Drive with us: Tesla Model Y Long Range Review (2022)

Can Tesla’s answer to the mid-size SUV become the class leader?

Sitting in between the Model 3 and Model X, the Tesla Model Y completes their desirable line-up, offering drivers the perfect middle ground with this spacious SUV.

Having finally arrived in the UK towards the end of 2021, the Model Y is being tipped to become Tesla’s most popular model on these shores. 

Competing with the Mercedes-Benz EQA, BMW iX3, Ford Mustang Mach-e and the Audi Q4 e-tron among others, it aims to add greater versatility and practicality to the already-impressive Tesla range. 

What did we drive?

Model: Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive

Transmission: Automatic

Power: Electric

Colour: Solid Black

Wheels: 19’’ Gemini Wheels

OTR: £54,990 

Price of model driven: £56,090

*Prices correct at the time of review

Price

At the time of writing, prices for the Model Y start from £44,990* for the RWD model. This rises to £52,990 for the Long Range variant and £59,990 for the Performance option. 

Should you prefer to pay for your new car, a Tesla Model Y lease with Carparison offers fixed monthly payments and flexible terms that can be tailored to suit your exact needs.

Compared to rivals, the Tesla Model Y offers fantastic value in the electric family SUV sector, or even as a business car lease. The Mercedes-Benz EQA starts at £55,010 and rises to at least £60,510 for the range-topping 350 4MATIC AMG Line Premium Plus trim. 

Mercedes' most powerful EQA, the 350 4MATIC is available at a similar price (£56,010), but is unable to rival the Model Y for range at just 261 miles - highlighting the value of the Long Range edition provides.

*Prices correct at the time of writing, subject to change

Power Units

There are now three variations of the Model Y to choose from; the Rear-Wheel Drive, Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range and the Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Performance. 

We were testing the Long Range edition on this occasion. This variant, and also the Performance, has a usable battery capacity of 75 kWh. 

The Long Range, as the name suggests, prioritises distance over power, with a claimed range of 331 miles, a top speed of 135mph and 0-60mph times of 4.8 seconds.

The Performance option packs an extra punch, with top speeds of 155mph and 3.5 second 0-60mph times. The increase in power means you lose some range, with the Performance only offering a claimed range of 319 miles. 

Performance variants come with 450hp, a noticeable jump up from the already impressive 384hp available in the Long Range. 

If you do choose to lease the RWD model, it comes with a claimed range of up to 283 miles, top speeds of 135mph and 0-60mph times of 6.6 seconds. 

The added mileage available in the Long Range edition makes it the pick of the bunch, for me. The power is already so impressive in the Long Range that you may not need to make that upgrade to the Performance, especially at the cost of sacrificing on range. 

Electric Range & Charging

Tesla claim that the Long Range edition of the Model Y comes with a range of 331 miles, which is a commendable effort.

It’s not quite class-leading, rivals like the Ford Mustang Mach-e offer a claimed range of 372 miles. However, it does surpass the German alternatives available from Audi and Mercedes.

And it must be said, Tesla’s real-world range is one of the more accurate readings we’ve experienced. After a full charge, our vehicle displayed a range of 323 miles. It’s a theme we’ve witnessed in previous Tesla reviews, where their real-world range isn’t going to leave you feeling short-changed. 

One of the biggest appeals to leasing a Tesla Model Y is having access to the Supercharger Network. According to Tesla, the Model Y will recoup up to 162 miles in just 15 minutes once plugged in at your local Supercharger station.

This is comparable to rivals like the Mustang Mach-e, which can recoup 73 miles in just 10 minutes when connected to a DC 150 kW high-speed public charger.

Take into account the impressive charging times, efficient range and 2% Benefit in Kind tax rates, the Model Y is a compelling and cost-effective choice for a Tesla business lease.

Drive

Tesla’s all-wheel-drive system steals the show once you get moving in the Model Y.

The instant torque makes for acceleration speeds that mean business, but at no point does the car ever feel out of control or squirrely.

It stays flat to the ground. The steering is as agile as it is in the Model 3, where the smallest inputs can leave you with a car that feels very dynamic to drive. 

However, the comparisons to the Model 3 stop at the driving. The additional weight and bigger tyres result in a drive that is far less forgiving than the former. It ranks very well for this class, but is no doubt firmer than the Model 3. 

