The Tesla Model Y was Australia’s favourite new car amongst private buyers in 2023.
Tesla sold 28,769 examples of its Model Y locally last year, well ahead of premium mid-size SUV rivals like the Lexus NX (6875 sales), Audi Q5 (4210 sales) and BMW X3 (4002 sales).
UPDATE, 04/04/2024 – Tesla has cut prices across the Model Y range as part of a mild revision. You can read more here.
The electric SUV continues to be available in three trim levels: Model Y RWD, the Model Y Long Range, and the Model Y Performance.
The range opens at $65,400 before on-road costs and tops out at $92,020 before on-road costs for the flagship Performance model.
Leaked images of what is believed to be the upcoming facelift were published online last year, though it’s unclear when Tesla will officially reveal the updated SUV and when it will be released in market.
In China last year, the Model Y received minor updates to its interior, such as RGB ambient lighting and new textile dashboard trim instead of wood – both changes made to the updated Model 3.
Tesla also made small improvements to range and acceleration on certain variants. The Juniper update is expected to receive more substantial visual updates, but it’s unclear what else will change.
Australian versions of the Model Y are currently produced in Shanghai, China.
Pricing
- 2024 Tesla Model Y RWD: $65,400
- 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: $78,400
- 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD: $92,020
Prices exclude on-road costs
Drivetrains
Tesla Australia doesn’t officially quote power outputs for its 2024 Model Y range, however according to Glass’s Guide, the Model Y RWD has a single electric motor on the rear axle that produces 220kW of power and 330Nm of torque. The Model Y RWD can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.
The Tesla Model Y Long Range all-wheel drive has a dual electric motor setup – one positioned on each axle – which when combined produces 378kW of power and 493Nm of torque. The Model Y Long Range quotes a 0-100km/h time of 5.0 seconds.
The flagship Model Y Performance has two electric motors which produce combined outputs of 393kW and 639Nm. Tesla quotes a 0-100km/h time of 3.7 seconds.
Efficiency
Tesla Australia claims the 2024 Model Y RWD quotes driving range of 455km based on a WLTP cycle, the Long Range AWD 533km, while the Performance has a claimed range of 514km.
The Tesla Model Y range features a lithium-ion battery, however, Tesla Australia doesn’t disclose battery capacity.
The 2024 Tesla Model Y RWD can charge up to 170kW on a DC fast charger – recharging 261km in as little as 15 minutes.
Both the Long Range AWD and Performance have a maximum DC fast charging speed of 250kW. It can replenish as much as 261km of range in 15 minutes.
Dimensions
The 2024 Tesla Model Y measures 4751mm long, 2129mm wide (1978mm folded mirrors) and 1624mm tall, with a 2890mm wheelbase.
The Model Y RWD has a tare mass of 1909kg, while the Long Range weighs 1979kg and the Performance weighs 1997kg.
Claimed boot space is up to 2158 litres with the seats folded, or 854 litres to the roof and including the frunk with all seats in place.
Servicing and Warranty
The Tesla Model Y is backed by a four-year, 80,000km warranty in Australia.
The Model Y RWD’s battery is covered by an eight-year or 160,000km whichever comes first. The Model Y Long Range and Performance batteries are covered by an eight-year or 192,000km warranty which ever comes first.
Tesla Australia guarantees during the battery’s warranty period, the battery will retain a minimum of 70 per cent retention of the battery capacity.
Tesla recommends having the air-conditioning filters changed every two years, and checking the tyre tread, balance, and rotation every 20,000km.
Thanks to regenerative braking, the brake pads and discs require work less frequently than in internal-combustion vehicles.
Safety
The Tesla Model Y scored a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on tests conducted by Euro NCAP.
It scored 97 per cent for adult occupant protection, 89 per cent for child occupant protection, 82 per cent for vulnerable road user protection, and 98 per cent for safety assist.
Standard features include:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Forward, Reverse
- Car, Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
- Junction assist
- Blind-spot assist
- Lane keep assist
- Reverse and side view cameras
- Front, rear parking sensors
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- Automatic high-beam
- Intelligent speed limiter
Standard Equipment
Tesla Model Y RWD features:
- Tinted glass roof
- 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless charger for two smartphones
- Leatherette interior
- HEPA filtration system
- 13-speaker audio system
- 1x USB-A port in the glove box
- Power adjustable front seats
- Heated front and rear seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Independent flat fold seats
- Floor mats
- Power folding side mirrors
- Auto-dimming side mirrors
- Heated side mirrors
- 4x USB-C ports
- Tesla app connectivity
- 19-inch wheels
- 20-inch induction wheels
- 12-way power adjustable front seats
Tesla Model Y Long Range adds:
- LED fog lights
Tesla Model Y Performance adds:
- 21-inch Uberturbine wheels
- Performance brakes
- Lowered suspension
- Aluminum alloy pedals
- Carbon fiber spoiler
Options
- 20-inch induction wheels: $2400
- White and black interior: $1500
Enhanced Autopilot ($5100) adds:
- Navigate on Autopilot
- Auto Lane Change
- Autopark
- Summon
- Smart Summon
Full Self-Driving Capability ($10,100) adds:
- Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control
- Upcoming: Auto steer on city streets
Colours
- Pearl White Multi-Coat
- Solid Black
- Midnight Silver Metallic
- Deep Blue Metallic
- Red Multi-Coat
Tesla offers customers Pearl White Multi-Coat as standard. Metallic and Solid Black colour options incur a $1500 premium while the Red Multi-Coat costs $2400.
MORE: Tesla Model Y review
MORE: Everything Tesla Model Y
