We would immediately learn like an old acquaintance this Tesla Model Y, so much it looks like two drops of water like the Model 3 sedan with which he shares his technique. A drop of water that has taken on volume. Six centimeters in length, seven in width and above all 18 cm in height including 2.7 cm of ground clearance (16.7 cm), to make it an SUV only available in four-wheel drive, with an electric motor per axle.
A 4 × 4 that does not look like it but which splits it rather efficiently since its aerodynamics does not really suffer from its growth, with a very good Cx of 0.23, allowing its builder to announce 507 km of autonomy. It’s still 107 km less than the Model 3. On our 231 km city-road course, combining all types of rhythms, from the calmest to the most lively, the computer displayed a consumption of 20.3 kWh / 100 km. Over 100 km at a classic pace, it went down to an economical value of 17.8 kWh / 100 km. Although Tesla does not communicate the capacity of its battery, figures around 75 kWh come back regularly from several sources, which makes it possible to estimate a real range of around 400 km without driving effort. And necessarily less on the highway.
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If the body of the Model Y follows a few aeronautical principles, its interior is inspired by the rail sector. the trunk is a real station hall, by making available 971 liters of volume divided between the 854 l. on the back of the bench and the 117 l. front tray, located under the hood. It’s better than the very generous Model 3 and its 649 l. in total. But that’s not all. By lowering the rear seats (in three parts instead of two), the space freed up to 2,041 liters. and unlike the sedan, the opening takes advantage of a tailgate, facilitating loading.
Second row passengers gain a bit of headroom above their heads as well as for their legs. They will have the leisure to be able to tilt their backrest when that of the center will still benefit from a flat floor but also a little less comfortable place. On American versions, there is an optional third row, adding two foldaway seats billed at $ 3,000. There is little to hope that the 7,000 € difference between the Model Y and the Model 3 will offer this side of the Atlantic this potential “Eco class” without supplement. A significant difference for this SUV which, apart from the trunk and the bench, hardly changes anything.
Everything in the same place and even a little too much
What does not change a bit is the almost complete absence of buttons on a dashboard of the most refined. The 15 ″ touch pad which has largely contributed to the reputation of the brand, is still used to control functions as varied as navigation, air conditioning, parameters of driving aids or headlights. When stationary, everything is very simple. While driving… less. Groping through menus to speed up the pace of the wiper blades in driving rain or activate the fog lights without seeing more than 50 meters away would have deserved small actuators in addition.
What if this screen freezes and becomes unresponsive? This is what happened to us before it reset a few minutes later. Pressing the two buttons on the steering wheel for several seconds can be used to restart it without waiting. You still have to be stopped. A rare technical concern but not isolated. We won’t go so far as to throw stones at him. Firstly because that would not solve the problem, but above all because while taking care of everything on board, this panel is very responsive and very fluid.
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An omnipresent travel companion in a bright space, thanks to the huge glass roof the separation of which from the rear window is set back compared to that of the Model 3, thus limiting the rearview. The cameras help, in contrast to the turning circle of 12.1 m. complicating some U-turns. The steering can be adjusted on three levels in order to force less, but remains consistent and very direct with two lock-to-lock turns. The strength of the energy recovery cannot be adjusted and just becomes more progressive in “Comfort” mode, while doubling the acceleration values. In “Standard” mode, the departures are cannon, the recoveries even more. Tesla does not communicate the power either, but the engines are those of the “3”, with 441 hp accumulated for the latter. And all this in great silence.
The cash movements are not non-existent but well contained, at the cost of a firmness relatively far removed from the family spirit. The seats partially compensate but do not maintain enough. At least the heading is excellent. Well supported by Michelin tires discreetly hinting at the interior of all the efforts they make to contain the two tons when the pace in the curve accelerates.
To go further, it will be necessary to keep some under the foot and take advantage of the large network of Superchargers delivering up to 250 kW to regain 60% of the battery in about 15 min. The competition will soon have access to it, like the Mustang Mach-E and its even larger screen (15.5 ″) or the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Skoda Enyaq iV, taking more care of their comfort. Equally endowed, these rivals are worth about the same price. Unlike them, the Tesla Model Y does not offer as many version choices and starts at € 59,990. Avoid changing colors or switching to 20 ″ rims if you want to take advantage of the € 2,000 bonus, available to vehicles under € 60,000.
Opinion
WE love :
- Habitability / chests
- Performance / behavior
- Consumption
- Screen responsiveness
We like less:
- Price difference with Model 3
- Ergonomics
- Turning diameter
- Suspension firmness
Our opinion
Unsurprisingly, we find the whole universe (and design) of the Model 3, with a consequent surplus of trunk space. Too bad the “Y” makes it pay so much. Fortunately, it retains its excellent overall performance.
Price
Tesla Model Y Grande autonomie
Tested version: € 59,990
From 59,990 €
Average manufacturer consumption /
during the test (kWh / 100 km): 16.9 / 20.3
CO2 (g)/ bonus : 0/2 000 €
11 HP fiscal power
Country of Manufacture China
Electric, from 441 hp to 513 hp, from € 59,990 to € 66,990
Performance version available early 2022
Technical sheet
Motor: 276 hp permanent magnet synchronous electric rear + 165 hp asynchronous electric front
Transmission: four-wheel drive, 1 report
Batterie : Lithium-ion 360 V
Cumulative power (hp): 441
Cumulative torque (Nm): 493
Mixed manufacturer autonomy (km): 507
Weight (kg): 2 003
Long.xlarg.xhaut. (m) : 4,75×1,92×1,62
Wheelbase (m): 2.89
Max speed (km / h): 217
0 to 100 km/h (s): 5.0
Charging time Fast 250 kW terminal: 270 km in 15 minutes,
Wallbox 11 kW: 70 km / hour or about 7:15 a.m. from 0 to 100%,
220 V domestic socket: 15 min / hour or approximately 34 hours from 0 to 100%
Standard tires: 255/45 R 19
Test tires: 255/40 R 20
Michelin Pilot Sport EV
Interior
Elbow width AV / AR (cm) 143/137
Rear legroom (cm) 103
Rear trunk to 5 / to 2 (l) 854/041
Front trunk (l) 117
Competitors
Ford Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD
269 ch, from 56,500 €
Hyundai Ioniq 5 HTRAC Executive
306 hp, from € 59,900
Skoda Enyaq iV 80X
265 hp, from 51,130 €
To read on auto-moto.com:
Tesla Model S Plaid: watch the record lap at the Nürburgring
Used Tesla Model S: our opinion, from 36,000 Euros
Tesla Model Y: discover the interior and info on video
Tesla Model S Plaid: it is already tearing the floor at Pikes Peak – VIDEO
