Tesla Model Y RWD 62.5kWh Facelift Review

It's not hard to see why the Tesla Model Y found so many owners in Singapore. This five-seater SUV offers more space and versatility than the Model 3, without asking too much of a premium. For EV buyers with a $200,000 budget, the Model Y is a serious contender.

Most Model Y buyers opt for the Model Y RWD 110, the entry-level Cat A version. It is a sensible choice because it's the least expensive yet has the same standard equipment as its more expensive siblings.

However, the Model Y RWD, the mid-tier variant, is even more appealing than the RWD 110, especially if you're a fan of 'sleeper' cars.

So many EVs today use light bars that these now look common rather than cool

Hidden within

A 'sleeper' car is a high-performance vehicle that's purposely made to resemble a regular model (typically by de-badging and/or removing its body kit) so that other drivers are none the wiser - until the owner unleashes its potential.

The Model Y RWD will easily fly under everyone's radar because it looks identical to the both the RWD 110 and Long Range AWD models.

The current Model Y looks sharper than its predecessor, with both front and rear ends featuring single light bars. Uniquely, the rear light bar is tucked behind a frosted panel to create diffused illumination.

If you don't have your phone (and Tesla app) with you, a keycard can also be used to unlock and switch on the car

Frankly, the light bar is passé, but it seems like carmakers still use it for its simplicity. Whatever the reason, I hope manufacturers move away from this and onto more imaginative designs.

Now, if this is your first time in a Tesla, you're in for a shock because it doesn't have the typical components you'd find in a car. Tesla defines minimalism in a cockpit: There's no instrument panel, heads-up display or gear selector/gearshift lever. The wiper stalk is replaced by a button on the steering wheel.

All other functions and features, such as climate control, accent lighting, safety and driver assistance functions, along with drive modes, are in the infotainment system. It will take time to get the hang of this, plus the fact that you must look down and to the left to check your speed. 

The gearshift lever is now on-screen: Swipe up to select 'Drive' and swipe down to select 'Reverse'

However, after a while you'll find that the Model Y caters not just to users who want to explore every feature and play every game, but also to drivers like this writer who just need to adjust a few things before setting off.

I was primarily concerned with keeping the brake regeneration on, selecting the right hue for the accent light, adjusting the temperature, and choosing a playlist from the integrated Spotify app.

The biggest bugbear is Tesla's lack of support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I prefer Waze to the native navigation app for avoiding congestion and being notified of speed traps, but it's not available here.

The rear 8.0-inch touchscreen is handy (though awkwardly placed), and the massive boot can swallow everything from large luggage to golf bags

Big on practicality

The Model Y impresses with its plentiful backseat space, thanks to the 2,890mm wheelbase and flat rear floor. Accommodating three adults is easy, and they even have an 8.0-inch touchscreen to access music and games. However, its low placement makes using it tricky.

Also lower than expected is the rear bench. While most SUVs have elevated, theatre-style seating in the back, the Model Y does not. Passengers here don't have as much forward or lateral visibility, but they can admire the sky through the panoramic roof.

That said, the low seating position serves a functional purpose: It is level with the boot floor, so when the backrests are folded (electrically, for convenience), the cavernous 2,022-litre cargo capacity can be fully utilised.

With 342bhp instantly available, driving the Model Y RWD can be either a relaxing or an exciting endeavour

Power-packed delivery

With its single motor producing 255kW (342bhp) and 450Nm of torque, the Model Y RWD is no slouch. It finishes the century sprint in 5.9 seconds, or 3.7 seconds quicker than the Model Y RWD 110.

The downside is the cost of this added performance. In terms of payments, the Model Y RWD costs an extra $182 a month over the Model Y RWD 110. But the real kicker is the $1,916 jump in annual road tax from $1,560 to $3,476. Ouch.

Then again, a driver keen on the Model Y RWD will find reasons to justify the increased running costs. For instance, you can't put a price on effortless performance even with a full passenger load. From overtaking to plugging gaps in traffic, it's always better to have more instead of fewer ponies at your disposal.

Asking the navigation system to direct you to a Supercharger also instructs the car to prime the batteries for charging

The Model Y RWD handles well considering its size and heft. Its nose feels pointier than expected and doesn't mind being hustled around corners. The only thing that felt odd was the steering, which suddenly becomes lighter in the middle of a turn.

Obviously, this isn't a deal-breaker, but it is strange because the Model 3's helm is both well-weighted and accurate. Why isn't this the case here?

More consistent steering weight and feedback would further polish the Model Y's driving experience

Responsible for the Model Y's nimbleness is the well-judged suspension, consisting of double wishbones in front and a multi-link setup in the rear. Though slightly on the firm side, the Model Y is never jarring, even when going over metal speed bumps.

And thanks to the use of acoustic glass and improved sound deadening, the Model Y is also quiet and refined on the go. There's no wind noise even at expressway speeds, which enhances occupant comfort.

Fit for purpose

The Model Y RWD delivers on its promises. Though not easy for newbies to get to grips with at first, driving it soon becomes second nature. Supercharging it is equally seamless, too: There are no QR codes to scan; just plug it in and walk away.

My only gripes are the lack of an instrument panel and wiper stalk, and the fact that the external cameras don't always work in dim lighting, which restricts the use of Autopark to well-lit conditions. There are higher running costs to consider, too.

But if you value performance, the Model Y RWD's zippy personality makes up for these shortcomings. Commutes and errands are more easily accomplished here, and the fact that it's also a 'sleeper' car doesn't hurt either.

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