Tesla Model Y test (2021): the Model 3 of families

Did you know that a million Tesla Model 3s had left the Shanghai Gigafactory (China) and the Fremont factory (United States) since its launch? Available since July 2017 on the other side of the Atlantic and since February 2019 in Europe, the American family sedan is the best-selling private electric vehicle in the world, but also in France. The sequel to the Tesla offensive is called Model Y. This fourth model of the brand is entering the compact SUV segment.

Derived from the Model 3, it promises much greater reception capacities and aims in the long term at the head of sales at Tesla, despite a range currently positioned higher. 6 cm (4.75 m) longer, 7 cm (1.92 m) wider and above all 18 cm taller than the sedan, the Model Y SUV also increases its ground clearance from 14 to 16.7 cm. It also includes the batteries and motors of the top-of-the-range versions. While waiting for the thunderous Performance version scheduled for early 2022, the Grande Autonomie model, here on trial, is already available. The first copies delivered to customers come from Chinese and American factories, while waiting for the new Berlin site (Germany) to be operational (scheduled for summer 2021, the start of production has been postponed until early 2022).

Tesla Model Y Price

If the Model 3 sedan starts its range at 43,800 € (Automomie Standard Plus), the price of access to Model Y is higher: 59,900 € in Long Range, i.e. € 7,000 more than the Model 3 with a comparable version. As usual, the equipment gives pride of place to technology and advanced connectivity (see table on next page). The Performance version, scheduled for the first quarter of 2022, is for its part at € 66,900.

With its price just under € 60,000, our Large Autonomy trial version is eligible for the € 2,000 bonus… on condition of course not to opt for the few options offered (or to offer them after purchase. ). We are thinking in particular of the improved Autopilot (€ 3,800), which assists the driver when entering a lane, changing or exiting the motorway, but also when parking with Park Assist and maneuvers that can be carried out remotely.

Autonomy and recharging

Impossible at Tesla to know the official capacity of the batteries, but Model Y Grande Autonomie announces a range of 507 km with the original 19-inch rims, for a combined WLTP consumption of 16.9 kWh / 100 km. A completely correct value among electric family SUVs that we will not fail to verify during a test on our course dedicated to the autonomy of electric vehicles. Tesla’s SUV incorporates an 11 kW charger suitable for public terminals and other Wallboxes delivering alternating current. Without communicating a time, the Model Y should recover all of its autonomy after a good night’s charge.

Like the other models of the brand, the new American SUV benefits from paying Tesla superchargers, whose very latest generation V3 terminals appeared in early 2021 reach a charging power of 250 kW. The network, which essentially sticks to a capacity of 150 kW, now includes around 6,000 stations in Europe and nearly a hundred stations in France (ie around 900 stations). Enough to recover 80% of autonomy in half an hour. As always with the American manufacturer, just plug in the plug and follow the charge level from your smartphone via the dedicated application. Childish.

Driving

The raised driving position compared to the Model 3 evokes the SUV universe of the Model Y. The rest recalls Tesla’s DNA with ergonomics simplified to the maximum: a turn signal switch to the left of the steering column, a gear selector right… and nothing else! The absence of any instrumentation block in front of the driver frees the field of vision and amplifies this panoramic atmosphere. After the very short adaptation time, driving becomes incredibly intuitive.

This Tesla Model Y has a knack for putting its driver at ease. On paper, its already generous dimensions do not however make things easier in the city, especially with 1.92 m wide. Its rear vision limited by a sloping tailgate close to a loophole either. In real life, that’s another story. Its size becomes easy to understand compared to its competitors, and its reduced turning radius associated with a fairly clear steering would make it almost agile! Even the smallest window or other parking maneuver requires a little space, but the multiple cameras connected to the Park Assist system greatly simplify the task.

The 20-inch wheels manage to preserve the vertebrae of the whole family. Without showing a softness comparable to that of a limousine, the filtration capacity of the low-speed damping appears more convincing than that of the new Kia EV6. As always, the silence and the softness of the electric propulsion make urban evolutions particularly pleasant. On the other hand, the decelerations due to a fairly marked regeneration whatever the mode chosen certainly allow the brakes to be dispensed with very often, but require a little getting used to. Unlike the majority of its rivals, the Tesla does not offer a real freewheel function, and the settings of this famous engine brake are only available when stationary.

Once integrated, the astonishing ease of driving of the car becomes just as obvious when leaving the built-up areas. The Model Y can even get recreational when the road turns. Its agility in relation to its size, its ability to contain its cash movements and its successful steering in its intermediate mode remind us that it is possible to have fun aboard a family SUV. The cumulative power of 351 hp from the two electric motors (an unofficial figure) provides lightning acceleration without delay to overtake or get out of tight corners with panache. The incredible traction provided by the torque transmitted to the four wheels plays a large part in this dynamism.

Motorway journeys make it possible to test driving aids. Particularly easy to use, the Autopilot adapts its speed and follows the trajectory in the queue with fluidity. However, as always, it forces you to keep your hands on the wheel. The system is deactivated by a movement on the steering or on the brake pedal. When the driver decides to take back control, the gear capacities are still impressive, but in this case the battery drains quickly. The consumption value of 22 kWh / 100 km taken over a day of driving combining all types of route without depriving oneself finally appears quite reasonable.

On board

Once the erectile handles open, the interior of this Tesla Model Y is furiously reminiscent of that of the Model 3, a little larger and… higher! The refined atmosphere and that some will consider austere stands out as much from the competition as this famous 15-inch central touch screen. Combining all the entertainment controls as well as vehicle settings such as air conditioning, it is still as easy to use as ever. Its intuitive and fast interface, despite the absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connections, prevents the driver from taking their eyes off the road. Added to this are a multitude of practical aspects such as these easily accessible smartphone charging stations or the two large storage compartments under the central console.

The Model Y sets itself apart from the sedan by its rear seating capacities. The bench remains a little firm and still lacks seat depth, but the leg length is much more generous than in the sedan. If the flat floor leaves room for the feet of the middle passenger, the central seat still lacks comfort. USB C ports are available on the back.

Compared to the Model 3, the Model Y’s hatch opening makes it easier to load bulky items. The absence of luggage cover allows Tesla to announce an optimistic capacity of 854 l under the roof, but there is still a lot of volume under the backrests of the rear seats. In addition, two compartments housed under the floor can accommodate a few small items in addition to the charging cables. The backs of the rear seats fold down and free up a very large, flat cargo space to play the movers when needed. An additional trunk in the front accommodates up to 117 liters of luggage.

Competetion

The Tesla Model Y finds growing competition from electric family SUVs. The offer of the two Korean manufacturers includes the cousins ​​Kia EV6 and Hyundai Ioniq 5. A little less expensive in its 4WD version (from 51,990 to 59,790 €), the first delivers comparable performance and autonomy, but it shows itself less roomy and not as fun to drive. Sold at the same price as the Model Y, the high-end version of the second (73 kWh HTRAC Executive) can count on an original interior. On the other hand, it is more used on the road and limits its field of action to 460 km.

The Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD highlights its large 99 kWh battery to travel up to 540 km without recharging. It is nevertheless a little more expensive (from € 65,500) and slightly less efficient (0 to 100 km / h in 5.8 s). Finally, the battle will take place with Audi, which has just launched its more expensive Q4 (€ 65,400) in a 50 quattro S line version with a more compact template.

Find the balance sheet, equipment and technical sheet on the next page …