TEST: Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD – minimalist electric SUV

Model Y is Tesla’s mid-size SUV and the best-selling model from the manufacturer. During the first quarter of this year, this is Sweden’s third best-selling electric car, only beaten by Kia e-Niro and VW ID.4. The test car is a Long Range awd version that on paper should take you 507 kilometers on a single charge.

As in the Tesla Model 3, the interior of the Model Y is very stripped down and minimalist. If you have never driven a Tesla before, you simply need an introduction from someone. Everything is displayed on the 15-inch horizontal screen in the middle, here there is no traditional meter cluster in front of the steering wheel. At the same time, the car is completely clean of buttons and physical controls. On the steering wheel is a discreet scroll control for each thumb, that’s it.

Nice and sometimes impractical

Sure, it’s clean and tidy, but is it practical? No, not very much. After a while, you get used to keeping track of the speed by glancing to the right of the screen, but we really lack a heads up display. Once you learn to handle the thumb controls and understand how to activate the adaptive cruise control mode (the “self-driving” mode) by double-pressing the right lever behind the steering wheel down, of course, then you can handle most functions in the car quite smoothly. Like controlling the music, answering on the hands-free phone and more. But if you want to access settings for the air conditioning system, set the windshield wipers manually (it is rare that the automatic works on any car), then there will be lots of unnecessary pressure on the screen. Aesthetics have simply gone before function.

The car is fighting in the segment of medium-sized SUVs where the competition is fierce, but inside the Tesla Model Y actually feels bigger than it looks. There are also good storage options and a luggage compartment that swallows a lot. Definitely a car that can easily handle the family trip.

The screen is absolutely fantastic and Tesla has developed the interface enormously since we first drove the Model S and Model X. The system is fast and precise and most things are where we expect. The map is very detailed and delicious, the voice control also works very well. We like that camera images appear from the blind spot when we turn and the radar system that helps us park is also very sophisticated. The image, which while driving recreates a virtual image of the traffic around you, does not feel as impressive today as when it first came. Actually a rather unnecessary function that often shows errors.

The interior of the Tesla Model Y is of high quality in terms of materials. The seats are noticeably more comfortable than those in the Model 3, but there is a bit left to German premium class. Extendable thigh support is missing, as is the possibility of massage, just a few details that could further increase comfort on the long journey. Otherwise, the car is really comfortable on a nice surface. The road holding feels safe and stable thanks to the low center of gravity. On worse roads, it is noticeable that the car is stiffer than several of the challengers, as unevenness in the ground is clearly noticeable in the driver’s seat.

Important benefits of Tesla

Tesla has two important advantages over competitors today, if you are looking for a pure electric car. First, the charging infrastructure. Where you with another brand can look for charging posts from several different players and where you may have 2-4 stations to fight over (rarely with high charging power), Tesla offers lots of charging posts at its Supercharger stations (56 are available today in Sweden).

In addition, the charging planning is nicely integrated in the navigator, if you are going on a long journey, you will get clear suggestions on where, and for how long, you need to charge. And the battery pack preheats as you approach. Good! Model Y Long Range supports dc charging in up to 250 kW and it is surprisingly fast to fill the battery at least up to the 80 percent mark. If you charge at home with an ac-box, a maximum of 11 kW applies.

How to charge your new electric car – here’s everything you need to know

The second advantage is wireless automatic updates (over the air updates). Here, Tesla can push updates in the background without you having to do anything. Some competitors are working on a similar solution, but Tesla has had it for a long time.

The car does 0-100 km / h in five seconds, which is really good, even if in the Tesla context it does not stand out in any way. You can of course choose single-pedal driving with a brake, which charges the battery more aggressively, or let the car roll more like on a traditional car. Or choose to take the edge off the performance in “chill” mode, where you do not get that immediate effect when you touch the accelerator pedal.

How well then does the stated range correspond to reality? Yes, it depends a lot on how you drive and whether you burn on heat in the cabin or not. But about 400 km under good conditions is no problem. We also like that Tesla has a really clear and accurate display of the expected range. You simply do not have to calculate what margins you have, but you can rely on information displayed on the screen.

Expensive, but you get a lot for your money

The Tesla Model Y Long Range awd is more expensive than the competitors in the same segment, but when you weigh what you get for your money, the difference is not as big. Tesla adds a lot of equipment as standard, things that you otherwise have to look up and tick in the optional list if, for example, you buy a German car.

The sound system is probably the clearest option, it sounds absolutely incomparably good in the package that is standard in the Tesla Model Y. And if you like fun extra features, there is a lot to explore in the entertainment menu. Or how about a car game where you (when parked) can use the right steering wheel and pedals to play? Or maybe you want to pull up the worst light show at home and let Model Y be at the center of the parking party?

What lowers the overall impression a bit is the user-friendliness. The car would really feel good with a heads up display and the occasional physical button to make driving easier. On top of that, this is a really good electric car. If you want even more performance, it will also be available in a performance version later.

Facts Tesla Model Y

Manufacturer: Tesla
Engines: Dual electric motors
Driving: AWD
Scope: 507 km (WLTP)
Performance: 0–100 km / h in 5 seconds
Top speed: 217 km / h
DC charge: up to 250 kW
AC onboard charger: 11 kW
Emissions: 0 g / km
Vehicle tax: NOK 360 / year
Award: SEK 729,000 (before climate bonus)