Tesla Model Y Long range review: electric SUV shines on the road

The Australian car buying public’s love affair with SUVs continued this year, but it wasn’t the usual suspects who captured hearts and wallets.

Tesla’s Model Y has arguably been the surprise hit of 2023.

Despite a price tag of more than $70,000 drive-away, the EV could potentially finish the year as the country’s number one selling SUV.

Here are five things you should know about the Model Y Long Range edition.

The Long Range could be the Tesla sweet spot

The Model Y is available in three guises and the circa-$85,000 drive-away Long Range slots into the middle of the range. The only visual differentiator is a “Dual Motor” badge on the back. That signifies the additional front motor over the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive, which delivers all-wheel drive. It misses out on the outright punch of the top-shelf Performance (which has the Dual Motor badge underlined in red), as well as that model’s better brakes and other performance tweaks. As with all Model Ys, there’s a fantastic 13-speaker sound system, seat heaters all around, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, electric front seats and remote connectivity via an app. The Long Range is priced to take advantage of the government’s Fringe Benefits Tax exemption that can save thousands each year for those financing a car through work.

The Tesla Model Y was News Corp’s Car of the Year in 2022. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

There’s plenty of power – and more if you want it

The Model Y Long Range is claimed to top 100km/h in 5.0 seconds, which makes it one of the quicker SUVs at this price point. Driving through all four wheels ensures slick takeoffs. According to the owner’s manual a 194kW/340Nm rear motor is teamed with a 137kW/219Nm front motor. If you want more, the Tesla offers an “Acceleration Boost” software update for $3000. It lowers the 0-100km/h time to 4.4 seconds, although there’s no word on how much more power is produced.

The Long Range Model Y can reach 100km/h in just 5 seconds. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

Don’t charge it to full all the time

There is one catch with the Long Range. It uses a different battery chemistry to the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive. Whereas that car likes having its LFP battery topped up to 100 per cent regularly, the NMC battery in the Long Range recommends a daily charge limit of 80 per cent. So that 533km of range drops to 426km for everyday running, which is less than the 455km of the RWD. You can charge to 100 per cent for road trips, though, unleashing the full claimed range.

Tesla recommends you only charge the Long Range to 80 per cent most of the time. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

The SUV is more expensive

Those who know their Teslas are aware the Model 3 and Model Y are the same beneath the skin, sharing batteries and motors. But Tesla charges a $13,000 premium to upgrade the Model Y to the long-range version, while it only costs $10,000 to upgrade the Model 3’s range. And that’s before you factor in the standard equipment for each. The only additional feature in a Model Y is front fog lights, whereas in a Model 3 you get a much better sound system when you choose the Long Range.

The Model Y Long Range doesn’t have the killer stereo of the Model 3 Long Range. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

It’s fun to drive

The Model Y is agile and engaging to drive, with very sharp steering, good levels of grip and a taut ride. It adds up to a car that’s fun to drive, whether you’re zipping around the suburbs or tackling a more challenging road. As with all recently arrived Model Ys, the Long Range comes with what Tesla calls “comfort suspension”, which soaks up bumps reasonably well, although not with the plushness some may envisage.

Originally published as Tesla Model Y Long range review: electric SUV shines on the road