Tesla Model Y test: behind the wheel of the most family-friendly Tesla

In a few months, Model Ys sold in Europe will leave Tesla's new factory in Berlin (Germany). But for now the copies delivered to France come from the brand's Chinese Gigafactory. This allows Elon Musk's new SUV to benefit from an assembly quality superior to what can be seen on board cars built in the United States, even if the level of finish and the materials used remain out of step with the asking price.

A more expensive Model 3

The Model Y is an SUV that pushes all the sliders of a Model 3 a little further, the sedan whose technical underside it takes. It is 6 cm longer (4,75 m), 7 cm wider (1,92 m) but also 18 cm taller (1,62 m). Its entry level currently consists of the motors and batteries of the Model 3 “High autonomy” version. Thanks to its energy reserve of 74 kWh, the Model Y claims a WLTP-approved range of 507 km with 20-inch rims (present on our test model), and 538 km with 19-inch wheels (the standard fitment). This is good for a car equipped with two engines and four-wheel drive.

Very habitable and benefiting from a trunk with record volume, this Tesla family starts at €59. This is €990 more than the Model 7 with equivalent technology, but this price still allows it to benefit from a €000 bonus, provided you do not subscribe to any options. Because if the price exceeds €3, the bonus disappears…

Tesla influences its followers

By purchasing a car from the brand, the user is invited to adopt other habits. For example, he no longer has a physical key but a bank card that allows him to access his car. He will quickly forget it because it is above all a smartphone application which will be the entry point for a large number of functionalities, and the card will only be used in the event of troubleshooting (and therefore forgetting the phone or missing it). battery). The Model Y doesn't even have a start button. You just have to get in and drive.

But choosing Tesla also means facing some constraints. For example, the Model Y does not offer Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, features that are common among the competition. However, its infotainment system integrates Google Maps, which is displayed large on the central screen. It is then possible to send an address via the Tesla application, then navigation will be activated when you arrive on board. On the music side, the Model Y integrates Spotify, but neither Deezer nor Apple Music, which it refuses to display on its screen. The disappointed driver can then console themselves with the fireplace mode or, more essential, the “whoopee cushion” function which will certainly brighten up their trips with friends.

Generally speaking, Tesla owners still benefit from the most innovative features in automotive computing. As such, they then discover interesting alternatives to “general public” solutions but they sometimes serve as guinea pigs to finalize the development of said technologies.

Control everything at your fingertips

The large 15-inch (38 cm) touchscreen center is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the car. Without it you can do almost nothing, not even open the glove box... On the other hand, its operating system is very fluid, ergonomic, pleasant to use and offers shortcuts that make life easier. For example, it can take you to your home or work with just one finger movement on favorites. Like all Teslas, the Model Y SUV is above all a computer, which becomes easy to use in an automotive context once it is well configured and you have understood its world.

Furthermore, the use of the car is interesting. Let's move on to the very good level of performance (0 to 100 km/h in 5 seconds), and the very good handling of this imposing vehicle. It is certainly a little less agile than the Model 3 given its height, makes its weight felt (two tonnes, including more than 500 kg of battery), but offers a good level of comfort and a lot of pleasure behind the wheel. On board, the driver can discover a range of functionalities, although he does not have much to manipulate in this refined universe: only a turn signal switch, and another which serves as a gear lever. Everything else happens on the steering wheel (such as adjusting the mirrors) but above all on the screen.

You also have to get used to the fact that the Model Y does not have an instrument cluster. The driver has nothing to see, and no head-up display either. You therefore have to take your eyes off the road to access the functions grouped in this large digital panel, which is quite easy to do.

Autopilot and one-pedal driving

Tesla's other trademark is the autonomous nature of its cars. A device that the Model Y offers in three levels: the standard Autopilot includes adaptive cruise control and active centering. The improved Autopilot (€3) adds assistance when entering or changing lanes. Just turn on the indicator and the car does the rest. This does not exempt you from keeping your hands on the steering wheel, but the maneuver is done in complete safety. This device also helps with parking maneuvers and can even move the car forward or backward on its own. For €800 (i.e. €7 more than the improved Autopilot), the doors to fully autonomous driving are available to you. But given the still restrictive regulations in Europe, it is better to avoid this expensive and inappropriate option, and take advantage of what the car does best.

It will then be a question of experimenting with the new “clamping” mode, which allows you to drive in the vast majority of cases with just one pedal (engine braking controlled until it stops) or even to watch Netflix in the comfort of your home. while the car is charging.

No range anxiety

It should also be noted that the application, the car and its dedicated charging network constitute a triptych which allows you to take full advantage of your Tesla, particularly during long journeys. The car receives a route planner which takes into account the charging level and itself selects which superchargers to use to cover the route. It is even possible to know what sockets and power are available before arriving at a station, and to estimate the downtime. On site, once plugged in, the car is recognized and charging starts automatically. There is nothing to do and the cost will be deducted from the owner's account at the end of the month. In this regard, no one knows how to do it as well.

During our test, we recorded an average of 21,3 kWh/100 km, an excellent score, despite generous driving but on rather flat roads in the north of Denmark. At no point was range a question, because subconsciously we knew that Tesla was among the best when it came to battery and charging network. This is also why the American manufacturer is today one of the benchmarks in the sector, having worked at the same time on car software and the deployment of its charging network. A job that historic automobile manufacturers have still not been able to implement, while supply is exploding and infrastructure is lacking.

Verdict

The Model Y is certainly one of the most successful Teslas, and the one best suited to families. Good autonomy, excellent habitability, proven driving pleasure, it ticks all the boxes for a trendy family SUV. But it remains expensive and its construction quality, especially its finish, places it far from German references. This will certainly not prevent him from embracing the career excellence that seems to be available to him.

Information

Motor

Type: two electric motors, asynchronous
Position: on each axle
Power: 215 hp front, 300 hp rear
Torque: 240 Nm front, 350 Nm rear

Transmission

Mode: four wheels
Gearbox: single gear
Towing capacity: 1 kg

Frame

Type: aluminum monocoque
Front braking: ventilated discs
Rear braking: ventilated discs
Front suspensions: pseudo McPherson
Rear suspension: multi-link
Steering: electric

Length

Length / Width / Height: 4,75/1,92/1,62 m
Wheelbase: 2,60m
Front/rear tracks: 1/589 mm
Pneumatiques : 245X45R18 (AV) ; 255x45R18 (AR)
Trunk volume: 854 l at the rear; 117 l at the front

performances

Top speed: 217 km/h
0 to 100 km/h: 5 s
Mixed consumption (WLTP): 16,9 kWh/100 km
Battery capacity: 74 kWh
WLTP autonomy: 538 km in 19 inches, 507 km in 20 inches
Charging time: 30 minutes from 0 to 80% on a 250 kW terminal, 6h45 on a 11 kW wallbox

Weight

Empty: 2 kg

Price

From €59
Bonus: €2