With the arrival of the Model Y the Tesla lineup is starting to round out with two SUV models. The Model Y enters one of the hottest vehicle segments in the mid size SUV category with its sights set on competing with the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
From the exterior this vehicle sports the familiar Tesla look. Only a keen observer would be able to distinguish between the Model 3 and larger SUV the Model X. The front and rear fascias on the Model Y are pretty much identical to the Model 3, and the side profile is tough to distinguish from the larger Model X. Perhaps it is not as exciting a design as the new full EV Mustang Mach-E (Click Here to read our full review) but for one of the newest car companies in the world, they are doing a great job at creating brand identity.
Obviously being a fully electric vehicle there is no internal combustion engine and therefore
no need for a gaping front grill. Having no large airways in the front of the car is designed to make it more aerodynamic, and ultimately increase its range and fuel economy. Where a traditional vehicle has a grill, the Model Y has a large flat bumper. The downside to this, is that on long distance highway driving, we foresee this portion of the car having the potential to collect insects and perhaps create scratches.
Another unique exterior feature on the Model Y is the aero wheel covers. These covers are essentially hub caps that are designed to help increase the vehicle's aerodynamics and reduce wind resistance by an estimated 4%. Frm an aesthetic standpoint it does give the owner the choice of two different looking wheels depending on personal preference.
The interior of the Model Y is lifted directly from the Model 3, using the same large touch screen, steering wheel, and transmission stack. Although Tesla’s vehicles have only been on the market for a short period of time, we are already starting to see the competition imitating their design. The previously mentioned Mustang Mach-E’s interior looks much more like a Tesla than a Mustang sports car.
There is a learning curve to this vehicle. Thinking back to some car makers priding themselves with simple and easy to find controls. In the Model Y’s ultra modern interior this will take some getting used to.
As soon as you enter the Model Y you’ll know that you’re in a different type of car. There is no physical key, it has been replaced by an app on your phone. The only physical buttons we found in the interior are the map lights, hazard lights, window controls and button to open the doors. No dedicated buttons for the ignition, radio, climate control, heated seats or anything you might expect from another mainstream brand. All those controls are located inside the giant touch screen. All the key features have dedicated shortcuts built into the lower portion of the screen.
Truthfully, we did not find the controls easy to use. With that said, surely, after a bit of practice, the owner will be able to control the fan speed or heated seats without having to fiddle around. One notable omission on the Model Y is the lack of Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The car interface and maps are fantastic but there is no way to display the information from your phone within the infotainment system of the car, as many other automakers currently offer.
Another unique feature of the interior is the absence of a speedometer behind the steering wheel. Instead all pertinent driving info such as current speed, vehicle charge and the turn signal indicators are all displayed on the top left hand corner of the center screen. This is yet another quirk that took some getting used to.
The seats in the Model Y are excellent, both firm and supportive. Both front seats are power operated with electrically controlled lumbar support. Rear seating space is ample and back seats also recline. The standard seats are simulated black leather with an optional ($1300 CAN) upgrade to opt for white seats instead. There is also the option to add a third row of seating to the Model Y. Our tester did not have this feature but our guess is that the seating would be tight and only usable for children. Our only complaint regarding the seats is Tesla's choice of implementing a fixed headrest. This type of seat is common in sports cars but we find this choice a bit odd for this segment of family SUV.
As leaders in the zero emission cars you can feel the refinement in the vehicle's powertrain. In Canada the base Model Y is the Long Range Dual Motor model that has 346 horsepower and 389 lb-ft. The 0-100 KPH time is around 5.0 seconds, these numbers put the vehicle in the same league as the Audi SQ5 and Mercedes-AMG GLC43. For those that are new to Tesla, the Dual Motor set-up means the car has two electric motors, one to power the front wheels and one to power the rear wheels. This gives the vehicle AWD. We tested the car on a beautiful spring day and we would love to know how the AWD in the Tesla stands up to the established German offerings like Audi’s quattro.
In the Long Range Dual Motor trim Tesla estimates about 525 km of range per charge. This estimated range is around double the range you would get from the Model Y’s closest competitor, the Ford Mach-E. Another vehicle worth considering in this category would be the Audi E-tron. The E-tron falls short of the model Y by all performance numbers. The Audi EV has less standard horsepower, less range and the starting price is about $16,000 more then the Model Y.
For those looking for more speed and power you can step up to the Performance model. Horsepower and torque are bumped by about 100 and the extra power cuts the 0-100 kph time down to only 3.7 seconds. This puts the Model Y in the same league as the other performance SUVs in the segment like the Porsche Macan Turbo and Mercedes-AMG GLC63S.
Almost every aspect of this vehicle is unique. Make no mistake, this is a quick car for a family SUV. Step on the accelerator pedal and the response is immediate. The handling is sharp and we found the suspension to be more forgiving than in the Mercedes-AMG GLC43. The car has multiple drive modes with adjustable steering feel and power delivery. The big adjustment comes in the form of the Model Y’s regenerative braking. All EVs have this feature where the brakes are designed to capture energy and help conserve the vehicle's battery life. As soon as you lift off the accelerator you feel regenerative braking kick in. You can almost drive this vehicle with one pedal! It was a bit of a challenge to get a smooth accelerator to brake feel but again with a little bit more wheel time, we’re confident in our abilities to smooth out the ride for our passengers.
There have been a lot of questions about Tesla's overall build quality. This is one area that the brand has had considerable growing pain. There are many videos online explaining some of the panel gap issues that have hindered Tesla. The tester we had exterior panels looked well placed to the eye, but anyone considering this $70,000 plus SUV would have the right to be sensitive to this issue. Lexus would never let a car leave it’s factories with an issue like this.
The interior technology is truly some of the best we’ve seen in a car. The screen was as responsive and vibrant as any recent Apple product. Where we questioned the interior was on the door panels. We realize that Tesla is going for a minimalist aesthetic but again for a base price of $70,000 we’d like to see a higher end combination of materials. Just take a look at the door panel from a Mercedes-Benz GLC300 with its combination of wood, leather and plastic, versus Tesla’s austere door panels. It is this lack of attention to detail, which may dissuade traditional luxury car buyers from making the switch.
We’d be remiss if we did not mention the dealership experience. Every major automaker in North American should be studying the client experience at Tesla. No pushy sales people, no back and forth games while working on the pricing. The dealer staff use the same tools to build and price the car out that anyone could use from their home. Not only did Tesla disrupt the internal combustion engine they have also revolutionized the way someone buys a car.
With all that said, this is the best is the best mid-sized electric SUV in the world. It has the style, technology, power and range. No EV SUV can come close in terms of range, which is one of the major factors for most drivers who may consider the switch from gas to electric powered cars. The interior feels like a special place even if the German rivals offer some nicer touch points. If you are in the market for a luxury midsize SUV, treat yourself to test drive the Model Y before making a decision.
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