Tesla Model Y: More than a Plus-Size Model 3?
If you cast your mind back to Spring 2016, you would remember this is when the Tesla Model 3 was first revealed to the public. It was touted as Tesla's first "affordable" model and I said it was going to become the iPhone of the motoring world - the big breakthrough for the auto industry and pioneer for the radical shift from the traditional, internal combustion engine motor car into electric vehicles. Fast forward to today, it has only been on sale for 1.5 years in the US and has only just been shipped to European territories, so we are still going to be waiting a while for Tesla to execute world domination with the Model 3.
Still, that hasn't stopped Tesla unveiling another model to complete its "S3XY" lineup; say hello to the Model Y:
At first glance, you may think it is just a Model 3 XL, and that is pretty much true as 90% of the parts from the Model Y are shared with its low-riding sibling. The other 10% consists of panels which push the Model 3 into the crossover segment, making it 10% larger than the Model 3 and comparable in size to cars like the BMW X4 and Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupe. The interior is very much more of the same with a minimalist layout featuring a massive touchscreen being the centre of attention.
So now we have established it a Model 3 XL, is there anything really new to report? Well yes; crucially, the saloon-like rear boot from the Model 3 has been exchanged for a more practical hatchback-style rear door, greatly enhancing practicality. One of the key reasons for that is because the Model Y can be fitted with two additional rear seats. That does seem like a questionable move seeing as similar cars of this size are too small to accommodate 7 occupants so we will have to wait and see how that turns out in real-world tests.
The Model Y fulfills the same purpose as the Model 3, albeit is compact crossover form. Despite all models featuring a 10% premium on like-for-like models compared to the 3, this could be the hottest seller for Tesla given how popular crossover models are, particularly in the United States. However, it is hard to tell how popular this will be here in the UK since we are at least 3 years away from seeing the first right hand drive models. Would the crossover fad still be a thing by then? Even if it is, three years gives competitors a lot of time to get their products onto the market before Model Y.
What matters now is that Tesla's lineup of mainstream passenger cars is complete and we have a S3XY future to look forward to. Now all eyes are on the potentially record-breaking Roadster...
Still, that hasn't stopped Tesla unveiling another model to complete its "S3XY" lineup; say hello to the Model Y:
So now we have established it a Model 3 XL, is there anything really new to report? Well yes; crucially, the saloon-like rear boot from the Model 3 has been exchanged for a more practical hatchback-style rear door, greatly enhancing practicality. One of the key reasons for that is because the Model Y can be fitted with two additional rear seats. That does seem like a questionable move seeing as similar cars of this size are too small to accommodate 7 occupants so we will have to wait and see how that turns out in real-world tests.
The Model Y fulfills the same purpose as the Model 3, albeit is compact crossover form. Despite all models featuring a 10% premium on like-for-like models compared to the 3, this could be the hottest seller for Tesla given how popular crossover models are, particularly in the United States. However, it is hard to tell how popular this will be here in the UK since we are at least 3 years away from seeing the first right hand drive models. Would the crossover fad still be a thing by then? Even if it is, three years gives competitors a lot of time to get their products onto the market before Model Y.
What matters now is that Tesla's lineup of mainstream passenger cars is complete and we have a S3XY future to look forward to. Now all eyes are on the potentially record-breaking Roadster...
Comments
Post a Comment