The Tesla Model Y was launched back in July last year, but we’ve finally gotten our hands on a car that buyers will get. Not only that, but we were given the range-topping Performance variant, priced at RM289,700 excluding on-the-road registration.
We’ve already talked about the things that the 2024 model year gets (and doesn’t get), but in this review you’ll be able to find out how it drives, what it’s like to live with and whether the extra performance is worth the fairly significant outlay. We also tackle the elephant in the room – the cheaper, recently upgraded Tesla Model 3 Highland.
But first, let’s talk about the specs. Tesla doesn’t deal with a lot of raw numbers, but the Performance is, as the name suggests, the fastest Model Y on sale, getting from zero to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds on its way to a top speed of 250 km/h. Despite the speed, it’s capable of a range of up to 514 km on the WLTP cycle – or at least, so Tesla claims. Being a Tesla, you’ll be able to charge the car using the company’s Supercharger DC fast charging network, providing 261 km of additional range in 15 minutes.
Setting the car apart from the standard Model Y are the unique 21-inch “Überturbine” alloy wheels, larger brakes with red callipers and a carbon fibre rear spoiler. A lower suspension provides a sportier drive that befits the Performance’s status as top dog, albeit at the expense of ride comfort – as you’ll see in the review.
This being a Tesla, you benefit from a minimalist interior that’s dominated by a slick and responsive 15-inch touchscreen. Unlike the Model 3 Highland, the Model Y still has indicator and gear selector stalks, but the 2024 model gains privacy glass, full double glazing and updated Autopilot cameras, loses the parcel shelf and halves the available infotainment RAM from 16 GB to 8 GB (storage has also been halved to 128 GB).
While you wait for deliveries to start next month, check out the video below to find out what the Model Y is like – and why, despite the #BaikBeliTesla cries, this pioneering electric SUV is not the EV for everyone.
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“This being a Tesla, you benefit from a minimalist interior that’s dominated by a slick and responsive 15-inch touchscreen”
I see it as a downgrade, not a benefit
Agreed. The interiors of Teslas are their biggest drawback, especially for the price, it’d be more in tune with a cheap taxi. But it’s the egregious touchscreen that’s the biggest bugbear! Hideous and utterly pointless, done just for …. I don’t know, shock value? LOL
Well then that MG4 EV Xpower which can do 3.8 seconds for RM160k seems like a very good buy then.
its a good that they are fighting for market share.
more competitors coming, relax
Hi Jonathan
What is your kind of electric car, which has character?
Cheers
If u drive this slightly faster than legal limit say at 130-150kph. how will it range be? with this kind of performance sure u want to tekan lebih skit. Wt ICE car, u can easily stop anywhere to top up fuel if u tekan …hehehehe…or wt EV, u have to stay within limit to ensure reach destination with needing to search for charge station??
ICE – mundane husband duties with the wife
EV – raw dogging with the fear of getting STDs but more exciting
If you have to drive 300km one way regularly then EVs and our charging infrastructure will severely hamper you, for now.
*WHEN* Tesla supercharger in MY is more prevalent, you don’t have to search for a supercharger. You enter your destination in the SatNav and start driving. Car will tell you if, where and when to charge if you don’t have enough range. It really is that simple. No need to take out phone and paper to plan your route like other EVs.
Not too shabby for people who are interested in a vehicle that’s been around for more than half a decade. One wonders if the manufacturer has implemented any improvements to the batteries and software running the car. It feels more like purchasing an old Mac laptop or the last generation fruit phone and proudly strutting around displaying it. Bravo!
Hello!
Good luck :)