Introducing the Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y has made waves in the UK electric car market since its introduction in 2022.  It offers the performance and efficiency of an electric car with the spaciousness and versatility of a crossover SUV, making it a practical and exciting choice for many drivers.  In this review, we'll take a closer look at the Tesla Model Y, its features, design, performance and costs.

Tesla Model Y specs

There are three different Tesla Model Y specs.  The cheapest version is simply known as the Model Y, which has rear-wheel drive.  This standard Model Y is slightly slower than the four-wheel drive versions, going from 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds, and it also has a shorter driving range of 283 miles.

Long-range (AWD: All-wheel drive)

As the name suggests, this version goes the furthest on a charge, with an estimated range of 331 miles. The 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds is no slouch either.

Performance (AWD: All-wheel drive)

Although the Performance version sacrifices on driving range with 319 miles, it's one of the fastest electric SUVs on the market, with a supercar-like 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 3.5 seconds. This impressive acceleration is thanks to the car's dual electric motors that provide instant torque and a top speed of 155 mph.

Tesla Model Y Exterior Design

The Tesla Model Y has a sleek and modern exterior design that is similar to the Model 3. Its aerodynamic design boasts a streamlined silhouette with a panoramic glass roof and large 20-inch wheels, giving it a sporty and aggressive look. The Model Y also features automatic doors that open with a touch of a button, adding to the convenience and luxury of the car.

One of the key advantages of the Model Y over the Model 3 is the hatchback styling, making it a lot more practical than the Model 3 for storing and carrying all the equipment of modern family life, including bikes, dogs, shopping, sports kits etc. The boot has an enormous 854-litres of luggage space, or 2,158-litres if you place all three rear seats flat. There’s also a good amount of space under the boot floor to store the car's charging cable and a storage area under the bonnet.

Exterior features include:

• Third brake light
• LED Headlights
• LED tail lights
• Automatic headlights and wipers
• Auto high beam
• Power folding, auto-dimming and heated wing mirrors
• Rain-sensitive windscreen wipers
• Rear-view mirror auto-dimming
• Rear window defroster

Tesla Model Y Interior Design and Features

Inside, the Model Y offers a spacious and luxurious cabin that seats up to five passengers. The interior is minimalistic in design, with a large 15-inch touchscreen display that controls all of the car's functions. The Model Y also features a premium sound system, heated seats, and a panoramic roof that creates an open and airy feel.

There is a good amount of storage throughout the interior, with two wireless smartphone charging pads underneath the central touchscreen and four USB-C charging sockets throughout the car, which should help prevent family arguments over keeping individual devices topped up.

One of the most impressive features of the Model Y is its Autopilot system, which provides advanced driver assistance features such as automatic braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. The Model Y also has over-the-air software updates, which means that it can easily and quickly receive new features and improvements without requiring a trip to the dealership.

Driver convenience features include:

• Keyless driving and keyless entry
• Seating capacity: 5 passengers
• Cargo volume: 1,900 litres (with the second row folded down)
• 15-inch touchscreen display with infotainment system
• Premium audio system
• Wireless phone charging
• Heated front and rear seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Bluetooth hands-free phone with voice control system
• Custom driver profiles
• Electric-assisted front and rear doors
• Emergency call service
• Navigation system
• Reversing camera
• Speed limit recognition
• DAB radio
• Auto dual-zone climate control system
• Rear centre armrest with 2 cup holders
• Center console with storage, 2 cup holders and armrest
• Wireless phone charging

Tesla Model Y Performance and Driving Experience

Handling and Suspension

The Model Y features a low centre of gravity, thanks to its heavy battery pack that is mounted on the floor of the car. This low centre of gravity provides a stable and balanced driving experience, with minimal body roll and excellent handling. The car also features air suspension, which allows the driver to adjust the ride height for different driving conditions.

Regenerative Braking

One of the unique features of the Model Y is its regenerative braking system, which captures energy during deceleration and uses it to recharge the battery. This system extends the car's driving range and provides a smooth and seamless driving experience. The driver can adjust the amount of regenerative braking with a "Low" mode for a more traditional driving experience and a "Standard" mode for more aggressive regenerative braking.

