2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range Review

Tesla sells A LOT of Model Y’s.

In Australia, it was in fact the best-selling electric car - moving over 28,769 units. That is huge volume.

Today we’re reviewing the most popular of the Model Y range, the Long Range Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive, which at $78,400 is certainly not cheap though that hasn’t deterred the massive sales of the Model Y.

Though while the Model Y does have a lot going for it, there are some things - namely, things that have been removed - that I must admit I’ve found rather frustrating.

How much does the Model Y Long Range cost?

The Tesla Model Y, despite having a not-insignificant price tag, is actually reasonably priced - and keeps reducing.

The range kicks off with the RWD - named confusingly ‘Model Y’ - which costs $65,400. As the name suggests, it has a single motor mounted on the rear axle that produces 220kW of power and 330Nm of torque. 

Although the RWD has a claimed range of 455km (WLTP cycle) due to a smaller battery, it also has a different battery chemistry to the rest of the range - called LFP - which can be charged to 100%.

The Tesla Model Y Long Range that we’re testing today is equipped with an all-wheel drive system, featuring dual electric motors placed on each axle. 

This setup produces a combined power output of 378kW and a torque of 493Nm. The pricing for the Long Range AWD version starts at $78,400.

For those seeking more vigor, the 2024 Model Y Performance variant comes with a similar all-wheel drive configuration but ups the ante with its two electric motors. 

These motors deliver a higher total output of 393kW and a torque of 639Nm, making it a more powerful option. The Performance AWD model was priced at $92,020, but recently received a price decrease to $91,400.

Tesla Model Y Pricing

• 2024 Tesla Model Y RWD: $65,400
• 2024 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD: $78,400
• 2024 Tesla Model Y Performance AWD: $91,400 (-$620)

Options:

• 20-inch induction wheels: $2,400
• White and black interior option: $1,500
• Enhanced Autopilot ($5,100): Includes Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon, and Smart Summon
• Full Self-Driving Capability ($10,100): Adds Traffic Light and Stop Sign Control, with Auto steer on city streets upcoming

Prices exclude on-road costs.

What’s the interior and tech like of the Model Y Long Range?

No one quite does an interior like Tesla.

In fact, it’s seriously one of the nicest places to be sub-$80,000. This is crazy, considering no cowhide (i.e. leather) lines the interior. In fact, the interior is Vegan friendly for those who care.

I would recommend steering clear of the $1,500 optional white and black interior we have on test. 

Firstly it replaces the wood trim with a metallic-like white panel on the dash, but also it gives you some of the brightest white seats - which unfortunately are easily discoloured and marked.

That aside, soft-touch materials are everywhere so it feels premium no matter where you touch. Combined with double-glazed windows and clear attention to sound deadening, the interior is almost unnervingly quiet. But in a good way.

For whatever reason, online there are differing views on just how many speakers are in the cabin. Ranges quote from 13-15, so let’s take the middle number and say 14. That said, if you are looking for a high quality car audio system - look no further than the Tesla Model Y. 

Clearly, Tesla engineers have paid attention to sound stage and it does have a phenomenally good sound system.

Which leads us to the rest of the technology. You can’t drive a Tesla without interacting with its enormous 15” touchscreen which I would argue has pioneered infotainment-centric cars over the last few years.

Although there are some things that just baffle me - like the lack of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, the speedometer in the top right corner of the screen, etc. - there is no denying that the display is magnificent.

When combined with the Tesla smartphone app, which is the best in the business and allows you to set temperature, view a live camera feed of the car through its 8 cameras, remotely control most vehicle functions, and so much more.

Through the display, you have a large map that uses Google Maps services and works great. Because we also have the $5,100 enhanced autopilot package (more on that later), you can also set up ‘Navigate on Autopilot’ which allows for more advanced highway driving.

Air conditioning controls are also relegated to the screen, as is your glove box opener (which is a rather large size), side-mirror controls and much more.

