With excellent practicality, sporty driving dynamics and superb levels of tech, the Tesla Model Y has a lot to recommend it.
This fully electric mid-size SUV was the world’s best-selling car last year, becoming the first EV to top the global car sales charts.
During my week with the Model Y, ease-of-use was something that stood out, with many of the stresses of day-to-day driving removed.
Tesla’s supercharging network, combined with the company’s excellent App, provide a high level of reassurance, while a number of clever technological features on board add to an all-round compelling package.
Built on the foundations of the award-winning Model 3, the Model Y’s higher ride height and larger boot opening provide the extra space and dimensions for families.
It’s available in three variants to suit different lifestyles, with prices starting at £44,990 for Rear Wheel Drive, £52,990 for Long Range Drive, and £59,990 for the Performance Model.
The long range version, tested here, provided a nice balance between performance and practicality.
Acceleration seemed effortless and immediate, with the car going from 0-60mph in less than five seconds, gaining speed smoothly and in near-silence.
The handling was also sharp and trustworthy, with only the slightest amount of body roll to be aware of when cornering briskly.
Especially impressive is the enhanced autopilot system, which comes with auto lane change and navigation support to further enhance relaxation and safety.
It’s hard to over-emphasise how pleasant it felt to drive around in an EV for a week and never feel any range anxiety.
The Rear Wheel Drive version is good for 283 miles on a single charge, but that increases to a very handy 351 miles in Long Range guise.
Tesla now has 1,200 Superchargers in the UK, so there was no need to grapple with the uncertainty you sometimes experience with the rest of the public charging network.
With 250kWh charging speeds, you can add up to 150 miles of charge in just 15 minutes. While I’d normally end up kicking my heels and killing time at the services waiting for a charging session to finish, I found myself rushing down my breakfast butty to get back to the Tesla before it finished charging.
Tesla Trip Planner can automatically guide you to a nearby Supercharger if charging is required on your journey – and the car will even direct you to the least busy Supercharger site.
Appearance-wise, the Model Y has the distinctive and unmistakeable Tesla look, with the car’s minimalistic design keeping an aerodynamic style to prioritise range and efficiency.
It’s available in five colours including Pearl White, Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue Metallic, and Red.
If you like an interior with clean lines that’s not too fussy, the Tesla’s cabin is the epitome of an uncluttered space.
The controls are restricted to two stalks and two rotatory dials on the steering wheel, with everything else operated through the superb 15-inch LED screen in the centre of the dash. Having so few dials and buttons is initially a bit unnerving, but you soon get accustomed to where to find all the functions.
A design flourish comes in the form of a wood strip that runs across the inside of the front doors and then stretches across the dash, while the panoramic glass roof gives an airy feel.
The absence of dials and levers down to the driver’s left has created extra space for storage in the large central console, with the biggest space doubling as an armrest.
If you like your creature comforts, the Model Y won’t disappoint, with the five seated interior having power adjustable heated seats and second row adjustable seatbacks that fold for journeys that need maximum cargo storage The Model Y also has a few entertaining party pieces up its sleeve, which my children heartily enjoyed.
The ability to put the car into ‘Santa mode’ – where the car is displayed on the central screen as a sleigh and other vehicles appear as reindeer – created some amusement.
Equally, plenty of fun came courtesy of a function allowing passengers to play and sing some of the most popular karaoke songs, with lyrics displayed on the screen without interfering with any critical information the driver needs to see.
After a vital victory at cricket last weekend, my teammates gathered round as darkness fell and the Model Y joined the celebrations with its impressive light show, treating us to ‘The Arrival’ and an unseasonal rendition of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, with lights and indicators flashing, the windows opening and shutting and the boot going up and down. Quite a spectacle!
Whilst in park, passengers have access to a vast entertainment system. During one charging session, I was able to sit back and catch up with the previous night’s football friendly highlights via YouTube.
An immersive sound system is made possible through 13 studio quality speakers, which support the car’s premium audio system. The sound provided is crystal clear and sharp.
Occupants can also seamlessly connect it all with Bluetooth to sync everything from your contacts to your music.
In conclusion, the Model Y is a great all-round offering that blends performance with practicality, is very easy to live with and is capable of putting a smile on your face.
The Lowdown
Tesla Model Y Long Range
PRICE: From £52,990
RANGE: 351 miles
0-60MPH: 4.8 seconds
TOP SPEED: 135mph
CHARGING: 250kWh charging speeds, reach up to 150 miles in just 15 minutes, and boasting an impressive 99.5% uptime
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