Tesla’s $59,990 Cybertruck AWD: Game-Changer or Elon’s 10-Day Fire Sale?

Key Takeaways

• Tesla launched a new All-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck trim at $59,990 with est. 325 mi range and premium features like powered tonneau, bed outlets, steer-by-wire, and 7,500 lbs towing.
• Elon Musk tweeted that the AWD configuration will only be available “for the next 10 days,” sparking speculation on price or full cancellation.
• Past Rear-Wheel-Drive Cybertruck trim was axed after months due to weak demand and lack of features despite $10K savings.
• Key features include coil springs, heated seats, Powershare, powered frunk, and 6’x4’ composite bed, making it competitive with higher trims.
• Baffling short-term availability amid Cybertruck’s underwhelming sales; could boost Q1 deliveries or signal broader program cuts like Model S/X.
• Analysts question if Tesla might end low-volume Cybertruck production, despite Musk’s Q4 earnings reassurance.

Tesla has once again shaken up the electric truck market with the surprise launch of a new Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive (AWD) Cybertruck trim priced at just $59,990 – a full $20,000 less than the previous entry-level Premium AWD model. ❶ ❷ Announced on February 19-20, 2026, this “contractor edition” packs premium features that make it feel like a steal compared to higher trims. But Elon Musk’s immediate tweet – “Only for the next 10 days” – has ignited a frenzy of speculation. Is this Tesla’s bid to juice Q1 deliveries amid slumping sales, or a prelude to another abrupt cancellation like last year’s RWD flop? ❸ ❹

As a veteran EV blogger who’s tracked Tesla’s wild ride from the Roadster to the Cyberbeast, I see this as a pivotal moment. The Cybertruck, once hailed as a futuristic icon, has struggled with real-world demand. This new trim could be the volume-seller Tesla desperately needs – or just another short-lived gimmick. Let’s dive deep into the specs, strategy, sales data, and what it means for buyers on February 21, 2026, with the 10-day clock ticking.

The New Cybertruck AWD: Specs That Punch Above Its Price

Tesla didn’t skimp on features with this $59,990 Dual Motor AWD model. It’s positioned as the “ultimate contractor edition,” blending everyday utility with cutting-edge tech. Here’s the breakdown:

• Performance and Range: Dual motors deliver an estimated 325 miles of EPA range, 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds, and 600 horsepower. Top speed hits 112 mph, with a towing capacity of 7,500 lbs (upgradable). ❺ ❷
• Suspension and Handling: Coil springs with adaptive damping (no pricey air suspension here), steer-by-wire, and four-wheel steering for sedan-like maneuverability in a massive truck. ❻ ❼
• Utility Features: Powered tonneau cover, 6’x4′ composite bed, bed outlets (2x 120V + 1x 240V), Powershare home backup capability, powered frunk, and heated front seats with easy-clean textile material.
• Wheels and Tires: 20” Core Wheels with 35″ all-terrain tires.

Deliveries are slated to start in June 2026, so this isn’t an inventory-clearing ploy – it’s for new builds. ❽

Trim Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?

To see the value, check this side-by-side:

This new trim matches the Premium on range and acceleration while slashing the price – a smart move for fleet buyers or value hunters. ❼

Elon Musk’s Tweet: Panic Pricing or Strategic Tease?

Hot on the heels of Tesla’s configurator update, Elon quote-tweeted: “Only for the next 10 days.” ❸ Posted around February 20, this cryptic message (as of today, February 21) leaves about 8-9 days on the clock. Fans and analysts are buzzing:

1. Price Hike Incoming? Post-10-days, expect $69,990 or higher to align with incentives expiring.
2. Trim Cancellation Redux? Echoes the RWD’s fate – launched then axed in months.
3. Q1 Delivery Boost? Even with June starts, pre-orders could pad numbers amid 2026’s soft start (Europe sales down 55% YoY). ❾

Musk’s history of limited-time offers (e.g., Model 3 incentives) suggests desperation to hit targets, especially after Q4 2025 earnings where he downplayed Cybertruck woes. ❸

Lessons from the RWD Debacle: Demand Wasn’t There

Remember the Long Range RWD Cybertruck? Priced around $60k (post-tax credit savings), it promised 325+ mi range but lacked AWD, premium features, and appeal. Tesla yanked it from the configurator in September 2025 after weak uptake – despite 0% APR deals, it couldn’t compete with AWD value. ❿ ⓫

Why RWD Flopped:

• No AWD for Trucks: Buyers want traction in snow/mud.
• Missing Bells: No Powershare, basic suspension.
• $10k “Savings” Illusion: Post-incentives, AWD was comparably priced.

This AWD trim fixes those issues, but will history repeat?

Cybertruck Sales: The Harsh 2025-2026 Reality

Cybertruck hype hasn’t translated to numbers:

• 2025 Totals: ~17k units (S/X/CT/Semi combined), down 7% overall for Tesla. ⓬
• Q1 2025 Peak: 6,406 units, then plunged (Q1 2025 sales halved from Q4 2024). ⓭ ⓮
• 2026 Outlook: Analysts slashing EPS estimates; EV pickup demand soft. ⓯

Tesla’s price cuts (top trims down too) scream inventory pressure. Musk’s 250k/year goal? Laughably off. ⓰

Post-10-Days Scenarios: My Predictions

1. Optimistic: Trim sticks at $69k, sales surge to 50k/quarter by EOY.
2. Realistic: Hike to $69-75k; low-volume continues.
3. Pessimistic: Axed like RWD/Model S refreshes; pivot to Robotaxi focus.

Broader cuts (S/X?) loom if Q1 misses.

Buyer’s Guide: Act Fast or Wait?

Pros of Ordering Now:

• Lock in $59,990 (pre-fees ~$62k).
• Avoid potential hikes/cancellations.
• June delivery aligns with summer hauls.

Cons:

• Long wait; Tesla delays common.
• Resale risk if trim vanishes.
• Check eligibility: US-only, FSD transferable?

Advice:

• Contractors/Fleets: Buy – unbeatable utility/ROI.
• Enthusiasts: Wait 10 days; monitor X/Tesla.com.
• Budget Buyers: Compare Rivian R2T/R1T; incentives key.

Finance via Tesla (rates competitive); lease if available.

Final Thoughts: Tesla’s Make-or-Break Moment

This AWD Cybertruck is the best spec yet – agile, capable, affordable. But Elon’s 10-day bomb underscores Tesla’s sales panic. If you’re in the market, the clock’s ticking. Tesla needs Cybertruck to succeed beyond memes; this could be it, or signal EV winter ahead. Stay tuned – I’ll update post-deadline.

What do you think? Order now or hold? Drop comments below!