After months of waiting, Tesla has finally launched the Model Y in the UK. The electric superstar brand is becoming a popular choice for drivers looking to go electric. Tesla has been around for a while now, and in that time the EV brand has carved out its own iconic design.
The long-awaited Model Y features all of the tech of the Model 3, but with a larger body, it means it’s more spacious inside. Tesla says its online ‘design studio’ has now gone live which allows drivers to start building their new electric crossover. Although Tesla hasn’t yet confirmed the power output of the Model Y Performance but, given the level of parts sharing between the SUV and the Model 3 that have already been shared, it is expected that it’ll be the same 483bhp as is on offer in the saloon. CEO of the EV brand, Elon Musk, said the new crossover will share 75% of its parts with the current Model 3 so we can expect to feel very familiar with this new model.
The electric SUV is available to lease now, with prices starting from £540.62 per month (inc. VAT) and the first deliveries for the entry-level Long Range variant are expected to arrive in early 2022. Let’s look into what features you will find in the new Tesla Model 3.
What will the electric range be?
At launch, the Model Y will be capable of up to 315 miles on a single charge in Dual Motor all-wheel-drive specification. The Model Y has two battery and range options in the UK: Long Range AWD and Performance. A Long-Range model has a claimed 315-mile range, putting it comfortably ahead of electric rivals like the Kia e-Niro or Hyundai Kona Electric, while the Performance option claims between 282 to 300 miles.
As for other performance specs, the Long Range AWD will take 4.8 seconds to get to 62mph and hit 135mph; the Performance takes 3.5 seconds and will manage 150mph. The more affordable Long Range model has 346bhp and 510Nm of torque, which Tesla says is enough for a 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds and a top speed of 135mph. Like every Tesla, the Y can access the Supercharger network including the latest V3 ones for superior fast charging. It is worth noting that the Long Range AWD is slightly behind the large battery versions of the Volkswagen ID.4. and Audi Q4 e-tron, which all officially return over 330 miles.
According to Tesla, there are no plans to bring the entry-level Standard Range model to the UK any time soon. Both variants will offer rapid performance with the Dual Motor all-wheel-drive variant. While the Dual Motor model could hardly be called slow, the Performance has the ability to outshine some big-buck supercars out there. UK-specific performance figures for this model are expected to be confirmed closer to the car going on sale next year.
Design, interior and technology
The Tesla Model Y was originally revealed by Elon Musk at an event in Los Angeles back in 2019 and it is the first midsize SUV to be launched by Tesla. In typical Tesla fashion, the Model Y follows the design themes of the rest of the Tesla model range. The new SUV will incorporate elements seen on the Model 3 and Model S executive cars and the Model Y and Model 3 are said to share around 70% of their parts.
The familiar Tesla grille-less front-ends, chrome details and long curving roofline are pretty much a part of the Tesla brand now. The Model Y has a 15mm longer wheelbase and 56mm wider track and the rear half is arguably better proportioned than a Model X.
Tesla has fitted a glass roof to deliver maximum light levels in the cabin. The cabin has pretty much exactly the same design as the 3’s cabin and comes complete with a large central touchscreen display providing all of your required information in one place. UK versions of the Model Y will only be available with a five-seat layout and with each of the rear seats folding completely flat to boost storage capacity.
The design within the model Y has been plucked directly out of the Tesla minimalist playbook. With nearly everything being controlled via the large central display screen apart from the steering wheel and pedals.
A Tesla Model Y personal lease deal is a great way to get a brand new Tesla Model Y for a small initial outlay and a fixed monthly cost over a fixed term. With a Tesla Model Y personal lease, you can forget about any worries of depreciation or the hassle of selling the car when you no longer want it. If you have any questions about the new model or want to discuss leasing options, contact our team today.