury package valued at $15,000, which notably included FSD Supervised. Today, the price drops to $99,990 without that package.

The math is interesting: Tesla cuts the price by $14,990, but simultaneously removes $15,000 worth of equipment. Technically, the automaker even recoups $10 on each sale while giving the impression of an aggressive cut. Clever, right?

The economic logic behind removing the Luxury package

But the point of this maneuver isn’t just an accounting sleight of hand. By crossing the psychological $100,000 threshold, Tesla puts its Cyberbeast into a very different perceived category for potential buyers.

This simplified lineup also brings operational benefits: fewer different configurations means smoother production and economies of scale. And above all, FSD is now a $99/month option—an subscription model that could be more profitable for Tesla over the long term.

Cyberbeast vs its rivals: the electric pickup showdown

At this new price, how does the Cyberbeast stack up against the competition? The premium electric pickup landscape has become significantly more crowded in recent months.

Competitive positioning table

• Rivian R1T Quad: $116,900 (i.e., $17,000 more), but offers 374 miles of driving range versus 325 for the Cyberbeast, and 0–60 mph in 2.5s vs 2.6s
• GMC Hummer EV 3X: around $148,000 ($48,000 more) — clearly in the ultra-premium segment
• Chevy Silverado EV LT Max: around $91,000 ($9,000 less) but with lower performance
• GMC Sierra EV Denali Max: around $101,000, so in the same price bracket

The Cyberbeast’s standout strengths

Despite this fierce competition, the Cyberbeast still has strong arguments. Its performance remains impressive with 0–100 km/h in 2.6 seconds and a payload capacity of 1,030 kg with the Cyber Wheel.

The driving range of 523 km (325 miles) sits in a decent band without being exceptional. But it’s especially the included bidirectional Powershare that makes the difference: being able to power your home during an outage is real added value.

Not to mention the Tesla ecosystem: the unmatched Supercharger network, regular over-the-air updates, and a software interface that remains the market benchmark. And of course, that polarizing but iconic design that leaves no one indifferent.

FSD Supervised: the game-changing argument

The shift from FSD included in the Luxury package to a $99 monthly subscription deserves a closer look. Over 5 years of continuous use, that comes to $5,940—far less than the original package’s $15,000.

This setup offers real flexibility: turn FSD on for long trips, turn it off for everyday driving. Everyone can adapt it to their needs and budget.

But beyond the financial aspect, FSD Supervised is a major technological differentiator versus Rivian, GMC, or Chevrolet, which have nothing comparable. A Cybertruck owner recently described a situation where FSD literally saved the day: his wife in medical distress, and the vehicle drove her autonomously to the nearest hospital.

The data speaks for itself: Tesla reports 1 collision every 8.5 million kilometers with FSD enabled, versus 1 collision every 1.06 million kilometers for the U.S. average. A safety factor of 8 times safer—that’s significant, as I analyzed for the Tesla Model S Plaid and its 1,000 horsepower, where the question of the usefulness of extreme performance also comes up.

My personal review? The subscription makes FSD more accessible to try without a massive commitment, but over the very long term, the costs add up.

Cybertruck AWD: the real opportunity to grab?

Alongside this Cyberbeast price drop, Tesla launched the Cybertruck AWD at $59,990. A price that stands out when you see a $40,000 gap versus the tri-motor Cyberbeast.

Is that difference really justified? For the vast majority of users, the AWD’s performance is already more than enough. The Cyberbeast is really aimed at those who want the absolute peak of performance—that feeling of raw power.

The AWD is clearly shaping up as the best quality/price ratio in the lineup. It’s the sweet spot—the ideal compromise between performance, driving range, and an accessible price (well, relatively speaking for an electric pickup).

The only downside: deliveries are expected in June 2026, much like the seemingly endless wait for the next-generation Roadster. So a few more months of patience. My advice? Unless you absolutely need tri-motor performance, the AWD is objectively the most rational choice.

Market context: Tesla adjusts its Cybertruck strategy

Let’s put these pricing changes into context. The Cybertruck remains a highly visible vehicle in the media, but it’s not yet a volume best-seller. Tesla now needs to turn the initial hype into steady sales.

This strategy of making it more accessible through pricing clearly aims to broaden the potential customer base, in line with its strategy of making electric vehicles more accessible seen across the range.

Competition is heating up: Rivian is well established with its R1T, and the new electric GMC and Chevrolet models are arriving in force. Tesla is betting on a different business model: offsetting a lower per-unit margin with sales volume and recurring revenue from FSD subscriptions.

Because make no mistake, the electric pickup market remains ultra-premium and niche. Even at $60,000, we’re far from a mass-market vehicle. The question remains open: do these pricing adjustments foreshadow real future mainstream adoption, or will they remain niche products?

This strategic move by Tesla seems particularly smart to me. It’s not a simple price cut to clear inventory, but a thoughtful reshaping of the lineup. The Cyberbeast becomes more psychologically accessible, even if FSD is now paid separately. It’s up to each person to do the math based on their real needs. When you compare it with official safety data, FSD’s technological contribution makes perfect sense as part of a road-safety approach.

As for me, I think the real winner of this reconfiguration is probably the Cybertruck AWD at $60,000. But the Cyberbeast under $100k will definitely appeal to those who want the best of Tesla performance without completely blowing their budget. And you—would you go for a Cyberbeast at $100k, or would you patiently wait for the AWD in 2026?