Tesla has officially expanded its Model Y line-up in the United Kingdom, following the recent launch of its limited-edition Launch Series in Europe. The refreshed range introduces multiple configurations, each benefiting from significant engineering updates aimed at enhancing efficiency, comfort, and driving dynamics. With prices starting at £44,990, the new Model Y offers an array of choices for prospective buyers, all featuring a redesigned interior and exterior alongside upgraded technology and safety features.
Expanded Model Y Line-Up and Pricing
The new Model Y range for the UK includes four distinct variants:
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Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive – Starting at £44,990, this entry-level variant offers up to 311 miles of WLTP range, with energy consumption rated at 22.36 kWh per 100 miles. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds.
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Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive – Priced from £48,990, it delivers an extended range of up to 387 miles on a single charge, with 22.89 kWh/100 miles consumption and a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds.
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Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive – This variant, starting at £51,990, provides up to 364 miles of range, with an energy consumption of 23.82 kWh/100 miles and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.6 seconds.
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Model Y Launch Series – Originally introduced as a limited-edition model, this premium version remains available from £60,990. It offers a range of up to 353 miles, consumption of 23.82 kWh/100 miles, and a brisk 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds.
Interior Upgrades and New Features
The refreshed Model Y includes several enhancements designed to improve both driver and passenger comfort. All variants now come standard with cross-car front and rear lightbars, acoustic glass, an 8-inch rear touchscreen, hands-free boot opening, and customisable ambient lighting. A new front-facing camera has also been integrated to further improve safety and visibility.
The front seats have been redesigned for greater comfort, now featuring ventilation alongside heating. The second-row seats have also been upgraded, offering longer cushions, deeper bolsters, powered recline, and fold-flat functionality for added convenience. Both rows benefit from integrated climate controls for seamless temperature management.
Efficiency and Driving Dynamics
Tesla claims the new Model Y remains the most efficient SUV in its class, thanks to comprehensive reengineering of its energy-consuming subsystems. The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive model, for example, achieves an impressive consumption rate of just 22.36 kWh per 100 miles—lower than many smaller city cars—while providing the space and practicality of a full-size SUV.
The Model Y's chassis has undergone significant refinement, including a stiffer body structure, redesigned suspension geometry, and upgraded dampers inspired by the Model 3's latest improvements. The front suspension now features revised geometry and steering gear, resulting in a slightly slower steering ratio aimed at enhancing predictability, consistency, and motorway stability. At the rear, suspension updates focus on reducing impact harshness and improving ride quality over uneven surfaces.
New frequency-dependent dampers further enhance comfort by isolating high-frequency disturbances, while optimised suspension kinematics contribute to a smoother overall driving experience.
Quieter Cabin and Improved Climate Control
Tesla has prioritised cabin refinement in the new Model Y, incorporating acoustic glass across all surfaces alongside advanced sound-dampening materials. As a result, the company reports a 22% reduction in road noise, a 20% decrease in impact noise, and a 20% drop in wind noise compared to previous models.
The roof now features low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which Tesla claims reflects seven times more solar energy, reducing heat transfer into the cabin. This enhancement works alongside the advanced heat pump and best-in-class HEPA filtration system to maintain a comfortable cabin environment with minimal energy consumption.
European Production and Enhanced Craftsmanship
All new Model Y vehicles destined for the European market are manufactured at Tesla's Berlin-Brandenburg Gigafactory in Germany. The company states that new manufacturing processes have led to an elevated level of craftsmanship, with tighter fitment, higher-quality materials, and improved sound insulation throughout the cabin.
Tesla's redesigned body castings reduce the number of parts from 70 to just one, further enhancing the vehicle's structural integrity and comfort. The interior now features soft-touch materials from the headliner to the floor, with newly developed textiles that provide a more refined feel.
New Paint Options and Availability
The refreshed Model Y is now available to order in the UK, with two new paint options joining the line-up:
- Ultra Red: A high-chroma, multi-coat finish designed to create dynamic depth and vibrancy.
- Stealth Grey: A rich, dark grey metallic colour that accentuates the Model Y's updated body lines.
Prospective buyers can view the new Model Y at Tesla centres in London and Manchester, while legacy Model Y vehicles remain available in the UK from £45,630.
Conclusion
The new Model Y range represents a significant evolution of Tesla's best-selling SUV, combining improved efficiency, greater comfort, and enhanced technology without increasing costs. With its extended range, quieter cabin, and refined interior, the refreshed Model Y looks set to maintain its strong position in the UK electric vehicle market. Will it compare favourably to previous models? We've carefully examined all of the images and can confirm that the car appears balanced, with no obvious tendency to lean to the right.
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