Tesla Model Y Review

Performance 

One feature which tends to persuade petrol cars owners to swap into an electric car is an EV’s acceleration, and Tesla has long impressed in this area. As the Model Y uses a vast number of the Model 3’s components, the Performance model delivers neck-snapping punch and get to 62mph in an astonishing 3.5 seconds – a mad figure for a small SUV - and goes on to a top speed of 155mph. Even the supposedly sensible Model Y - the single motor Rear Wheel Drive Long Range - gets to 62mph in 5.7 seconds, which is on par with rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-E. 

Drive

With its higher driving position, you’d expect the Model Y to feel a little different to a Model 3 and it does. You can feel the higher centre of gravity – but there is none of the floppy body control you get in the Model X – and its extra 150kgs occasionally, but there’s very little differences other than that. It’s grippy and secure on the road, essentially. 

The Model Y is much more engaging to drive than the Volkswagen ID.4 and Nissan Ariya, although a Kia EV6 is actually a bit more fun and involving than the higher-set Model Y. The Tesla's steering is light and quick to react, but the ride is definitely on the firm side, especially when 20- and 21-inch wheels are fitted, and far stiffer than the Skoda Enyaq for example. Some may find it simply too uncomfortable, but stick with smaller wheels and we found it to be okay to live with - and Tesla is said to have improved the ride comfort over recent months and years, too, so we'll report back when we've had a go ourselves. 

Both the Long Range and Performance are four-wheel drive thanks to their twin electric motors, and Tesla has even fitted the Y with an off-road mode to make life driving on rough terrain a little easier. Take this with a pinch of salt, though – it’s not a Land Rover Discovery. We haven't driven the single motor Rear Wheel Drive yet, but the lower cost and long range of 379 miles means that this is probably the one to go for.