The Tesla Model Y, launched in 2020, is one of the most popular electric vehicles, not just here in Europe, but across the world. It’s also aiming to become the best-selling car globally. At the 2024 Paris Motor Show, I got up close with a shiny new example which is dual-motor version, appointed with third row seats, finished in Pearl White Multi-Coat body color.
While the facelifted version is awaited in 2025, the current Model Y has held on nicely to its appeal. I’ve always considered it as a taller, more rounded version of the Model 3. It doesn’t have the tough look of a typical SUV, which I think works well for its identity and aerodynamic performance. The curved headlamps, turbine-shaped 20-inch wheels, and wide tail lamps all lend it a distinct identity.
Inside, the Model Y has a minimalist and spacious design. There’s no instrument cluster, which would be an adjustment for drivers switching from other brands. The dashboard is slim, with hidden AC vents, and the all-glass roof gives the cabin an airy feel. Between the black and white interior options, I prefer the white one, which adds a splash of luxury.
I’m six feet tall, and getting in and out of the Model Y is easy. The driver’s seat offers good lumbar support, but I feel it could have more under-thigh support. Rear seating is comfortable, and the headroom is adequate despite the sloping roofline. However, the third row in the 7-seat version, which is the example shown in this article, is strictly for children.
The Long Range variant has two motors and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, offering more than adequate performance. The Model Y is easy to drive in the city and handles well on the mountain roads. The Performance variant, which accelerates faster in 3.5 seconds, has a firmer ride but offers a more thrilling driving experience, in case the Long Range version doesn’t cut it for you.
The Model Y is priced starting at EUR 40,990 for the basic model, and tops out at EUR 57,990, here in France.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
