Some call it an SUV and find this vehicle type despicable, especially as an electric car – but in reality the Model Y is simply a slightly more modern Model 3 with space like a huge station wagon. Moreover, it costs in the same Version Long Range in Germany meanwhile less than a Model 3 and, apart from in China, is increasingly being produced in the local Tesla Gigafactory in Grünheide near Berlin. So it’s no wonder that we soon switched from the Model 3 ourselves – and that the Model Y is at the top of the German electric car sales figures for 2022 with 28,044 new registrations by November.
Change from Model 3 to Model Y
Our own switch from Model 3 to Model Y was affordable because the Tesla used prices were still extremely high at the beginning of this year. So at the end of February we were able to receive a Model Y Long Range, close to the German Gigafactory, but not yet built there. In Facebook groups, the chosen configuration is often referred to as the “POS model”: white on the outside, black on the inside, 19-inch wheels, no FSD or trailer hitch. The purchase price at the time was just under 57,000 euros less an environmental bonus of 5,000 euros. We had previously sold the Model 3 for 51,000 euros – 30 euros more than the new price following eleven months.
We’ve now covered almost 30,000 kilometers with the Model Y and, as hoped, it’s proving to be the perfect family vehicle. The interior is typical Tesla simple, the space is gigantic. There is enough space for passengers of all sizes, and the trunk impresses with unimagined dimensions compared to the Model 3. Huge flap and plenty of space make it easy to take large items with you. Ikea’s famous Billy shelf, for example, fits easily into the Model Y with the rear seat folded down.
The workmanship of the copy we drove is very good. It shows no defects either outside or inside, and it didn’t need any reworking. A little thing is annoying from time to time: The display shows the alleged failure of the emergency call system. Out of interest, we pressed the icon on the central display when the message flashed once more. Despite the warning, an emergency call center (not 110 or 112) was connected – so it doesn’t appear to be correct.
Tesla with regular updates
The Model Y is smooth and quiet to drive. However, the chassis, at least in our China version from the beginning of the year, is not designed for such high performance as the Tesla offers – it is said to have been changed in the newer Model Y. Especially when braking from high speed, ours likes to rock. This actually requires some skill in order not to swim back and forth uncontrollably. If you don’t overdo it, you’ll be safe and comfortable in the Model Y.
A special feature at Tesla are the regular software updates. They have always worked perfectly for us, which does not seem to be the case with every brand. Recently, for example, there was a modified navigation display and operation for the music player. However, you sometimes have to get used to these innovations. But we really like the new display of the battery charge level at the navigation destination and that automatic display of images from the side cameras when the turn signal is activatedwhich was added a while ago.
Supercharging with 250 kW not seen
Tesla specifies 250 kilowatts on the web as the maximum charging capacity for the Model Y Long Range, but we have never experienced that with it. At the same time, consumption is slightly higher than that of the Model 3, and so we must admit that on a longer trip to Italy we recently got one Porsche Taycan in a test with short charging breaks convinced. However, it also costs regarding three times as much and, unlike our Model Y, can only use selected superchargers so far. Of these, however, one should preferably start with the new V3 generation in order to achieve at least 140 kilowatts of peak power.
All in all, we were convinced by the Model Y, despite a bit of complaining, and are generally satisfied with this practical electric car in SUV or rather crossover format. We can therefore understand its first place among the German e-bestsellers in 2022. If the economy plays along, it might also make a leap next year, because then, like the Model 3, the basic version should only be available with rear-wheel drive – also from the German factory.
