The Tesla Model Y was announced in 2019 and now it is finally in the Netherlands. This is our first review. The electric SUV based on the Model 3 is largely familiar, but the Model Y does a few things differently and better.
What is striking about the Tesla Model Y?
An SUV version of the Model 3, with seven seats – that’s how Tesla touted the Model Y. But our test car doesn’t have seven seats at all. We see two front seats and one back seat, just like in the Model 3. The 7-person Model Y will come later, so lease drivers with a large family have to be patient.
The Model Y is much more spacious than the Model 3. The cabin is larger and you sit higher. As a result, the foot trays are larger and you have more space for your legs and feet, especially in the back seat. The glass roof is thin and provides a light cabin with plenty of headroom. The sedan-like tailgate of the Model 3 has been exchanged for a handy, large hatch. Underneath is a spacious trunk. In short, the Model Y is much more practical than the 3.
What’s good about the Tesla Model Y?
I continue to be amazed by the minimalist dashboard, the large touchscreen and the low center tunnel. This makes the interior of the Model Y feel modern and airy. Even two meters tall drivers have plenty of leg, shoulder and headroom. And then there may even be someone behind it.
Another plus of the Model Y is its low power consumption. In the message about the Tesla Model Y range, we discover that it is the most economical electric SUV of its kind. It uses less power than the fairly frugal Hyundai Ioniq 5 and its arch-rival, the Polestar 2. Tesla gives a range of 507 kilometers for the Model Y Long Range – we came 437 kilometers away.
In the Model 3 you sit right above the asphalt, while the Model Y offers the high seating position so appreciated by SUV drivers. Even in the lowest position, the front seats are still quite high. Still, the driving experience is sporty. The chassis has stiff suspension, the steering is direct and the Long Range version sprints to one hundred in five seconds.
What could be better about the Tesla Model Y?
Above we are talking about the range and that brings us to the battery capacity. A 70 kWh battery is a bit meager these days. Hyundai, Polestar and Volkswagen give their electric SUVs 73 to 78 kWh. So it’s a good thing the Model Y is so frugal…
Tesla is at the forefront of self-driving cars. Features such as Autosteer and Navigate with Autopilot are still in the development phase and the car communicates that clearly. While Tesla is figuring out those systems, I manage with the adaptive cruise control. But the automatic speed control kicks on the brakes too often for my taste. The Volvo XC40 Recharge seems to ‘see’ better when you have a clear path.
The narrow rear window obstructs the view to the rear and is also so high that the headlights of the car behind you are out of view. And so it feels like every car behind is sitting right on your rear bumper.
When will the Tesla Model Y come and what is the price?
For the time being, the Model Y Long Range we tested for 65,010 euros is the cheapest version. Expected delivery for new orders is November. The more powerful Performance version of 71,010 euros will be released ‘Early 2022’.
Those are hefty amounts. A Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 73 kWh and two electric motors costs 54,500 euros and a comparable Polestar 2 starts at 53,900 euros. The Volkswagen ID.4 GTX changes hands for 52,990 euros. A BMW iX3 costs 69,000 euros.
What do I think of the Tesla Model Y?
Tesla is still in a unique position: they build powerful and efficient electric cars and have built an impressive network of fast charging stations. That’s why you can’t ignore the Model Y when you’re looking for an electric SUV.
Despite the futuristic dashboard, the Model Y is not the original choice. Nowadays you see Tesla’s Model 3 driving everywhere and with a Model Y you disappear into that leasing crowd. If you want to stick your head above the ground, choose a Hyundai Ioniq 5. In other words: we have finally reached the point where choosing a Tesla has become the logical and responsible choice. And the practical Model Y is the best example of this.