Tesla Model Y, an uncompromising electric SUV: the proof

Slender bodywork, crossover look, comfort and roominess. Tesla adds another piece to its range thanks to the Model Y, protagonist of our test drive today, from Milan to Bologna between city traffic, the motorway and the quieter extra-urban routes. The D-SUV of the Palo Alto brand has entered the Italian and European market with a mix of features that make it perfect to meet the needs of customers from the Old Continent. In the wake traced by Model 3, one of the best-selling electric in this 2021, Tesla Model Y offers several interesting elements in a few more cm. Let’s go and discover them together.

The compact shapes of Tesla Model Y still hide generous dimensions, with the crossover of the American brand that measures 475 cm in length, 192 cm wide, a height of 162 cm and a wheelbase of 2.89 meters for a mass that reaches 2 tons. The style and design reflect the stylistic features of Model 3, especially in the front part and as regards the optical groups with simple and aerodynamic lines in continuity with all the other models in the range. Compared to the sedan, however, in addition to the size difference, it also boasts one higher load capacity with 600 liters available in the trunk. A capacity that reaches almost 2 thousand liters by lowering the rear seat. Added to this is the 117-liter front compartment. Habitability is a flagship of Model Y which is also available in the 7-seater version, with the optional third row and offers the large and rational space that we have come to know on electric cars, where the absence of the typical dimensions of endothermic allow to design an even more comfortable interior.

There will be two versions available, the Long Range and the Performance even if the latter will arrive in Italy only in 2022. With the former, the declared autonomy is 507 km thanks to the 75 kWh battery which can be recharged at the Supercharger network and is compatible with infrastructures up to 250 kW in DC. In this case it is possible to recover up to 80% of the distance range in just 30 minutes. To push Tesla Model Y there is a powertrain composed of a pair of induction asynchronous motors, one per axle, for a total power exceeding 350 hp and 640 Nm of instant torque that allow it to shoot from 0 to 100 km / h in 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 217 km / h.

There raised driving position but not too much, it allows you to better control the generous shapes of Tesla Model Y which, however, knows how to extricate itself well in city traffic thanks to a very direct and precise steering that makes the American electric ready for any sudden change of direction. However, a slightly too limited visibility to the rear is confirmed, due to the inclination of the rear window and the dimensions of the pillars. The dashboard is always minimal, in all respects the same as the one we met on Model 3. Everything is done from tompio 15 “display in the center: from the convenient drop-down menu whose icons stand out in the lower part of the touch screen, you can interact with the infotainment system, change the car set-up, operate the ventilation system fans, set navigation or take advantage of the many goodies for entertainment (from karaoke to arcades, up to the ability to surf the internet or watch your favorite TV series) to spend time when the car is being recharged. Recharging that we have carried out, even if not necessary, at the Supercharger in Modena, an easily accessible 150 kW infrastructure near the A1 motorway. Under the display there is a double compartment for the smartphone that allows induction charging and shortly after the first of the two storage compartments in the cockpit, the one that opens and closes thanks to a convenient spring system. With all the comforts and habitability of a D-SUVHowever, Tesla Model Y proves to be more electric than dynamic as evidenced by the performance data we have listed above. In everyday life, however, it can be docile and obviously silent, with regenerative braking, perhaps a little too accentuated on fast-flowing roads, which represents a valid ally in traffic.

Forget the key once again: in case of need there is a card for access but you can control everything via the app, from opening the doors to charging, up to pre-conditioning the passenger compartment and opening the trunk. The price list starts from 60,990 euros to which 3,800 and 7,500 euros must be added respectively if you want to include some additional functions in the standard Autopilot such as the Summon mode, automatic parking and lane change or the preparation for level 3 driving (which has not yet been legalized on Italian and European roads).