It does take some time to get used to the fact that the Model Y does not have any instrument display in front of the driver, and over my 4 days of testing I regularly and accidentally found myself dismissing the speed readout due to its awkward positioning.

The steering wheel is a large, faux leather unit - again, with minimalism in mind and only two buttons.

However, it is worth noting that like the Model 3, the Tesla Model Y will receive a facelift sometime this year which will add a lot more buttons to the steering wheel and delete the stalks behind.

Device charging is never an issue with the Model Y, as you get two wireless chargers and two USB-C ports.

Practicality is great too, with a large centre tunnel and armrest, both of which have plenty of room.

In terms of comfort, the seats provide plenty of support.

It is disappointing however that Tesla has removed lumbar support for the passenger seat, and the deletion of features is unfortunately rather common with Tesla.

For instance, the radar was removed from all Model 3s and Ys from 2021, which increased reliance on the camera system that so far has been quite a downgrade.

Parking sensors are next on the list, which again will use the camera system to estimate the distance between Model Y and objects. Based on desktop research from the Model 3 Highland, this has been quite unreliable.

Contrastingly though, Tesla are renowned for OTA (over the air) updates, and are also known to add in new features like improving camera quality last year.

You win some, you lose some, as the saying goes.

What about the back seats of the Model Y Long Range?

At 5’11”, I can quite easily fit behind my driving position.

Minimalism is again the theme, though you do get 2 air vents, and two more USB-C ports.

In all honesty, you get much more backseat room in the Kia EV6 with it’s 11cm longer wheelbase, but the benefit is the sheer volume of boot space behind the second row.

How much can fit in the boot of the Model Y Long Range?

Boot space in the Model Y is very impressive. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been more wowed by cargo space.

The Tesla Model Y SUV boasts an 854-litre boot (including the giant amount of underfloor storage), which expands to 2158 litres when the 40:20:40-split rear seats are folded down.

In addition, though, you do get a ‘frunk’ (front trunk) or ‘froot’ (front boot) with 117L of boot space.

In a similar tale, the frunk did once come with some carpet liner to stop things rattling and sliding around, but this has since been deleted.

What’s under the bonnet of the Model Y Long Range?

Under the bonnet of the Tesla Model Y lineup, there's a diverse range of electric powertrains tailored to different driving preferences and needs. The entry-level Model Y RWD, despite its straightforward naming, brings a single motor configuration mounted on the rear axle. T

his motor generates 220kW of power and 330Nm of torque, offering a blend of efficiency and performance. Unique to the RWD variant is its LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery technology, which unlike the rest of the Model Y range, supports charging up to 100% capacity without significant impact on battery longevity. This model is distinguished by its 455km WLTP range and a more conservative energy consumption of 15.7kWh/100km.

Moving up to the Model Y Long Range, drivers are treated to a dual-motor all-wheel drive system that markedly increases output to 378kW and 493Nm of torque. This model, along with the Performance variant, utilises a Lithium-ion battery.

To preserve battery health, Tesla advises owners to charge these batteries to 90% for regular use, extending to 100% only for longer trips to avoid rapid degradation. The Long Range model boasts a superior 533km range on the WLTP cycle and an energy consumption rate of 14.1kWh/100km, making it the most balanced option in terms of range and performance.

For those prioritizing performance, the Model Y Performance escalates power to 393kW and torque to 639Nm. This top-tier model offers a compelling 514km WLTP range, though it has a higher energy consumption at 17.1kWh/100km, reflecting its enhanced power and acceleration capabilities.

Regarding recharging, the entire Model Y series supports AC charging up to 11kW, allowing for convenient home and destination charging. When it comes to faster DC charging, the RWD model can recharge at speeds up to 170kW, while the Long Range and Performance models increase this capability to 220kW. All models employ a Type 2 AC and CCS DC plug for versatile charging options across different infrastructures.

How does the Model Y Long Range drive?

What wins most people over when they first drive a Tesla Model Y is the feel under foot.

