Tesla Model Y Review (2022) | Motoring and car news

The Tesla, let’t take a closer look at what is likely to become Tesla’s biggest seller. Is the Model Y worth the wait?

The Tesla Model Y line-up at a glance

When the Model Y was originally announced, Elon Musk said there would be cheaper, rear-wheel-drive, entry-level versions, but those are unlikely to see the light of day. Instead, you can choose between the fast, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Tesla Model Y Long Range, or the even faster dual-motor Performance.

There are no trim levels. The Model Y just comes with lots of equipment as standard.

Engines	Power	From
Long Range	434bhp	£54,990
Performance	483bhp	£64,990

Tesla Model Y FAQs

What are the main rivals to the Tesla Model Y?

The Tesla Model Y has entered into an increasingly crowded corner of the market – the mid-size EV SUV class. In terms of size and practicality, the Model Y goes toe-to-toe with machines such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Audi Q4 E-tron and even Skoda Enyaq iV. Yet when it comes to performance, pricing and driving dynamics it’s closer to entry-level versions of the Jaguar i-Pace. None of its rivals, however, have access to Tesla’s excellent Supercharger network.

How much power does the Tesla Model Y have?

The short answer is, quite a lot. There’s a choice of two power outputs with the Tesla Model Y, and even the entry-level Long Range AWD packs a hefty 434bhp from its twin motor set-up, which is good for a claimed 0-60mph time of 5.0 seconds. Move up to the Performance and this benchmark figure tumbles to a supercar-humbling 3.7 seconds thanks to its muscular 483bhp output.

What choices of gearbox are there for a Tesla Model Y?

Like most electric cars, the Tesla Model Y is only available with a single speed transmission. Thanks to the instant torque and high-revving nature of an electric motor there’s no need for multiple ratios, as in an ICE car. However, the gearing used for the front and rear motors is slightly different, with one having a shorter ratio for acceleration and the other slightly longer for more efficient high speed cruising.

Where is the Tesla Model Y built?

The Tesla Model Y is built in four factories around the world. Currently, the main facilities for production are in the US, with the brand’s original plant in California and newer Gigafactory in Texas. These have been joined by Gigafactories in China (Giga Shanghai) and the recently opened site in Germany (Giga Berlin). Each factory is currently geared up to build 250,000 Model Ys a year, but this number can be increased.