Tesla Cybertruck

Model Overview

The Tesla Cybertruck is the brand's first all-electric full-size pick-up truck and stands as one of the most radically designed production vehicles globally. First unveiled in Los Angeles, California in November 2019, the Cybertruck officially commenced customer deliveries in late 2023 following nearly four years of R&D and production tooling. As of June 2026, the core lineup on sale comprises the 2026 model year Cybertruck, available in two main variants: the Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive and the range-topping Tri-Motor Cyberbeast. In February 2026, Tesla introduced a new entry-level Dual-Motor AWD variant starting at RM270,000 (approx. RM415,000), making it the most affordable production version to date. Concurrently, the flagship Tri-Motor Cyberbeast received a price cut from RM517,000 to RM450,000, marking a substantial reduction of RM68,000. Completely defying conventional pick-up design norms, the Cybertruck bridges the gap between a utilitarian workhorse and a high-performance electric off-roader, competing primarily in North America against the likes of the Ford F-150 Lightning, Chevrolet Silverado EV, and Rivian R1T.

Design Language

The Cybertruck's exterior remains one of the most polarising designs in automotive history. Drawing inspiration from the cyberpunk aesthetics of the 1982 cult classic *Blade Runner*, it features an ultra-futuristic wedge-shaped profile defined by sharp polygonal crease lines and a full-width front LED light bar. The body completely eschews curved surfaces in favour of straight lines and acute angles. In terms of dimensions, it measures 5,683 mm in length, 2,201 mm in width, and 1,791 mm in height, tipping the scales at a hefty 3,104 kg kerb weight. Notably, its drag coefficient stands at just 0.34 Cd—significantly slipperier than conventional pick-up trucks.

The exterior panels represent the Cybertruck's most revolutionary breakthrough. It employs an ultra-hard 30X cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton developed in-house by Tesla, boasting a panel thickness of 1.8 mm. Far surpassing conventional automotive steel in hardness and structural integrity, it is capable of withstanding 9mm ballistic rounds. Because stainless steel cannot be stamped using conventional body press tooling, Tesla teamed up with suppliers to pioneer an "Air Bending" technique, laser-cutting panels and folding them along straight lines to create its distinctive origami-like faceted bodywork. The unpainted bare metal finish completely eliminates concerns over stone chips and paint scratches. In addition, acoustic dual-pane armour glass can withstand impacts from a baseball at 112 km/h or Class 4 hailstones. Inside, the cabin adheres to Tesla's signature minimalist design ethos, featuring an 18.5-inch central infotainment touchscreen up front alongside a 9.4-inch rear entertainment display.

Powertrain and Performance

The Cybertruck is offered with dual-motor and tri-motor electric powertrains. The base Dual-Motor AWD variant delivers an estimated total output of 593 hp, completing the 0-60 mph (approx. 0-96 km/h) sprint in 4.1 seconds with an EPA-rated range of 325 miles (approx. 523 km). The Tri-Motor Cyberbeast pumps out a massive 845 hp; engaging its signature "Beast Mode" slashes the century sprint to a blistering 2.6–2.7 seconds. For extended touring, the dual-motor model can achieve a maximum range exceeding 756 km with a range extender, while the tri-motor variant delivers over 708 km. Energy is supplied by a 123 kWh battery pack. The pick-up is also the first mass-production model built on a full 48V low-voltage electrical architecture, reducing wiring harness bulk by 77% and cutting copper usage by 50% compared to traditional 12V vehicle systems.

Chassis and Handling Dynamics

The chassis showcases the Cybertruck's deepest engineering innovations. It features a fully decoupled Steer-by-Wire system that replaces the traditional mechanical steering column with electronic signals. The steering ratio adjusts dynamically according to vehicle speed—requiring just 75 degrees of steering lock for a 90-degree corner at low speeds and about 120 degrees for a full U-turn, vastly enhancing the urban agility of this 3.1-tonne behemoth. It is complemented by standard four-wheel steering, yielding a turning circle of just 11.3 metres—tighter than even a Model S.

Underneath, top-spec variants ride on adaptive air suspension offering up to 16 inches of ground clearance and 12 inches of suspension travel, whereas the 2026 entry-level variant adopts conventional coil springs paired with adaptive dampers. The vehicle employs Cell-to-Body (CTB) structural battery integration, where the battery pack forms an integral load-bearing member of the chassis. Furthermore, massive front and rear single-piece megacastings are used to maximise torsional rigidity.

Cabin and Practicality

The Cybertruck features a spacious five-seater double-cab configuration. The composite cargo bed (the "Vault") measures 6 feet by 4 feet (approx. 183 cm × 122 cm), boasting a maximum payload capacity of 1,134 kg and an enclosed secure cargo volume of 1,897 litres, complete with a standard motorised tonneau cover. On the towing front, the dual-motor model is rated for a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs (approx. 3,400 kg).

Inside the cabin, the primary 18.5-inch touchscreen manages virtually all vehicular functions, including the digital gear selector where drivers swipe on-screen to shift between Drive and Reverse. Standard amenities include wireless smartphone charging pads, high-output 65W USB-C ports, and integrated 120V/240V auxiliary power outlets. High-spec models feature a 15-speaker premium audio setup with Active Road Noise Reduction. To hit a lower price point, the 2026 base model sees several features stripped out: it drops the rear 9.4-inch display, ventilated front seats, active noise cancellation, and premium sound system, while swapping the synthetic leather for durable fabric upholstery.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Safety-wise, the 30X cold-rolled stainless steel exoskeleton provides unmatched physical crash protection and cabin structural integrity. The vehicle comes fitted with Tesla's Autopilot driver assistance suite and supports the optional FSD (Full Self-Driving) capability. The active safety credentials of the FSD system were highlighted in February 2026 when reports emerged of a Cybertruck detecting an unresponsive driver via its in-cabin driver monitoring system; the system automatically slowed the truck down, engaged the hazard lights, and executed a safe emergency stop on the road shoulder. Nevertheless, the FSD system has also faced scrutiny following real-world traffic incidents, serving as a reminder that the technology remains a Level 2 driver-assist system requiring uninterrupted driver supervision and readiness to intervene.

Market Performance and Reception

The commercial rollout of the Cybertruck has fallen substantially short of initial market hype. In 2024, Tesla shifted under 39,000 units in the US. Total sales for 2025 plummeted 48.1% year-on-year to just 22,037 units—a stark contrast to Elon Musk's earlier ambitions of producing 250,000 units annually. Deliveries took another severe hit in the first quarter of 2026, tumbling to 6,406 units from 12,991 units in Q4 2025, representing a near-50% quarter-on-quarter drop. In an effort to reignite demand, Tesla launched the RM270,000 entry-level variant and rolled out price cuts across high-spec models in February 2026. Deliveries for the base variant, initially slated for June 2026, were pushed back to September–October, with fresh order backlogs extending to April 2027. Interestingly, fleet procurement by SpaceX accounted for roughly 1,600 units at full retail price, representing around 8% of Tesla's US Cybertruck sales in 2025. Despite mounting market headwinds, the Cybertruck still retained its crown as America's top-selling pure electric pick-up in Q1 2026. Over in China, while regulatory homologation and energy consumption filings have been completed with the MIIT, an official market launch has yet to take place. From its sensational global debut in 2019 to its current market realities, the Cybertruck has undeniably rewritten the pick-up rulebook with unprecedented design and engineering innovations; however, steep retail pricing, unconventional styling, and manufacturing bottlenecks have ultimately seen it pivot from a mass-market disrupter into a niche enthusiast vehicle.