The Model Y should bring Tesla into the mainstream. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Tesla's Model Y aims to redefine what a compact-to-mid-sized SUV can deliver. It brings the engineering of its Model 3 saloon showroom stablemate to this quickly growing segment and lays down a benchmark to the established brands as to exactly what a full-electric BEV Crossover of this kind ought to be.

Background

This is where Tesla gets serious (again). The Model Y is the brand's very first compact-to-mid-sized SUV. And the company predicts that it'll out-sell all its other three models combined. Tesla's Model 3 mid-sized saloon was the first car that brought the brand into more affordable market segments and if you're familiar with that car, you'll be familiar with a Model Y because 75% of components are shared between the two models. Model Ys for Europe are built at Tesla's new Berlin factory. The vehicle is also built in California and Shanghai.

So, this car needs to be good, pivotal as it'll be for Tesla. Market demand for SUVs is, after all, far higher than it is for saloons - or cars in the Model S or Model X large luxury category. But that demand is already being satisfied by an army of compact-to-mid-sized SUVs with full-battery power from other brands. Cars like the Volkswagen ID.4, the Audi Q4 e-tron, the Skoda Enyaq iV, the CUPRA Born, the Volvo XC40 Pure Electric and the Ford Mustang Mach-E - to name just a few. Let battle commence.

Driving Experience

All the running gear is shared with Tesla's Model 3, but for the time being, Model Y customers get three variant choices, the two priciest ones with a Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive powertrain format. Most will opt for the 'Long Range' derivative, which offers 331 miles of range, a 4.8s 0-60mph time and a 135mph top speed. At the top of the line-up is the dynamic 'Performance' model, basically the fastest compact-to-mid-sized SUV there is. This top derivative also has a range of 319 miles, but sprints to 60mph in just 3.5s. Standard on this top version is what Tesla calls a 'Performance Upgrade', which gives you lowered suspension, Performance Brakes and increases the top speed from 135 to 155mph. If ultimate range and All-Wheel Drive aren't particularly significant for you, then Tesla also offers an entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive version with a driving range of up to 283 miles.

Whatever Model Y variant you choose, the car's low centre of gravity promises much in terms of handling. Tesla's Elon Musk says it 'has the functionality of an SUV but rides like a sports car'. A low centre of gravity and a drag coefficient of 0.23Cd will also help.

Design and Build

Though the Model Y shares a platform with its Model 3 showroom stablemate, it's around 10% longer - 4,750mm in length. And of course, being an SUV, it's a hatch, not a saloon. Getting in and out via the pillarless doors is easier because of the taller body.

As usual with Teslas, you open the car with your smartphone - there's no physical key - but if it's run out of battery, you get a credit card-sized key as well, just in case. Inside, differences over the Model 3 saloon are few, the dash and interior of that car carried over almost completely. There's a bigger panoramic glass roof - that's the only real difference. So, as usual on a Tesla, the fascia is dominated by a huge central infotainment touchscreen of upright portrait format. The back seat is comfortable for a couple of adults. And there's a decently-sized boot, 854-litres in size; extendable to 2,158-litres in size if you fold the rear seats. You also get a bit of extra space under the bonnet.

Market and Model

Prices start at around £54,000 for the Rear-Wheel Drive variant. You'll be paying just under £58,000 for the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive 'Long Range' version. For the top 'Performance' model, you'll need a £68,000 budget. Standard equipment includes all the usual executive niceties. And there's a forward facing radar that scans the road 160-metres ahead as you drive, providing a long-range view of distant objects. A 360-degree camera system makes parking easier too. And there are plenty of luxury features, things like a 14-speaker premium audio system, 12-way power adjustable leather front seats and a tinted panoramic glass roof with ultra violet/infra-red protection.

Safety should be a strong point. Tesla says the Model Y is designed to be the safest vehicle in its class. The rigid body structure and large crumple zones provide strong protection. Like all new Teslas, this one comes as standard with emergency braking, collision warning, blind-spot monitoring and more. For an extra £3,400, you can add an 'Enhanced Autopilot' pack, which allows the car to navigate on Autopilot and includes Auto Lane Change and Auto Park features, the latter incorporating a 'Summon' system that allows you to stand outside your Model Y and park it with your smartphone.

Cost of Ownership

Owning a Model Y will of course be very different from owning a conventionally powered compact-to-mid-sized SUV. There'll be no fuel bills of course and servicing costs will be much smaller. The annual service fee covers an annual inspection, replacement parts like brake pads and windscreen wipers, 24 hour roadside assistance, system monitoring, remote diagnostics, software updates and new features sent through the touchscreen. As for driving range, well we'll repeat the figures quoted earlier - 283 miles for the Rear-Wheel Drive version, 331 miles for the 'Long Range' variant and 319 miles for the top 'Performance' model.

The car responds best to nightly recharges, but will happily sit for a couple of weeks at an airport while you holiday without losing significant charge, though over longer stationary periods, the cells will slowly lose their charge. The Model Y is compatible with the US brand's third generation public Superchargers, which are capable of 250kW charging. Tesla currently has more than 20,000 Superchargers globally across 36 countries.

Summary

The Model Y is arguably the most avant garde compact-to-medium-sized SUV in its segment. And potentially (in top 'Performance' form) the very fastest too. If these sound like winning attributes in a car of this kind, you'll know where to start your search.

FACTS AT A GLANCE

CAR: Tesla Model Y

PRICES: from £54,990

CATEGORY: FULL ELECTRIC - COMPACT

INSURANCE GROUPS: 50

PERFORMANCE: {Performance} 0-62mph 3.5s / Max Speed 150mph

WLTP ELECTRIC DRIVING RANGE: {Long Range} 314 miles

BOOT CAPACITY: [litres] {seats folded} 1,849

WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: Length/Width/Height 4751/1921/1624 mm