A quick stab of the accelerator, and you are immediately thrust back into the seat. The huge amount of torque from the electric motors, and the fantastic grip thanks to Tesla fitting decent Michelin Pilot Sport EV tyres, means that the Model Y very quickly moves off the line.

Tesla claim a 0-100km/h sprint of 5 seconds, but we timed the 0-100km/h at just 4.83 seconds - which with two people in the car, is very impressive.

In fact, it feels so fast it makes you wonder, why bother with the Model Y Performance at all? This is truly all you could ever need.

It’s also close to Tesla’s efficiency claims, with an average usage of around 15.0kWh/100km, which means my real-world maximum range was around 500km. That’s fantastic for an electric car today.

Although, of course, at 90% charge where Tesla recommends, real-world range becomes almost identical to that of the RWD Model Y at 100% where its LFP battery allows full charging. So keep that in mind, too.

Steering is also incredibly darty no matter the mode, though you can change the steering weight settings through the display relatively easily, depending on your preferences.

After its introduction to Australia, Tesla quickly addressed the biggest complaint from automotive media, which was its suspension firmness. Specifically, the dampers were so stiff that the ride had been described by some journalists off-record as intolerable.

Instead, comfort dampers have since been swapped in. And although I would not describe the firm ride as comfortable, I would certainly say it’s very European. It has an assured firmness to it, which strikes a decent balance between cornering and giving the Model Y lots of Sauce, but also day-to-day urban comfort.

I do think the Kia EV6 has a more comfortable all-round driving experience, but the Model Y certainly has a more premium feel overall and the motor tuning is simply second-to-none.

However, and this is a big however, Tesla have some issues to fix with their autopilot.

More than once, the Model Y I was driving when in Autopilot mode would slam the brakes in a phenomenon called ‘Phantom Braking’. This seemed to mostly happen when it registered a car or bike as being in my lane, despite it not. 

That’s pretty dangerous when a car is behind you, and I had to say sorry on a couple of occasions to the bewildered drivers behind me.

This is where that radar that Tesla deleted would have come in very handy to ignore the false positive reading from the camera system.

Tesla also recently issued a recall to their vehicles due to abuse of the autopilot system. Most Tesla’s are fitted with an interior camera, which monitors the driver and makes sure you are paying attention.

The fix to the recall is to temporarily ban you from using the Autopilot system. If it thinks you have not paid attention for too long, it will ban you for that drive. Do it 5 times, you will get banned for a week.

For me, I got banned from a drive for changing the music on the display. The next drive, I got banned for not giving feedback to the wheel - though I swear I was shaking the steering wheel violently to register my hands.

Really, the system is poorly calibrated, and I know as an owner, that would leave me in constant fear of getting banned from the feature I could have spent $10,100 dollars on for Full-Self Driving.

Is the Model Y Long Range Safe?

In 2022, the Tesla Model Y was distinguished as the standout vehicle by ANCAP, receiving a five-star safety rating and achieving the highest average score across the four key safety criteria compared to all other vehicles evaluated that year.

For the 2023 Tesla Model Y RWD model, it excelled in safety evaluations with scores of 97% for adult occupant protection, 89% for child occupant protection, 82% for the protection of vulnerable road users, and an impressive 98% for its safety assist features.

The vehicle comes generously equipped with a suite of standard safety technologies, ensuring comprehensive protection for its occupants and others on the road. Notable safety features include:

• Seven airbags, including a front-centre airbag
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with forward and reverse capabilities, capable of detecting cars, pedestrians, and cyclists
• Junction assist and backover prevention to mitigate accidents at intersections and while reversing
• Blind-spot assist and lane keep assist to support safe lane changes and driving discipline
• Reversing and side view cameras, complemented by front and rear parking sensors, for enhanced visibility and ease of parking
• Adaptive cruise control with stop/go functionality for comfortable and safe highway driving
• Tyre pressure monitoring and automatic high-beam for improved vehicle control and nighttime visibility
• An intelligent speed limiter to help adhere to speed regulations

Interestingly, the Model Y does not include a rear cross-traffic alert system as is commonly found in many new vehicles. However, it features a system adept at detecting and braking for moving objects, such as pedestrians and other vehicles, even though it lacks the specific functionality to alert drivers of cross traffic when reversing without motion, which is a typical feature of vehicles equipped with rear cross-traffic alert.