Tesla Model Y Safety and Security

The Model Y is one of the safest vehicles on the market, so much so that it really impressed the safety experts at Euro NCAP, who awarded the Tesla their maximum five stars rating. The score for adult occupant protection was a very impressive 97%, with an 87% rating for child occupant protection. The car's protection of vulnerable road users scored 82%, and the safety assistance systems scored a mighty 98%.

Tesla's powerful Autopilot active safety technology has plenty of intelligent safety systems to help you avoid a crash or decrease the impact's severity if a collision happens.

Eight cameras and powerful vision processing deliver 360 degrees of visibility, spotting nearby objects like bicyclists, vehicles and pedestrians.

Safety Features include:

• Autopilot advanced driver assistance system
• Automatic emergency braking
• Forward-collision warning
• Blind-spot collision warning
• Advanced airbags
• Lane-departure avoidance
• ABS + traction control
• EBD + Brake Assist
• Rear door child safety locks
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Emergency call service
• Reversing camera

Regarding security, you can enable Sentry mode for the vehicle’s cameras to begin recording whenever the Tesla is approached after you have locked it.  

Security features include:

• Anti-theft alarm
• Dashcam
• Keyless driving and keyless entry
• Wireless phone charging

Tesla Model Y charging

The base version of the Model Y can reach 170kW allowing for a 0-80% charge in only 25 minutes. However, the Long Range and Performance variants can reach 250kW, and their large batteries mean the same top-up only takes 27 minutes if you use the Tesla's extensive network of Superchargers across the UK.

Tesla’s Supercharger network is a massive bonus for Tesla drivers, especially those covering long distances. You just simply turn up, plug in, and drive off when you're finished, then settle your bill at the end of each month. 

If you're fully recharging your Model Y using a standard 7.4kW wallbox from your home, it will take about nine hours to charge the base version of the Model Y and approx twelve hours for the Long Range and Performance models.

Leasing a Tesla Model Y: Everything You Need to Know

If you're in the market for a new electric car and considering leasing, you may wonder if you can lease a Tesla Model Y. The good news is that we offer a range of competitive personal and business contract hire leasing deals for the Tesla Model Y variants.

View all Tesla Model Y Standard RWD deals.

View all Tesla Model Y Long Range deals

View all Tesla Model Y Performance deals

View all Tesla Model Y deals

Is Tesla Model Y considered a luxury car?

Yes, the Tesla Model Y is considered a luxury car due to its premium driver and safety features and advanced technology. It is aimed at the premium SUV market and offers a luxurious driving experience.

What is better Model Y or 3?

Both the Model Y and Model 3 are excellent electric cars, but they have some key differences. The Model Y is larger and more spacious, with more cargo space and a higher driving position. The Model 3 is smaller and more affordable, with better handling and acceleration. Ultimately, the choice between the Model Y and Model 3 will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Should I charge my Tesla to 100% every night?

No, charging your Tesla to 100% every night is unnecessary. However, it is important to charge the car regularly to ensure the battery remains charged and avoid running out of power. Tesla recommends keeping the battery level between 20% and 80% to prolong its lifespan.

Is Tesla Y a reliable car?

Because Tesla Model Y is still a fairly new car,  it’s too early to know if there are particular issues.  However, the signs are positive, though.  Typically, most electric cars are more reliable than cars with a traditional combustion engine, as there are fewer complicated moving parts.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the Tesla Model Y is an impressive electric SUV that offers the performance, efficiency, and versatility that many drivers are looking for. Its sleek design, spacious interior, and advanced features make it a great choice for those looking to switch to electric. With a range of up to 314 miles and access to Tesla's extensive network of Superchargers, the Model Y also offers the freedom to travel long distances without the range anxiety that can come with other electric cars.

If you are looking for a practical and exciting electric car that can meet all of your needs, the Tesla Model Y is definitely worth considering. With its advanced features, impressive performance, and convenient charging options, the Model Y is sure to turn heads and provide a driving experience like no other.