Tesla Model Y
MODEL TESTED: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD PRICE: £54,990 POWER: 2x electric motors, 434bhp (est) Fourth model in the Tesla line-up delivers the tech and performance of the Model 3 in an SUV package
A VARIETY of premium electric SUVs have been launched in recent months, but the new Tesla Model Y is arguably the most important of the lot. We’re driving a European-spec, left-hand-drive Long Range AWD car for this test. UK deliveries are scheduled to start at the beginning of 2022.
Design & engineering
CYNICS will look at the Tesla Model Y and simply dismiss it as a pumped-up
Model 3, and in reality that’s largely true. Tesla states that the cars share 95 per cent of their tech, while the styling clearly follows a similar template. The main differences on the Model Yare a raised ride height, a bit of extra bodywork, a taller roof and some black plastic trim for the door sills and wheelarches.
Under the skin, the Model Y features the latest Model 3 platform, so it benefits from a more efficient heat pump to warm the cabin. The Model Y ’s larger size means its battery range isn’t quite as long as the Model 3’s, although it can still travel further than the Q4 e-tron on a full charge. Our Long Range AWD model comes with electric motors front and rear, and while power figures haven’t been released, the Model Y has a faster 0-62mph time than the Audi, managing the sprint in 5.0 seconds exactly, more than a second faster than its rival here.
Inside, the Tesla’s minimalist cabin is dominated by the 15.4-inch touchscreen on the dashboard. There are no dials or head-up display for the driver; instead you need to glance across to the big screen for driving information. The cabin is largely button-free, with the only physical controls being the steering wheel (with a pair of multifunction switches), the column stalks, the electric window controls and push-button door openers.
The other significant tech on board is Tesla’s Autopilot system. This comprises a suite of cameras and sensors that constantly scan your surroundings and relay images on the touchscreen, while offering advanced cruise control functions, most of which you are able to unlock as post-purchase options. The standard adaptive system is effective, but Auto Steer still needs a little work. While it manages to detect traffic cones and even the faintest road markings pretty easily, it also picks out overbanding and other scars on the tarmac that can cause confusion.
Tesla’s tech is impressive, but the company’s reputation for build quality isn’t strong. Our test car had a minor rattle from the rear headrests, which was remedied by lowering them back into place, but overall it felt solid and there was no sign of the inconsistent shut lines or mismatched panels that have been seen on other cars from the firm.
Driving
IF you’re signed into your Model Y with the smartphone app, then the car unlocks and turns on as soon as it detects your phone on you, before you even pull on the flush-fitting doorhandle. If you haven’t got your phone, then there’s a smartcard that unlocks the car when you hold it against the car’s B-pillar.
Tesla has built a reputation as a maker of fast EVs, and the Model Y is no different. Its 0-62mph time is only beaten by the outrageously quick Volvo XC40