Verdict
At RM219,000, the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is the rational Malaysian buy if five seats cover your needs. Its 661 km range is only 20 km shy of the Tesla Model Y L Premium’s 681 km, yet the RM44,000 gap buys a second motor, all-wheel drive, a six-seat cabin, adaptive damping and much quicker 250 kW DC charging. The L Premium also makes 456 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds, but its missing Blind Spot Info System is a curious omission. Pay more only if the extra seating and hardware will be used regularly.
Pick the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD if five seats are enough and you want to keep RM44,000 while losing only 20 km of quoted range.
Pick the Tesla Model Y L Premium if you need six seats, all-wheel drive and 250 kW DC charging for frequent long-distance use.
Key differences
- Price: RM219,000 | RM263,000
- Motors, output and drive: 1 motor, 295 hp, RWD | 2 motors, 456 hp, AWD
- Battery, range and DC charging: 75 kWh, 661 km, 175 kW | 82 kWh, 681 km, 250 kW
- Seats and rear seating: 5 seats, 40:20:40 heated rear bench | 6 seats, ventilated captain seats plus third row
- Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds | 0-100 km/h in 5.0 seconds
- Suspension and safety: no adaptive damping, Blind Spot Info System fitted | adaptive damping, Blind Spot Info System absent
Long Range RWD
- RM44,000 less expensive
- 661 km quoted EV range
- Blind Spot Info System fitted
- Five seats instead of six
- 175 kW DC charging versus 250 kW
- RWD, 295 hp and 5.6-second 0-100 km/h time
L Premium
- Six-seat layout with ventilated captain seats and third row
- 456 hp dual-motor AWD
- Adaptive damping suspension and 250 kW DC charging
- RM44,000 more expensive
- Blind Spot Info System is absent
- Higher RM1,015 annual road tax versus RM915
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM219,000✓ | RM263,000 |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Electric | Electric |
| Number of Motors | 1 | 2 |
| Motor Horsepower | 295 hp | 456 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | 420 Nm | 493 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | 75 kWh | 82 kWh✓ |
| EV Range | 661 km | 681 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | 11 kW | 11 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | 175 kW | 250 kW✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Single Ratio Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.6 seconds | 5 seconds✓ |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h | 201 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,790 mm | 4,976 mm |
| Width | 2,129 mm | 2,129 mm |
| Height | 1,624 mm | 1,668 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,891 mm | 3,040 mm |
| Weight | 1,921 kg | 2,088 kg |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 6 |
| Boot Space | 854 litres | 854 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/45R19 | 255/45R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/45R19 | 275/45R19 |
| Factory Tyres | Hankook Ventus S1 Evo 3 EV | Continental EcoContact 7 S |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | China (CBU) | China (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Crossflow Alloys | 19" Machina 2.0 |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Crossflow Alloys | 19" Machina 2.0 |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Adaptive Damping Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee | Driver and Front Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Driver's Knee |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | — | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Electronic for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 6 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on Second and Third Row Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam | Adaptive LED Projectors with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | Full LED with LED Lighter | Full LED with LED Lighter |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats, Heated & Ventilated |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding, Heated | Captain Seat Middle Row with Electric Armrest and Ventilation, 50:50 Split-folding Third Row with Power Recline |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control with HEPA Air Filter |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents with Rear Screen | Rear Vents with Rear Screen |
| Sunroof | Panoramic Glass Roof | Panoramic Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 4 Front USB-C | 2 USB-C Front, 2 Wireless Chargers, 2 USB-C Second Row, 2 USB-C Third Row |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Second Row, 2 Third Row |
| Audio | 15.4" Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth and 9 Speakers | 16" Touchscreen with Navigation, 18-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) | Keyless (Depress Brake to Start) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot | Powered Boot |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | 80,000 km | 80,000 km |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 4 years | 4 years |
| Warranty Notes | 8-year/160,000 km Battery and Drive Unit Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) | 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty, No fixed service schedule (condition-based maintenance) |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM915✓ | RM1,015 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
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Long Range RWD vs L Premium FAQ
Is the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD or Tesla Model Y L Premium better?
The Long Range RWD is better value for five-seat use, retaining 661 km of range. The L Premium is better for families needing six seats, AWD, adaptive damping and faster 250 kW DC charging.
What is the price difference?
The Tesla Model Y L Premium costs RM44,000 more than the Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD: RM263,000 against RM219,000.
Does the Tesla Model Y L Premium have much more range?
No. Its 82 kWh battery is rated for 681 km, only 20 km more than the Long Range RWD’s 661 km from a 75 kWh battery. Its bigger practical advantage is 250 kW DC charging versus 175 kW.