After years of wait and teasers from Elon Musk, the tech billionaire has finally unveiled Model Y. The hugely anticipated electric vehicle, that Tesla plans to mass produce in order to realise Musk’s vision of an all-electric future, starts at $39000 — which IMO is an astonishingly competitive price.
Do not be bamboozled if you find the Model Y, as a taller and longer twin of Model 3. Because, it definitely is. The car, which has a striking resemblance to the Model 3, comes in three variants. The variants are standard, long range, dual-motor all-wheel and performance. The car also has an option for accommodating 7 people, if you can pay $3000 more.
The only major difference that actually separates Model Y from its twin Model 3, is the panoramic roof.
In terms of interiors, it borrows the design philosophy from the Model 3. You will find the same 15 inch single screen touch infotainment system, that Tesla serves in the Model 3.
The standard version, which starts at $39,000, will have a 230 mile range. Musk however mentioned, that the company will first produce the two higher end models — dual motor all-wheel and performance. If you are looking to buy the standard model, you will have to wait till at least 2021 to get your hands on the same.
Panoramic glass roof on Model Y
— Tesla (@Tesla) March 15, 2019
In terms of specs, while all models will have the same performance as the standard one, the ‘Performance’ variant has a few specs a notch above the rest. It can travel from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 150 mph.
The All-Wheel Drive has two independent motors. Unlike traditional all-wheel drive systems, these two motors digitally control torque to the front and rear wheels—for far better handling and traction control. Also, the car can run on either of the motors, which is to ensure that you do not get stuck even if one of the motors fails.
However, as you may have already guessed, pricing varies starkly in between the three models. The performance version will start at $60,000. The dual motor variant will start at $51,000 and the base price of the long-range version will be $47,000. The long-rang version is expected to have a 300 mile range, though nothing concrete is out yet to support the claim.
Production is expected to begin late next year.
