They practically had no competition. But Model 3/Y have always been very good at pricing compared to other EVs of that class, imo
They're always in line, sure. But the original comment wasn't about value, it was about the *perception* Tesla has carried.
The were expensive cars which, like you said, almost no competition. The only vehicles in their price range were Mercedes / BMW / Porsche, etc. They were owned by wealthy people and were a status symbol.
So people's perception of Tesla has, for years, been that they are expensive cars and people equate expensive cars to luxury cars. Ergo people thought of them as luxury vehicles when they have never been.
In the meantime they have more competition, they've lowered prices, all other cars have gotten more expensive and they are now pretty firmly in the median for their main sellers (3 and Y). But people still think of it as a premium brand and are then surprised when they get in one and find them kind of plasticy and cheap feeling.
