In this review…
With the new Tesla Model Y, the EV maker has unleashed the electric SUV that the established automakers have been dreading.
Tesla is the new kingpin on the block when it comes to car manufacturers. Not only do they dominate the EV market but are now staking a claim on the crown of the best car manufacturer in the industry today. Their newest addition to the range, the Tesla Model Y, is the electric SUV that the established competitors have been dreading.
Though it is competing with the likes of the Volkswagen ID.4, Audi Q4 e-Tron, Mercedes EQA, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Hyundai Ioniq 5, Tesla is years ahead of the game and was the company that ignited interest in EVs in the first place. Their fast charging capabilities, high mileage and excellent performance are something you cannot get anywhere else yet.
If you’re on the market for a new Tesla and wondering whether the Model Y is a sensible option, read on as we look at the interior, exterior, performance and drive quality to determine whether it’s a good buy or lease.
The Body and Interior Layout
In essence, the Tesla Model Y is a larger version of the Tesla Model 3, a small saloon that has now been stretched out to accommodate more space. This is the first thing you’ll notice. The sheer spaciousness of the interior now has just by swapping all the using gas-guzzling components for a simple battery. The vegan leather seats are a comfortable and supported sit, and the glass roof brings sunshine beaming into the car, making things feel airy and even roomier. Moreover, the amount of luggage you’ll be able to fit in is ridiculous, enough to leave other EV SUVs red-faced with embarrassment.
Something else you’ll notice straight away is the lack of a dashboard, which is initially a somewhat freaky experience but offers you much more room when looking out of the windshield. Plus, all the information you’d expect from a dash is bundled into one of the most enticing features of any Tesla: the colossal 15-inch touchscreen that acts as the centre console of your own futuristic starship. You can expect to be able to access everything and more on this touchscreen, from ambient lighting and climate control to Google Maps navigation and entertainment of all kinds. It updates regularly just like an iPad, so you can still have all the latest features in a few years. No more having to take it to the technicians and fork a fortune!
Performance and Drive
The Model Y is powered by a 75kWh lithium battery that will take you over 300 miles on a single charge, meaning you’ll hardly ever suffer from the dreaded range anxiety. Driving it is a stunning display of performance when it needs to be, as the pace of the Model Y is something you have to see to believe. The electric motor means you’re not waiting around going through the gears, and it could even out-accelerate some supercars with just over 400bhp. Leave slip roads in the dust in the Tesla Model Y.
You may forget that this is a hefty two-tonne vehicle until you hit a corner. Handling is hardly that of a Formula 1 car, but when you are in the market for practicality, a racing-standard drive is not going to be at the top of your priorities. Tesla has ensured that the Model Y grips well in corners with a surprisingly low centre of gravity. You’ll be forgoing a gear stick for an automatic, though there are buttons to switch gear manually ergonomically placed behind the steering wheel. The party piece of any Tesla is an optional extra – the self-driving mode that is sure to impress and offer a tonne of convenience on long drives.
The Final Verdict on the Tesla Model Y
In the class of all-electric SUVs, the Tesla Model Y is the star pupil. Though it may cost you more than the bulk of the pack will, the extra cost gets you a premium experience. The Model Y is a testament to what is possible with electric cars, and how spacious they can be without the engine, gearbox, exhaust and fuel tank. If you’re in the market for a future-forward SUV, make way for the Model Y.
Buying a new Tesla outright can be a challenging prospect, which is why cars2buy offers hundreds of Tesla Model Y lease deals so that you can drive a brand-new Tesla without having to pay the entire value of the car. Simply pay a set monthly fee for an agreed amount of months, and then once the lease is complete, simply return it to the leasing dealership. car2buy’s transparent service shortens the journey to your new Tesla as much as possible by aggregating from hundreds of trusted dealerships. We offer deals on all UK models from Tesla, including Tesla Model 3 lease deals that will leave you convinced to go electric.
