Tesla’s Model Y review: Fast, practical and spacious, this car is an alluring option after a recent price cut
Overview
Despite Tesla having strong sales in Europe, it hasn’t launched a new model in nearly three years, and market share in the US is falling. There are rumours of a new entry-level “baby Tesla” with a 400km range, which would be a rival for Volkswagen’s ID3.
And what of the long-awaited Cybertruck? Could this be the year we finally see it? Four years since the prototype was first unveiled, details of this angular truck have yet to be revealed. With more than a million orders placed, many prospective buyers were no doubt relieved to see a “pre-production beta Cybertruck” at Tesla Investor Day earlier this month. Production is due to start in summer but it’s likely buyers will have to be very patient for this one.
The most recent addition to the Tesla range is the Model Y, and it’s our test car this week. Tesla’s fourth model joins the Model S saloon, the Model X SUV and the Model 3 small saloon, which it is based on and looks remarkably similar to.
Step inside and you find a spacious, but minimalist interior that won’t be to everyone’s taste, but overall it’s a very practical car that will comfortably carry four adults, while 854 litres of boot space means no compromising on luggage.
The 15in touchscreen seamlessly integrates media, cameras, navigation, communications and cabin controls all into one interface along with Tesla’s Autopilot, an adaptive cruise-control system, making it akin to a driveable smartphone.
Range depends on which model you choose, but the minimum range offered is 455km on a single charge; the maximum means you will travel up to 533km before you’ll need to plug it in again, Tesla says. The easiest and most convenient way to top up is at home but if you do need to charge it on the go then Tesla Superchargers will charge the Model Y in minutes rather than hours, the maker says.
Well equipped in terms of safety, the Model Y was awarded five stars from the Euro NCAP and got top marks in every category, including the system’s response to cyclists and other vulnerable road users.
On the road, it impresses and is fast, good to drive with sharp handling and loads of grip, but the ride is far firmer than many buyers would want in a family car and it’s also disappointingly noisy.
Available in three versions, rear-wheel drive, all-wheel drive long range and AWD performance, the Model Y comes with a starting price of €46,990 and offers an alternative to the Volkswagen ID.4 (€44,343), Audi Q4 e-tron (€46,900), Skoda Enyaq (€44,369), Ford Mustang Mach-E (€67,666), Hyundai Ioniq 5 (€40,995), and the Kia EV6 (€54,300).
At a time when there is a Tesla news event nearly every day, from plunging share prices to the recent safety recall for 360,000 cars, it’s easy to lose sight of what Tesla’s core mission is — to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy through increasingly affordable electric vehicles.
The Model Y is not without its flaws but in an ever-growing field of sleek electric SUVs, it offers a practical family car with a very impressive range that is fun to drive. But unless you really need that extra space, check out the Model 3 before signing on the dotted line.
Star rating: 4/5
Under the bonnetTesla Model Y All-Wheel Drive Long Range
Starting price: €46,990 (€53,890 as tested)
Engine: Electric drive
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Co2/Motor Tax: 0g/km/€120
Battery capacity: 75kWh
Range: 533km
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