If you need something the size of a small van but don’t want to go the obvious suv route then Tesla has a 5 seater extremely spacious Model Y is possibly what you want to look at. Not only that but it also gets a solid 530 kms of range and that’s in cold weather too!
Special mention : Pet friendly & Sentry functions are brilliant ideas. The battery really holds on to its charge. A few more physical buttons would be nice even if it goes against the minimalist vibe.
Needs work : An option of zero level of regeneration would be more comfortable for some. Very reduced rear visibility. Side camera’s stay clean with decent quality feed while rear camera stays dirty & needs high res.Sentry function drains the battery.
| BHP 384 | Electric / Auto |
| 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds | Road Tax €120 |
| Price: €53,890 (Model Y) As spec’d : €65,607 (LR) | Boot space 854 / 2,158 litres |
It weighs about the same as a family suv at just over two tonnes but Tesla aren’t known for being slouches and this Model Y is no different. Its light on its feet and way to manoeuvre for something this size. The dual-motor/all-wheel drive setup in Model Y Long Range means it can really put all that power down.
Regenerative braking is quite strong and it’s a shame there’s no way to turn it off completely, only adjusting it slightly. Either it bothers you or you get used to it as it allows for one-pedal driving in the city which is handy and it ensures your battery is constantly topped up.
With a practical and reliable range, fast charging capability and lots of space, the user-friendly onboard technology may be accessed mostly through the iPad style touch screen in the middle of the dash but also through the use of voice control if you don’t fancy taking your eyes off the road for too long. The Model Y will appeal to buyers who need to take care of the family basics, be energy efficient but who also want the new era vibe that Tesla brings with it.
The Long Range can officially get around 530 km on a charge while the Performance promises 512 kms of range. You’ll probably get slightly less in the real world when having a little fun. It has bigger wheels than the equivalent Model 3, with 19in rims on the Long Range version as standard, 20in wheels can be optioned if you really wanted but they come at the price of comfort. The Model Y’s dual-motors are great at getting the power down in the Long Range with a 4.8 second 0-100 km/h time. The suspension is hard though and those wanting a less performance style ride might want to look at something French for the ultimate in lazy, laid back suspension. It’s very easy to judge how much pressure you need to apply on the brakes which makes them very smooth and more pleasant than a performance car of this sort of time would manage.
Obviously the Model Y features more interior space than a Model 3, its bigger dimensions mean the driver’s seat lines up neatly with the pedals and steering wheel for greater comfort but it takes some manoeuvring to get it just right. The wheel itself isn’t simple to adjust for reach and height but you can use the touchscreen to play about with controls from the wheel. The front passenger seats are power-adjustable, while all five seats in the Model Y are heated. A Driver Profile function allows you to save seating and steering wheel positions, as well as personalising the infotainment and tech systems you prefer to use.
The Model Y’s infotainment system is simpler than the one in the EV6, but can be distracting to operate while driving. One notable omission from the Tesla system is smartphone mirroring for Apple and Android devices. However, you can still sync your phone using Bluetooth to make phone calls or play music stored on it through the punchy sound system.
There is a lot of smart technology and another really clever / handy feature is the unlocking/locking and turning on using your phone as a ‘key’. As long as you’re logged into your car with the smartphone app, it will activate these functions once it detects your phone. You also get a Smartcard with the same functionality which would be handier to use when you need to loan the car to another driver. Once signed in with the Tesla smartphone app, the system is responsive and works well, it’s still a distraction to use while on the move, so Tesla also provides the smart voice control system It displays your oral commands on-screen to check the required action is correct before proceeding too.
The 15.4” Landscape screen operates everything from the climate controls, audio, mirrors and opening the glovebox (which seems a bit unnecessary). It seems unfortunate that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto aren’t integrated, the on-board system works perfectly well though and provides seamless Spotify streaming as well as Bluetooth functions. Parked up you can watch YouTube, play games and operate the numerous novelty functions.
As is the way with Tesla, extra functionality must be paid for, for example Tesla’s Autopilot system is included with the Model Y, although most of its functionality is only usable once extra payment has been made. The standard adaptive system works well enough if you prefer to save on the options.
There are two wireless smartphone charging pads and four USB-C charging sockets, enough for everyone to top up their devices during short or long journey’s and the minimalist cabin has plenty of space. All passengers benefit from the light and airy cabin created by the full glass roof. And the tall roof line leaves plenty of headroom, while the completely flat floor gives rear seat passengers that extra level of comfort. Boot space is a whopping 854 litres and the rear seats split 40/20/40. There’s also a 117-litre ‘frunk’ space under the bonnet, to store cables and what not. For now it’s only available as a 5 seater but could possibly come as a 7 seater in the future.
Full Self Driving allows the Model Y to make lane changes on its own (just press the indicator), steer into a parking space or even be ‘summoned’ on your smartphone using the app. So, if someone blocks the driver’s door in a car park and you can’t get back in, you can activate the app on your phone and safely move out of the tight space. We love Sentry mode and the pet friendly modes. Sentry mode uses the external cameras to start recording if someone tries to break in, or if someone drives into your Model Y when it’s parked up, the cameras will record the incident. Turn on Dog Mode and the Tesla will keep the cabin temperature at a comfortable setting and leaves a note on the landscape screen to let others know your pet is ok.
There isn’t much on the options list apart from metallic paint, alloy wheels, a tow bar and the autonomous driving functions. In general the Model Y comes well specc’d including air con, adaptive cruise, vegan heated seats, electric tailgate and keyless entry included on the app via smartphone. Over-the-air updates and remote diagnostics help make smaller maintenance jobs more convenient but may leave some second hand buyers left out of original owner options. A Model 3 may be cheaper but doesn’t have as much space on tap.