It doesn’t feel big or imposing to drive. The large front windscreen gives you almost unrivalled visibility of the road ahead, while the raised profile creates a desirable SUV driving position.

Unfortunately, rear visibility is not as impressive. Because of the sloping roofline, the rear curves down at an incredibly sharp trajectory, leaving you with a much smaller rear windscreen. 

Design & Interior

There’s no getting away from the fact that the Model Y looks like a more enhanced Model 3. It shares many of the same styling cues that made the former so popular.

What separates the Model Y is a more commanding presence. It’s bigger, bulkier and offers far more versatility as a result of the additional space.

It blends in effortlessly with the wider Tesla line-up, the stylistic consistencies that enhance the feeling that you're driving something special. 

The same goes for the interior design. If you’ve ever spent any time inside a Model 3, you’ll feel right at home here in a nearly identical set-up. 

That’s no bad thing either. It’s refined, clean-cut and minimalist. With the All Black interior, our dash had a wood finish that ran across the vehicle. It looks smart and sophisticated, and the lack of clutter makes it a relaxing place to be, you’re focusing on nothing but the drive.

Space & Practicality

The Model 3 shouldn’t ever be considered a small vehicle, but my word will you feel the upgrade when you step foot inside the Model Y.

Once you’ve taken into account the healthy amount of underfloor storage options, there’s over 850 litres in the rear. 

Add in another 114 litres in the frunk, a handy place to stow those charging cables out of sight – and you have an incredibly practical and versatile vehicle on your hands. 

The hatchback opening at the rear of the vehicle is one of its most practical features, it provides a wide opening and it makes loading wider items incredibly easy.

Storage opportunities throughout the cabin are generous, with deep armrest compartments, a good-sized glove box, and spacious felt-lined door bins. 

Because of the selection of dark materials used throughout the cabin, the full glass roof plays a pivotal role in opening up the cabin and preventing it from being an overly gloomy space.

Technology

One of the biggest talking points of any Tesla is the infotainment system. 

This Model Y is the second Tesla we've reviewed at Carparison and the 15inch touchscreen was not as fiddly to use as I remember it being previously, and I think that’s important to note.

It's so different to any of its competitors or what we’re familiar with from some of the big German manufacturers, so take the time to learn how to set up your Tesla's key features and you'll reap the rewards. 

The depth of the system is astonishing, it will redefine what you think a car should be able to do.

When you consider the number of cameras dotted around the vehicle, the quality of the navigation system, games, in-depth electric performance analysis, and so much more, it’s one of the best value for money systems on the road. 

Added value comes from the fact it won’t date anywhere near as quickly as its rivals. Tesla’s over-the-air software updates mean this is a system that will continue to improve and develop throughout your Tesla lease.

You can watch almost any angle of the car through its array of cameras and for further peace of mind, activate Sentry Mode when you're out of the Model Y and it keeps a watchful eye on passing traffic. 

Safety

Tesla pride themselves on making some of the safest cars on the road. The Model Y has been built with a framework to provide maximum protection for its passengers.

During its Euro NCAP safety tests, just like the Model 3, the Y scored five stars out of five.

In the adult occupant category it scored an impressive 97% and in 87% for for child occupants. 

Model Lines & Equipment

When comparing the three variants, there is very little difference between the standard equipment available in the Rear-Wheel Drive and Long Range variants. The biggest differentiator is performance and range. 

Rear-Wheel Drive & Long Range - from £44,990 and £52,990 respectively 

• 19’’ Gemini Wheels
• Second row with adjustable seatbacks
• All Black interior
• Fold-flat second-row for maximum cargo storage
• Electronic fold-flat releases in boot

Performance – from £59,990

(In addition/replacement of the above)

• 21’’ Überturbine Wheels
• Performance Brakes
• Lowered suspension
• Aluminum alloy pedals

Verdict

The Model Y is the perfect middle ground in the Tesla lineup as a mid-size SUV. It also stands out as a compelling and enticing option for those looking for an electric SUV because of how effortlessly it combines spacious design with exciting and efficient electric performance.

The addition of the RWD drive option to the Model Y line up presents an affordable and enticing route into the world of Tesla, while the Long Range and Performance options deliver just as well with a cost-effective, well-rounded EV. 

Make no mistake about it, the Model 3 is an excellent family car, but if you want a very similar driving experience with much more space and versatility, the Model Y will be able to do everything you need and more from your next electric car lease.