What are the specs and features of the Model Y Long Range?

Tesla Model Y RWD Features:

• Tinted glass roof for enhanced privacy and protection from the sun
• 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system for intuitive control
• Wireless charger accommodating two smartphones
• Luxurious leatherette interior
• Advanced HEPA filtration system for cleaner cabin air
• Premium 13-speaker audio system for superior sound quality
• Secure storage with a 1x USB-A port in the glove box
• Power adjustable front seats for optimal comfort
• Heated front and rear seats, plus a heated steering wheel for cold weather comfort
• Independent flat fold seats for versatile cargo space
• Included floor mats for interior protection
• Power folding, auto-dimming, and heated side mirrors for convenience and visibility
• 4x USB-C ports for modern device compatibility
• Tesla app connectivity for remote control and monitoring
• Standard 19-inch wheels, optional 20-inch induction wheels for a sportier look

Additional for Tesla Model Y Long Range:

• LED fog lights for enhanced visibility

Exclusive to Tesla Model Y Performance:

• 21-inch Uberturbine wheels for a distinctive style
• Performance brakes for superior stopping power
• Lowered suspension for improved handling
• Aluminum alloy pedals for a sporty touch
• Carbon fiber spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics

How much can the Model Y Long Range tow?

The 2024 Tesla Model Y has a braked towing capacity of 1600kg and an unbraked towing capacity of 750kg.

How much does the Model Y Long Range cost to run?

Owning a Tesla Model Y RWD comes with certain financial considerations that extend beyond the initial purchase price. When evaluating the cost of ownership, it's essential to look at warranty coverage, battery and drive unit longevity, and recommended maintenance schedules.

Warranty Coverage:

Tesla's warranty for the Model Y RWD may seem modest when compared to some other offerings in the Australian market, providing a four-year, 80,000km vehicle warranty. This could be perceived as a slight disadvantage for Tesla, as other manufacturers sometimes offer longer terms.

Battery and Drive Unit Warranty:

A notable aspect of Tesla's warranty is the inclusion of an eight-year or 160,000km coverage for the battery and drive unit on the RWD model (eight years or 192,000km for AWD models). This warranty guarantees at least 70% retention of the battery's original capacity over the warranty period, offering peace of mind regarding the vehicle's long-term performance and value.

Servicing and Maintenance:

Tesla's approach to servicing is somewhat unconventional, with no fixed servicing intervals. However, the company does recommend certain maintenance activities to ensure the vehicle remains in optimal condition:

• Brake fluid health check every two years
• Cabin air filter replacement every two years
• HEPA filter replacement every three years
• Air conditioning service every four years
• Regular tyre rotation and wheel balancing

What’s CarSauce’s take on the Model Y Long Range?

The Tesla Model Y stands as a testament to electric mobility's growing allure, spearheaded by its dominance in the Australian market as the top-selling electric vehicle. 

Its blend of performance, technology, and practicality, especially in the Long Range Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive variant, sets a high bar, despite its premium pricing. 

The Model Y's interior, free of animal products and equipped with cutting-edge technology, offers a unique and luxurious experience that's hard to match sub-$80,000. 

However, it's not without its quirks and areas for improvement, notably in the removal of certain features and the occasional frustrations with its advanced autopilot system.

Still, its impressive driving dynamics, coupled with substantial cargo space, make it a compelling choice for those looking to venture into electric vehicle ownership. 

While it might have its drawbacks, the Tesla Model Y's strengths in innovation and design are undeniably persuasive, making it a standout option in the EV market.