Test driving the new Tesla Model Y

The Tesla Model Y has had a glow-up—but how does it actually drive?

It all started with a question:

“Would you want to go up to Bicester to test drive the new Tesla Model Y?”

Our answer? A resounding YES!

Carparison HQ is based down in Exeter, so this meant a 3-hour trek north in the KGM Musso (our trusty demo vehicle at the time) for a 9am start at Bicester Motion.

Coffee? Essential.

Snacks? Abundant.

Excitement? Through the roof.

We rocked up to an old, empty army hangar, where a line-up of Tesla’s awaited—cue dramatic music and, no joke, a light show/dance from the cars themselves.

After being whisked around in a Model 3 and Model S by a professional driver (a real-life Stig, if you will), it was time for the main event: getting behind the wheel of the new Tesla Model Y.

So, what’s new with the Tesla Model Y?

We’ve broken that down in another article, but this piece is all about how it drives on the road.

So, how does it drive?

Smooth. Like. Butter.

Thanks to Tesla’s updated suspension, revised wheels and tyres, and reengineered body castings (which now use just one part instead of 70), the ride is ridiculously smooth and whisper-quiet.

Bump in the road? What’s that?

We were in the Long Range AWD Launch version — capable of 0–60mph in just 4.6 seconds.

It pulls like a train (an electric one, obviously), and handles inclines and motorways like a dream.

Tesla claims up to 353 miles of WLTP Comb range, and it’s easy to believe. With updated aerodynamics and smarter thermal management, it’s built for distance.

And when you do need to stop, you can add up to 166 miles of charge in just 15 minutes using Tesla’s Supercharger network.

Range anxiety? What’s that?

Cabin fever (in the best way possible)

The Model Y’s interior is a minimalist masterpiece — Tesla’s signature look, but upgraded.

Close the door and you’re cocooned in silence thanks to acoustic glass and new seals. Then, queue up your favourite tunes and you’ve basically got a sound studio on wheels.

With the ultra-responsive 15.4-inch touchscreen up front and a second 8-inch screen in the rear, your passengers can join in the fun, too.

Features include:

• Heated and ventilated seats with power recline
• Front and rear touchscreens for climate and media
• Enhanced connectivity for quicker data and clearer calls
• No transmission stick, simply select drive on the infotainment system and go

Plus, over-the-air updates mean your car keeps getting better — even after you drive it off the lot.

Practical magic?

Family hauler? Weekend warrior? Grocery getter? The Model Y’s got your back.

The second-row seats fold flat at the touch of a button, expanding your boot space to a massive 2,130+ litres.

And with a hands-free tailgate that opens as you approach, it’s basically doing the heavy lifting for you.

With different modes, it even has your back:

• Camp Mode keeps the cabin warm and comfy overnight
• Dog Mode keeps them safe and chill while you pop into the shops
• Sentry Mode keeps an eye on everything while you're away

Safety first

As ever, Tesla has packed the Model Y with safety tech, including:

• Forward Collision Warning
• Automatic Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Avoidance
• Blind Spot Monitoring
• A body structure designed to absorb impact efficiently

Basically, it's a rolling fortress—with autopilot and Full Self-Driving capability once legislation has passed for those ready to step into the future (with both eyes on the road, of course).

Final thoughts

Tesla has taken the already-popular Model Y and ironed out the kinks.

The drive is smoother. The range is longer. The tech is smarter.

And the vibe? Very much 2025-ready.

Whether you're commuting, road-tripping, or just showing off in the car park, this is an EV that really does it all—with style.

FAQs on the new Tesla Model Y

How much will the new Tesla Model Y cost?

Ready to welcome a new Y into your life?

Tesla’s fresh-faced Model Y is now available to order in the UK, with OTR prices starting from £44,990 and climbing up to £60,990 — depending on how spicy you like your spec.

Choose from Rear-Wheel Drive (the sensible one), Long Range (the marathon runner), or Performance (the caffeine-fuelled rocket).

What is the range of the Model Y in the UK?

The range? Oh, it’s got legs. Depending on the variant you go for, you’ll get between 311 and 387 miles (WLTP).

That’s enough to handle your daily grind, weekend escapes, and even that spontaneous trip to the seaside without nervously eyeballing the battery icon.

Does the Tesla Model Y have 7 seats in the UK?

Not at the moment — just 5 seats for us Brits.

But Tesla has offered a 7-seater version elsewhere, so don’t count it out completely.

Keep your binoculars handy and an ear to the ground.

How long do Tesla batteries last?

Tesla claims their batteries can go the distance — 300,000 to 500,000 miles, or around 1,500 full charge cycles.

There’s also an 8-year or 150,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), with a guaranteed minimum of 70% battery capacity over that time.

Warranties vary depending on the model you choose, so be sure to double check for your specific model.

Which electric car has the longest range?

That crown currently belongs to the Mercedes-Benz EQS, offering a rather regal 481 miles (WLTP). It’s less “electric car” and more “luxury spaceship that forgot to stop”.

But look a little further afield (specifically across the Atlantic) and you’ll find the Lucid Air Grand Touring, which flexes a jaw-dropping 512 miles of range.
That’s enough to drive from London to Edinburgh and back, with battery to spare for a detour to a drive-thru.

It’s not officially available in the UK just yet, but hey — dreams are free, and so are day trips in that kind of range.

How much does it cost to charge a Tesla?

Let’s talk juice. You've got two main options:

1. The Supercharger Network:

Fast, easy, but slightly pricier. Here’s a rough idea:

• Model Y Standard Range – £32.16 per charge
• Model Y Long Range/Performance – £44.22 per charge

And beware the idle fee if you loiter after you're fully charged:

• 50p per minute (or £1 per minute if the station’s busy)
  Move your car within five minutes and you're golden

2. Home charging:

Slower but cheaper (and comfier). Plug in overnight, wake up to a fully charged chariot.

• Model Y Standard Range – £20.40 per charge
• Model Y Long Range/Performance – £27.88 per charge

Pro tip: use apps like Optiwatt to charge when electricity prices are at their lowest.

Pavement tax is a hot topic at the moment. Not everyone has a drive to charge their car on, meaning they have to fork out for public chargers.

What about BYD’s new Super e-Platform?

Oh, now we’re talking next level.

BYD's Super e-Platform promises a 240-mile recharge in just five minutes.

Yes, you read that right.

Magic? Not quite—but it might as well be:

• 1000kW of power
• Motors spinning at 30,000rpm
• New-gen silicon carbide chips
• A thermal management system that probably needs its own degree

But hold your horses—this isn’t for your average EV.

You’ll need serious upgrades: 1000V architecture, reinforced batteries, and ultra-efficient cooling systems to handle that kind of zap.

Otherwise? Let’s just say... melty cables.

But what models are getting this turbo-charge treatment? BYD’s Han L and Tang L saloons (China-only for now).

With 50% less internal resistance, they’re the guinea pigs for a new era of lightning-fast charging.