The first copies of the Model Y arrive in August 2021 in Tesla dealerships. The opportunity to get a close look at this 100% electric family SUV with a range of over 500 km and closely related to the Model 3 sedan, the best-selling electric car in France.
Originally announced for early 2021, the Model Y, Tesla’s family SUV finally arrives in European dealerships for the month of August of that same year. A delay which could however have been more substantial if the American manufacturer had not made the decision to bring the first copies from China. A necessary decision since the Berlin gigafactory is still not operational. Thus, pre-reservations will be honored before the end of the month, as for the orders currently taken, they will be delivered during the month of September. This arrival at the dealership of the model is an opportunity for L’argus to approach the car and get on board.
Generous dimensions
Let’s start with the dimensions of the car: the Model Y (to pronounce in English, “why”, for reasons of homogenization on the various world markets) measures 4.75 m in length (6 cm more than the Model 3), 1.92 m wide (7 cm more than the sedan), and 1.62 m high (18 cm more). On the other hand, the wheelbase is almost identical at 2.89 m (1 cm more). This augurs well for good roominess, as in the family sedan, we will come back to this later. In addition, the Model Y belongs to the SUV segment and it thus displays a ground clearance greater than that of the sedan, 16.7 cm, against 14 cm for the Model 3.
Model Y: a very Tesla style
On the design side, little surprise, the Model Y takes the style of previous Tesla offers with a completely closed grille, a fluid line that does not seem to be interrupted. This effect is further enhanced by the panoramic glass roof (standard) in one piece. From the side, it looks like Tesla’s designers took a Model 3 and stretched it up. A recipe already used for the imposing Model X. The family SUV has, like the other models in the American range, frameless doors.
As for the stern, if it adopts certain codes of the Model 3, in particular in the light signature, it is differentiated by the adoption of an electric tailgate opening onto a vast trunk with simply gigantic volume: 854 l. A capacity which also takes into account the absence of a rear shelf (the ultra-tinted window makes it possible to hide the luggage from the eyes of passers-by), as well as storage under the floor. An additional trunk, placed under the front hood, has a volume of 117 l.
Driving position worthy of an SUV
And if that is not enough, there is still plenty of storage on board, at the level of the central console as well as in the door bins, all with felt. A detail that shows the desire of the Californian firm to go upmarket. The general quality on board is of good quality and shows that the production from China has nothing to envy that of the United States. Regarding the presentation, Model 3 regulars will find their mark aboard this new SUV: the layout is, in fact, similar to that of the family sedan.
The driver is faced with a steering wheel and its two commodos (the one on the right being devoted to the box). To access the windshield wiper controls, in particular, you will have to use the 15 ” touchscreen placed in the center of the dashboard. Note that the seats are also similar to those of the Model 3, but they are slightly raised, thus offering a higher driving position.
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Space at the back for all sizes
In the rear seats, the space is, as expected, royal. Passengers have great ease in their legs. The footwells are perfectly accommodating, in particular thanks to the heightening of the front seats. As for the roof guard, it allows large sizes not to be hampered. Only the seats lack length and support under the thighs. Note that the European Model Y is initially only available in 5 seats. Tesla has not yet communicated the date of the arrival of the 7-seater version. The rear seat has modularity according to the 40/20/40 ratio. The backrests can also be easily folded from the boot to release a volume of 2,041 liters.
An architecture with two electric motors
For the mechanical part, the Model Y is necessarily equipped with two electric motors (one on each axle). Tesla remains discreet about the power of these machines, as well as the capacity of its batteries. However, the two versions available in the catalog show good performance and very suitable autonomy to consider long distance journeys. The entry-level version, Grande Autonomie, has a range of 507 km (with 19 ” rims supplied as standard). His price of € 59,990 allows him to benefit from the bonus of € 2,000. (it will increase to € 1,000 from 2022). A help that the Performance version displayed at 66,990 € cannot have. Its credo is not to go far (even if Tesla estimates its range to be 480 km), but to go fast: it goes from 0 to 100 km / h in 3.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 241 km / h. Only the Large Autonomy version is currently available to order. The Performance offer will arrive thereafter.
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A complete endowment as standard
In terms of equipment, the new Tesla SUV has a very complete range:
- Rimare 19 ”
- Heated front and rear seats
- Electric front seats adjustable in 12 positions
- 40/20/40 split bench
- Premium audio system – 14 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amplifiers and immersive sound
- 15 ” touch screen
- Premium connection (1 year included): satellite maps with real-time traffic visualization, multimedia library accessible by streaming (audio + video), Internet browser
- LED fog lights
- Center console with storage space, 4 USB ports and docking stations for 2 smartphones
- Tinted panoramic glass roof with infrared and ultraviolet protection
- Heated mirrors, electrically folding and dimming
- Music and media accessible via Bluetooth
- Personalized driver profiles
- Hands-free access and start, with mobile application
- Voice command
- Reversing camera
- Front and side collision warning
- Automatic emergency braking
- Autopilot: level 2 semi-autonomous driving (dynamic cruise control + heading maintenance assistance)
The Performance version adds, in addition, the 21 ” rims, the carbon fiber rear spoiler, as well as the Performance pack including specific brakes, the lowered suspension and the aluminum crankset.
A scalable Autopilot
Few options are available in the catalog, but it is possible to enhance the Autopilot with the improved version (€ 3,800) offering automatic lane change, automatic parking (entry and exit). For the latter, the intelligent automatic exit system allows the car to pick up its driver: this still requires certain improvements to be validated for Europe. Navigation can also manage motorway exits. At the higher level, Tesla offers the Autonomous Driving Capability Pack (€ 7,500). It includes all of the elements mentioned above, as well as recognition and especially reaction to traffic lights and stop signs. The updates proposed by the manufacturer subsequently will then be taken into account. Note that these two options are available in the United States as a monthly subscription and without commitment: $ 99 for the first and $ 199 for the second. A formula also planned in Europe in the coming months.
Versions made in Europe expected for 2022
From 2022, Model Ys marketed in Europe will be produced in Tesla’s gigafactory based near Berlin (Germany).
As mentioned above, the first models of Model Y available will come from China. From the beginning of 2022, mass production will have started in the Berlin gigafactory. In addition, it is in this German factory that Tesla plans to develop the molding of the chassis in a single piece thus becoming the container for the battery cells. The Model Y will be the first to have it. While waiting for this development, the family SUV will be tested during the month of September.
