Elon Musk has finally completed his S3XY lineup for Tesla by launching the company¡¯s long anticipated compact SUV. Model Y, a crossover between the Model X and the Model 3, comes as the US automakers fifth car and will be available starting next fall.
Musk has introduced four different variants of the Model Y, starting at $39,000 (around INR 27 lakh) price tag. The base variant promises a range of 370 kilometers (230 miles) on a single charge.
Go for the top end variant and the same number increases to 450 kilometers (280 miles). The car also claims an impressive top speed of 240 kmph. However, one will have to shell out $60,000 (INR 41.5 lakh) for the top model, a good one-third hike from the base variant¡¯s price.
Tesla Model Y (Image: Tesla)
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The other two models include a long range Model Y promising a 482 kilometers (300 miles) range and a Dual Motor AWD option that covers 450 kilometers (280 miles) and touches a top speed of 217 kmph (135 mph). Both the models are priced at $47,000 (INR 32.5 lakh), and $51,000 (INR 35.3 lakh) respectively. While three of the models will be available sooner, the most affordable variant will roll out only by the spring of 2021.
As for the car itself, the Model Y can easily be seen as an interesting option for Tesla lovers. With a 7-passenger capacity, the compact SUV will appeal to those having an edge for the Model X and with a price tag close to that of Model 3, the car is sure to attract many more buyers than the premium Model X.
Tesla Model Y (Image: Tesla)
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The interiors of the SUV are much like the Model 3. A 5-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof and 66 cubic feet of cargo space are the major features boasted by the car. Musk says software prowess of the car is at par with the other models and all the features will just be one OTA update away. As for its safety, Musk expects a 5-star rating for the Model Y, saying ¡°This will be the safest mid-sized SUV by far,¡± at the event.
The concept of Model Y works for Tesla too. Since the new mid-size SUV is based on the Model 3¡¯s platform, the company expects to avoid the production hurdles that it faced with the Model 3. And with the growing interest around the SUVs across the globe, Tesla might have nailed the timing with the launch. Now all it has to do is make sure that the Model Y delivers on the promises and comes out as an all-rounder product.