You won’t be seeing this car much before the month of May this year and don’t be surprised if it looks very much like the original Model Y either. That said, this is a very much changed electric vehicle (EV) with more range and technology that should, like the best-selling first Model Y, keep the Tesla name at the forefront of EV evolution.
From the front bumper to the rear tail-lights, the exterior is completely redesigned specifically to deliver maximum efficiency to squeeze the most range out of every charge. With updated suspension, wheels and tyres, the ride promises to be smoother and quieter than ever before.
Futuristic Looks
This new model looks suitably space-age thanks to a lower front bumper split by a light bar which stretches the full width of the car. Revised front air ducts channel air around the car to aid aerodynamics as do the new alloy wheels. Meanwhile, at the back, there’s a second cross-car light bar enhancing the redesigned tailgate, spoiler and rear bumper again there to enhance efficiency and increase stability at higher speeds. This is, after all, a quick car with the 0-62mph sprint taking just 4.3 seconds. The Tesla designers have also made the EV’s body stiffer, and fitted improved suspension for a better balance of ride comfort and brisk handling. Doors and boots (trunks) unlock when you approach.
Safety is not forgotten either on this upgrade. Active safety features help reduce impact severity or help prevent accidents altogether. ‘Forward Collision Warning’, ‘Active Emergency Braking’ and ‘Lane Departure Avoidance’ come as standard. the stiffened body structure better absorbs crash energy, while airbags help protect occupants.
There’s Only One
When this prestige EV comes on stream only one version will be available, fitted with twin motors fore and aft. This makes sense for most potential customers because a ‘Long Range’ all-wheel-drive (AWD) model is always going to appeal. Range is said to be up to 353 miles, with the usual caveats, applying an increase of twenty-two miles over the current AWD model in testing. As with the existing Model Y, a maximum charging speed of 250kW means that topping up the vehicle’s battery should be reasonably fast; especially when charging at a dedicated Tesla station.
The Interior
EV’s aren’t noisy anyway but this latest version should be nice and quiet thanks to more acoustic glass, extra sound dampening materials and premium materials throughout. Additionally, the latest window glass does a great job of reflecting the sun’s heat, helping passengers stay cool when and if the sun breaks through.
Inside the ultra-modern minimalist interior new front seats are ventilated as well as heated while the centre console offers extra storage space. Data and over-the-air updates download fast thanks to enhanced connectivity and signal range while Bluetooth capability keeps passengers entertained.
As with every Tesla, that minimalism is built around a large 15.4 inch infotainment touchscreen. Almost everything you need is there. The screen is touch responsive and for the most part easy to use, although some lesser functions are still tucked away in menus. Everything is controlled from here right down to games and videos. Rear seat passengers also get a smaller screen 8.0 inch screen with many of the same features as well as climate controls. The famous Tesla self-driving technology has been further improved adding a new front-facing camera helping the on-board systems to better recognise what’s happening in front of the car. Illuminated warning lights and on-screen visualisations help you safely check your surroundings.
Interior and luggage space remains the same as before as do the front and rear boots. Powered reclining second-row seats fold flat to expand your rear boot space to a total of 2,130 litres of storage. It really is a family sized car. Curiously, although there’s a seven-seat version of the current Model Y, there is no sign that the new model will get the same; watch this space though: You never really know what Tesla are going to do next.
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