First test Tesla Model Y RWD – this is how the cheaper version with rear-wheel drive drives

The rear-wheel drive Model Y is actually a great offer on paper with a starting price of €46,990. Although it comes a little less far on a full battery than a Long Range, more than 450 kilometers is still a range that we encounter in the competition, especially in the most expensive versions. And the Model Y has another trick up its sleeve due to its LFP battery, because according to Tesla it is no longer necessary to charge to only 80 or 90 percent. So after every charge you can use the full battery capacity, without excessive damage to the battery pack. Plus, we can’t ignore Tesla’s huge digital lead. Teslas are still the only EVs that are able to completely unburden the driver on long journeys, by quickly and skilfully planning routes along the brand’s own, ever-functional fast chargers. The fast charging itself is theoretically possible with a maximum of 170 kW. That is not huge, but certainly with a battery pack of about 60 kWh still nice and fast.

You can always charge the Tesla Model Y RWD to 100 percent, which does not matter to the battery in the long term.

Further than a Volkswagen ID3 with a similar battery

Yes: the Model Y reaches its WLTP range of 455 kilometers with a battery of just under 60 kWh. In comparison: a Volkswagen ID.3 with a similar battery can travel 424 kilometers in the same test cycle, while the Model Y with its size is more of a rival to the larger ID.4. In principle, the Tesla should be quite efficient. Our first short test round is not the time to investigate that in detail, but a consumption of 17.4 kWh / 100 km is certainly very neat at 16 degrees Celsius and changing driving conditions.

Model Y RWD is surprisingly smooth

The fact that it lacks one electric motor compared to more expensive variants is clearly visible in the performance. Especially from a standstill, that huge push in the back that is so typical of Teslas is missing, but once up to speed, the simplest Model Y moves forward surprisingly smoothly. Loss of grip is not easy with this rear-wheel drive, although we sometimes see an ESP light flashing on damp road surfaces. The Model Y drives like it looks: like a tall Model 3. It’s a little less nimble and nimble than the sedan, but tuned in a similar way. That means a fairly sturdy, yet comfortable chassis and surprisingly direct and tight steering. A very European-tuned car, which feels completely at home in Dutch traffic in every respect. The sitting position behind the wheel is pleasant, with the desired position of the steering wheel, seats and mirrors being easily saved in your own user account. The dashboard is completely ‘3’ and therefore very minimalist, although the central touchscreen works incredibly fast and logical.

Tesla Model Y, very minimalistic inside, but that screen works quickly and logically.

Quality Tesla could be better

Compared to a few years ago, it is clearly noticeable that Tesla has invested in sound insulation, including by installing thicker windows. The quality impression is now quite okay, although Kia and certainly Volvo score better in this segment. It is mainly the smaller complaints that cause some stains on Tesla’s reputation. For example, it is known that many vehicles exhibit some vibrations upon delivery, headlights are often poorly adjusted and some ‘Y’s’ produce a high-pitched whistling sound near the tailgate in strong winds. It’s not a disaster, but not quite as it should be.

Lots of room in the Model Y

The dark-tinted window in that tailgate looks a lot from the outside, but inside offers a letterbox-like view of the outside world. Fortunately, the electrically operated hatch itself is large and provides access to a luggage compartment that is really huge at 800 liters. A remarkably large part of the space is under the floor, which is very useful in practice and makes you wonder what other EV builders do with all that empty space. After pressing the button, the rear seat backrest automatically falls forward, after which much more stuff can be carried. Not enough yet? Then there is the ‘frunk’, which offers 100 liters of extra storage space in the nose.

Look at Jan sitting comfortably in the back of the Tesla Model Y.

Spacious in the back

There is also enough space for the passengers in the back. Partly due to the remarkably large amount of (foot) space under the front seats, adults will find a comfortable place here, while the backrest, which can be adjusted in several positions, can make the sitting position even more comfortable. The rear seat is heated, which is a striking difference with the base model of the Model 3. It comes standard with a slightly less luxuriously decorated interior than its Long Range brothers, but that difference does not exist with the Model Y. So the RWD just has the phenomenal audio system with subwoofer, the already mentioned electrically operated valve and benches and much more. The copy in the photos is even completely standard and Tesla only offers colors, wheels, a towbar and a more extensive Autopilot at an additional cost. This makes the Model Y RWD a great offer. It is also available quickly: within now and three months, says Tesla. In these capricious times, this alone makes it irresistible to Dutch (lease) drivers.