Battery size: 75kWh
Miles per kWh: 4.20
E-Rating™: A+
Max charge rate: 250 kW
Range: 319-351 miles
But as recognisable as the shape may seem, the format is completely new. At 4,751mm, the Model Y is 61mm longer than the Model 3, 70mm wider and, above all, 180mm higher. As a result the Model Y offers noticeably more space for rear seat passengers and luggage, even though it is not as chunky-looking as most other SUVs. Thanks to the few centimetres more ground clearance and the correspondingly higher seat position, it is easier to get in and out of the car too.
While passengers will notice the change from 3 to Y, the driver won’t. And this is a good thing – it’s not quite as fast as the saloon, but it will casually leave behind all electric rivals in this price bracket and most petrol cars too.
The Model Y isn’t a sportscar of course, and a few bends will soon see the Tesla trail behind a well-driven supercar. But it doesn’t mean the Model Y isn’t rewarding to drive. It’s certainly more sporty feeling than an Audi Q4 e-tron or Nissan Ariya, both of which are tuned to be relaxing. The Tesla wants to be driven with more commitment and has a road-holding that, despite its high centre of gravity, does not lose its composure even in tight corners. In this respect it is much closer to the Model 3 than the Model X.
If Ferrari-trouncing speed isn’t needed, the Long Range version is a whopping £10,000 cheaper than the Performance but is slightly slower. A ‘Standard’ version is already available in the US, but so far Tesla hasn't confirmed this model for the UK. If it were to come here, it would be rear-wheel drive thanks to its single electric motor, have a smaller driving range and would likely be another £10,000 cheaper than the Long Range.
With the Model Y, Tesla undoubtedly has a car which is hugely desirable, but it's no longer the unique proposition it once was. Cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6 and a raft of German rivals are also appealing.
9
