Louth Motors: Tesla Model Y for same price, more comfort and fewer stalks

Due to a bit of a mix-up I got to drive two variants of the Tesla Model Y. First up was the Model Y Performance (€61,990) followed next by the normal Model Y Long Range (LR) Version (€49,990) with “just” rear wheel drive, more of that later.

I’m not complaining as to really appreciate a model it’s best to drive as many as possible, which is rarely the case.

The New Model Y gets some great improvements like softer textiles, recycled trims, acoustic glass all round, more control by the customized steering wheel controls (but at the expense of steering wheel stalks), deeper padded ventilated seats at lower trim levels, revised suspension parts, better sound insulation, improved inverter efficiency and improved range all for ,what is becoming a Tesla talking point, more or less the same money.

Tesla’s pricing compared to others is at the sharper edge of keen and buyers can point to some serious value when plunging for a Tesla.

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But the main difference is the looks. They are not radical and in keeping with a revised model mainstay in that the light lenses are usually changed, I think the car benefits much more overall from these simple tweaks. The front and back get the pillar to pillar full width light bars that in a bizarre logic twist seem to ape what the Chinese manufacturers are offering for nearly every new electric car has Tesla mimicking them.

Previously, the Chinese have been mimicking Tesla since they arrived on the scene. Those look changes are a welcome departure from the sameness across Tesla models that hint towards Tesla doing more like this. They should, because the Model Y looks a lot more sophisticated now and stands out, especially from the back.

The company that started the whole minimalist, no buttons trend is at it again. They have removed the stalks either side of the steering wheel.

Indicators are now on the steering wheel and drive select is in the central touch display. I got used to both but would still like the indicators on the steering wheel but very quickly got used to gear selection on the touchscreen that, paradoxically, I like.

You just don’t use it that much. And then I thought Tesla had somehow mastered telepathy because when I went to park the car using my own skills, and not one of the car’s myriad of features, the car knew when to select D or R when I was trying to maneuver into a parking spot.

Roll this out on to every other car I say for what is a fabulous and truly useful feature.

Above: Interior of the Tesla Model Y

I haven’t capitulated on the knobs and button arguments though wanting more of them not less but the Tesla voice recognition software is so good that I used it all the time to make adjustments to the heating, wipers, seats, drive settings etc. instead of scrolling through the comprehensive and, for some, daunting menus.

I can’t say I remember the ride in the last Model Y I drove compared to the new one but I can say the claimed difference is noticeable.

It is a very assured and relaxing ride with the whole emphasis on comfort. Your passengers will have a lovely trip in the back and can use the new 8-inch touch screen to control climate, seat heating and the media. The performance from the LR rear wheel drive allows 100km/h to be reached in 5.6s compared to the 3.5s in the performance version which begs the question, do you need that level of performance? In the “mine is bigger than yours” game where could you possibly demonstrate this?

Only on paper because no one will want to be in the back and no one will try to prove you wrong out on the road. If someone does, lose him or her as a friend. So to save yourself about €12k you could skip the performance model and be perfectly satisfied with the RWD only version.

If AWD drive is necessary, the compromise might just be the LR AWD model for an extra €3k. Granted the performance model gets adaptive suspension, performance tyres, a fancy carbon spoiler, metal pedals, bigger brakes and alcantara performance seats that’s all very fetching, but the non-performance models are just as nice.

The Model Y has grown up in the same way that Tesla has matured and is beginning to cater for drivers who want a more interesting and pleasing look rather than just an electric experience.

The new model Y could be seen as their offering for what used to be called a petrol-head - an electric-head anyone?