Tesla Model Y price, specs and rumours: Everything you need to know on Tesla’s SUV

Last updated on April 22nd, 2020 at 11:33 am

The Tesla Model Y is a Model 3-based crossover SUV that's tipped to arrive late 2020. The seven-seater has come in the limelight after Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, went to Twitter to say the vehicle is “ahead of schedule” on the day his company's Q3 2019 financial results were released.

Undoubtedly, many are excited to see another Tesla vehicle hit the road. In this article, we'll go through all of the recent developments and summarise everything you need to know about the Tesla Model Y.

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Tesla Model Y: Specs

The crossover SUV will be initially available in three configurations: Performance, Long Range AWD and Long Range RWD – a fourth named Standard Range is expected at a later date, too.

All four vehicles seat up to seven passengers, have a 15″ centre touchscreen display and have a max cargo volume of 66 cu ft (1,869 litres). They'll also support the company's Autopilot system and will have access to the Supercharger network where it's deemed to have the latest generation battery pack that will support Supercharge 3, which operates at 250kW. A huge boost in charging speed over the current Supercharger 2 network which is capped at around 145kW.

Elsewhere, the vehicles differ:

• The Performance model accelerates in 3.5s to achieve a speed of 60mph, has a top speed of 150mph and is an all-wheel-drive (AWD). It has an estimated WLTP range of 298 miles.
• The Long Range AWD has the same dual-motor AWD configuration as the Performance model, but sacrifices top speed (135mph) and acceleration (4.8s 0-60mph) for a slightly longer driving range – estimated at 314 miles.
• The Long Range RWD takes it a step further by achieving 336 miles on a single charge. However, it's slower: top speed is capped at 130mph and 0-60mph takes 5.5s.
• As for the late arrival of the Standard Range model, this SUV will have a much shorter range of 230 miles and will be the slowest of the bunch: 0-60mph in 5.9s and a top speed of 120mph.

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Tesla Model Y: Design

The Model Y is smaller than a Model X but larger than a Model 3 – it sits in-between these two models and is an attempt to create a larger, more accessible vehicle to the masses who can't afford the mighty Model X. Across the globe, sales for the Model 3 have been sky-rocketing, while the Model X has not seen the same amount of interest. We believe it's due to the vehicle's price, and here, the Model Y might be the vehicle that appeals to families who want an affordable vehicle.

Applying a similar design to its siblings, there are many aspects of the car that resemble the Model X and Model 3; in fact, the Model Y shares a lot of its parts from the Model 3. Starting from the front of the vehicle, the Model Y looks near-identical: angel headlights, a small front grille that lies underneath an array of sensors and a small boot compartment that can be used for storage. The Model Y's wheels also resemble the Model 3; there are three sizes: 18″, 19″, and on the Performance model, 20″ wheels.

Around the back, however, the car resembles the larger Model X, where the taillights wrap around the car, a built-in spoiler gives it a sporty look and a plastic bumper sits at the bottom of the vehicle.

As for colours, it's expected to come in black, blue, red and white.

Inside, it's much of the same to that of the Model 3 – a rectangular-shaped 15″ touchscreen display sits atop of the centre console, dual cup holders reside below and a centre armrest doubles up as a storage container.

Tesla Model Y: Pricing and availability

In the US, the three models were initially scheduled for Fall 2020 but it would seem we might get our hands on the Model Y as early as Summer 2020.

Prices start from $48,000 for the Long Range, $52,000 for the Dual Motor AWD and top out at $61,000 for the Performance model. In the UK, we're likely going to have to wait a little while longer. Prices are likely to be around £48,000, £52,000 and £61,000, respectively. As a reminder, the Model X starts from £82,700, while the Model 3 is far more affordable at £38,500.

As such, Tesla will be releasing the Standard Range model to its US-based customers in Spring 2021 at $39,000 – that's far more appealing and is likely to be one of Tesla's best sellers. Again, UK customers will have to wait longer and pay a dollar-to-pound conversion.

Read next: Model Y vs Model 3: Which Tesla should you buy?

Tesla Model Y: Announcement, leaks and spy shots

The Model Y was unveiled on 16 March 2019, you can watch the full launch on Tesla's YouTube channel.

Since, there have been numerous sightings, which we'll share in chronological order – from the newest to the oldest – below: