First Look Review: The 2024 Tesla Model Y is a world class product!

Launched in 2020, the Tesla Model Y is one of the most popular EVs globally, and has one eye on the title of the world’s best-selling car. Manufactured in the U.S., Germany, and China, the Model Y is Tesla’s cash cow and an established benchmark in the global mid-size EV segment for customers. I recently came across a Solid Black Model Y in the Performance variant and a Deep Blue Metallic Model Y in the Long Range variant on display. I checked out the 2024 model’s design, space, and features in detail.

Here’s my assessment of the world’s best-selling electric crossover SUV:

Design

The Tesla Model Y distances itself from traditional SUV characteristics apart from a moderately high ground clearance and lower body/wheel arch cladding. Design elements such as the curved headlamps, concave nose section, turbine-shaped 20-inch wheels, J-shaped door handles, and wide tail lamps help establish the unmistakable identity of a Tesla.

Tesla’s reputation for build quality isn’t stellar, prompting me to inspect the 2024 Model Y closely for any significant or uneven panel gaps and other potential build defects. I can report that the vehicle was built well, and partcularly the Deep Blue Metallic paint provided an appealing aesthetic on the showroom floor.

Interior

The Tesla Model Y has a space-focused, low-key interior with a slightly futuristic vibe. There’s no instrument cluster here, which I think could be difficult to adjust for drivers switching from most mainstream brands. The Model Y has a slim dashboard with almost hidden AC vents and a thick trim piece positioned at such a height that it virtually merges with the same decor element in the door panels for a wraparound look.

Between the All Black and Black and White interior color schemes, my pick would be the latter. I think the wood trim in the former looks a little out of place. In the dual-tone option, the white interior appointments impart the feel of a premium or luxury vehicle, lending the cabin a bright and airy feeling.

As much as I like the 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system for its size and crisp UI, I was a little annoyed that I needed to use it for even some of the most basic interior functions. I wish Tesla has used regular volume knobs and climate control switches in the EV. Opening the glovebox would’ve been simpler and more convenient if it was possible with a push.

I’m six feet tall, and in my experience, the ingress and egress in the front of the cabin was a breeze. When I sat in the driver’s seat, I felt that the three-spoke steering wheel felt the perfect grip. I had adequate lumbar support and generous headroom. The cushion could have offered a little more under-thigh support. The all-around visibility was good, except for the thick A-Pillar base.

Entering and exiting the rear of the cabin was made easier by the high rear seat. The Performance variant is strictly a five-seater. The Long Range variant is available in the five- and seven-seat versions and the blue-colored unit was in the latter. Sitting in the second row, I first assessed the headroom, considering the EV’s low and fast-sloping roofline, and found my head comfortably clear of the glass roof. However, I observed that headroom and legroom in the third row would be too cramped for adults.

The Model Y offers 76.2 cu. ft. of maximum cargo space in the 5-seat version (seen in the first picture of the gallery below) and 72 cu. ft. (seen in the second picture of the gallery below) in the 7-seat version. Plus, it has a front trunk with an additional 4.1 cu. ft. cargo space.

Driving impressions

The Tesla Model Y uses two motors in the Long Range and Performance variants, one to spin the rear wheels and the other to push the front wheels. A 0-60 mph sprint takes just 4.8 seconds in the Long Range variant, which is pretty quick for an SUV of this segment. Most experts who have reviewed the Model Y Long Range find it impressive in many other aspects.

The Model Y Long Range’s steering is light, which makes the EV easily maneuverable in the city, and it’s responsive, too, which instills confidence in the driver. Weighing 4,363 pounds, the Model Y Long Range is quite heavy, but its handling is impressive. It doesn’t have much body roll, which means it can be fun to drive on twisty roads. The braking performance is superb, too.

The Model Y Long Range does a fantastic job of not letting unwanted noises into the cabin, but smaller bumps and broken patches on the roads can be felt by the occupants. That’s a small price to pay for how brilliantly it drives, though. The Model Y Long Range delivers an EPA-est. range of up to 310 miles (19-inch wheels)/292 miles (20-inch wheels).

The Model Y Performance offers a pulsating driving experience with an even quicker acceleration, sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (with the first foot of rollout subtracted). However, since it has a firmer chassis and bigger, 21-inch wheels, this isn’t the most comfortable configuration in the 2024 Model Y range.

Price

The Tesla Model Y retails at USD 43,990 in the base variant, USD 48,990 in the Long Range variant featured in this story, and USD 52,490 in the range-topping Performance variant. These prices exclude a USD 1,390 destination fee and a USD 250 order fee.

TopElectricSUV says

The Tesla Model Y might not have the design of a proper SUV, but it does offer the practicality of one, along with a minimalist interior that is executed brilliantly. Plus, with impressive performance and driving dynamics, adequate range, and reasonable pricing, it’s clear why it has become one of the world’s top-selling passenger cars.

Also See: Ultra Red 2024 Tesla Model Y has an irresistible charm

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