This what Tesla is really giving you with the cheaper Model X (TSLA)

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Tesla introduced the most affordable version of its Model X SUV to date on Wednesday. It's called the 60D.

The newest variant of the Model X starts at $74,000 and comes with 60 kilowatt-hours of all-electric juice.

Even though Tesla calls it the 60D, it's actually equipped with the same 75 kWh battery pack as the pricier 75D version; the 60D's power pack is just limited by software to 60 kWh.

Tesla is offering buyers of the 60D the option to expand the pack to 75 kWh for $9,500.

The discounted Model X will have a range 200 miles on a single charge — just 37 miles less than the 75D.

The cheaper Model X isn't giving up anything on performance; Tesla claims the new 60D will be able to replicate the 75D's 6.0-second zero-to-60-mph time and 130-mph top speed.

The Model X 60D follows the reintroduction of the 60 kWh variant of the Model S sedan in June.

The unveiling of the mass-market Model 3 prototype in March generated an incredible amount of interest in Tesla's cars. The pricey Model X SUV, however, was beyond the reach of many consumers.

TeslaThe Model X 60D allows the Tesla to take advantage of that interest and puts the SUV within reach of more consumers.

At $74,000, the 60D is $9,000 cheaper than the previous value option, the 75D. With federal and state tax credits, the $74,000 base price could be even cheaper.

In addition, buyers still get the Model X's signature falcon-wing doors and panoramic front windshield along with Tesla's dual-motor, all-wheel-drive technology.

But the $74,000 price doesn't include many of the advanced features that make the higher-end Model X special, such as Autopilot, mono-post seating for seven, Bioweapon Defense Mode, and self-presenting doors.

Add those options, and the price of the 60D shoots all the way up to $90,000.

Leave some of those boxes on the option list blank, however, and the Model X 60D will give customers a taste of the Tesla experience at a much more affordable price.

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