• Welcome to Elio Owners! Join today, registration is easy!

    You can register using your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account, just click here.

Riding In Tesla’s New Model Y Suv

TexasTesla

Elio Addict
Joined
Jan 25, 2019
Messages
337
Reaction score
192
Location
Houston
Riding in Tesla's new very quick Model Y SUV.

A smaller SUV with all the fun of the Model 3.

"Tesla doesn't make slow cars." I've been told this by various Tesla employees over the years while sitting in the entire lineup of the company's cars. So I was surprised that it wasn't uttered again while I sat in the Model Y during a quick drive up and down the streets adjacent to Tesla's Design Studio. But it's true and this latest vehicle continues the tradition.

The newest Tesla didn't disappoint off the line. With a zero to 60 potential of 3.5 seconds, the dual-motor variant of the vehicle they drove us in was quick. It kept me glued to my seat as it burned through electrons. There's no ludicrous mode, but its acceleration should keep its future owners happy. Because I was in the rear passenger seat instead of behind the wheel, it's tough to gauge how well it handles. But there was no overt body roll during a short slalom test and I suspect once we get our hands on one, it'll slot somewhere between the Model 3 and Model S when hitting up mountain switchbacks.

The electric crossover shares many of the same attributes as the Model 3. In addition to the battery pack, the interior is almost exactly the same. It even shares the seats found in the sedan. It's almost completely devoid of knobs and buttons. To control most aspects of the car you either use the controls on the steering wheel, the two stalks on the steering column or the massive 15-inch touchscreen in the middle of the dashboard. Unlike the Model 3, it sits horizontally and at night is the only illuminated item in the cabin.

dims



The seats felt comfortable and are more utilitarian than those in other Tesla's. The back seats are split folding and enlarge the rear cargo space to 66 cubic feet according to the company. While the Model X was all about the future, the Model Y needs to be about what people are expecting from their cars right now. Lots of room for people, stuff and a higher sitting position.

The Model Y hits those needs with the usual Tesla eye towards the future.

Starting at $39,000, the standard range Model Y is competing directly with the impressive Hyundai Kona EV.

The Model Y rear-wheel long range and dual-motor performance and long range will be introduced before the standard range Model Y becomes available.

The first Model Y’s are slated to be delivered to customers in late summer 2020.

It’s interesting to note that a lot is happening in the EV world. Tesla no longer has the benefit of being the only real player in the EV world. There are new vehicles being announced by automakers every few months. By time the Model Y is here, it's going to be a very competitive space.
 
Last edited:

Rickb

Elio Addict
Joined
Apr 20, 2014
Messages
7,082
Reaction score
13,959
Very impressive (I guess). It doesn't have the SUV shape, so it won't be a substitute for a pickup.

Another year before delivery.
I’d confirm your impressive comment. :) The vehicles I’d like to buy seem to be a year+ out.......then another year..........and........
I’d buy they Y in the Tesla Model S3XY lineup today if it was available for sale.
 

TexasTesla

Elio Addict
Joined
Jan 25, 2019
Messages
337
Reaction score
192
Location
Houston
Very impressive (I guess). It doesn't have the SUV shape, so it won't be a substitute for a pickup.

Another year before delivery.

Tesla has a history of delaying new product production... it’s very important they meet their stated production timetable with the Model Y.
 

RSchneider

Elio Addict
Joined
Jan 6, 2017
Messages
2,792
Reaction score
1,912
Location
Hellertown, PA
............OR BMW’s SAC went after the Tesla Model X (safest car on the planet and for the planet). Heck, the Tesla Model Y is going after the Model X.

View attachment 23432
BMW makes two SAC's. I posted the X4. The X6 is more like the X. It does look like the SAC will be the future. Then you have the 3 series GT which would be like a Model 3. Looks like to me that Tesla is just using the BMW playbook.
 
Top Bottom