For a number of years, the Tesla Mannequin Y has held the title of the best-selling electrical automobile (EV) in Australia and plenty of components of the world. The launch of the refreshed Mannequin Y, that includes important updates in each design and efficiency, marks a pivotal transfer for the corporate.
Just lately, I had the chance to drive this up to date automobile round vibrant city streets, highways, and the picturesque countryside of Victoria. After my time behind the wheel, it’s clear the Mannequin Y has change into considerably higher.
Tesla has been conscious of its prospects’ suggestions, enhancing optimistic options whereas addressing areas for enchancment. The result’s a automobile poised to draw much more consumers within the years forward.
The developments prolong throughout a number of domains, noticeably enhancing trip consolation, dealing with, steering precision, infotainment techniques, autopilot efficacy, security, and, critically, general effectivity.
The Mannequin Y I examined was the dual-motor Lengthy Vary variant, boasting a beginning worth of $68,900 earlier than further prices. With the non-obligatory Quicksilver paint priced at $2,600, this mannequin showcases a claimed vary of 551 kilometers in line with the WLTP cycle. That is doable because of a bigger battery pack estimated at round 80 kWh, surpassing the entry-level RWD’s approximate 60 kWh battery.
The Lengthy Vary’s powertrain allows acceleration from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds — a trait that’s extraordinarily helpful when overtaking on the freeway or in city settings.
### A Design Impressed by the Future
An instantly noticeable change is the recent design, now incorporating a full-width gentle bar harking back to Tesla’s Cybertruck and the upcoming Robotaxi, the Cybercab. This lighting function enhances the Mannequin Y’s presence on the highway, making it simpler to identify.
Within the rear, the same gentle bar creates an attention grabbing afterburner impact whereas driving, and that is significantly gorgeous when signaling at evening. The brand new {Hardware} 4.0 facet repeater cameras permit for the purple glow from the sunshine bar to be displayed on the display screen’s blind spot monitor—a pleasant contact in design.
### Distinctive Adaptive Headlights
The up to date Mannequin Y options a powerful auto excessive beam system that makes use of matrix adaptive headlights, strategically positioned beneath the sunshine bar. These adaptive headlights excelled throughout evening drives, illuminating the freeway successfully whereas dimming for oncoming automobiles.
This know-how outperformes many higher-end automobiles I’ve examined lately, highlighting Tesla’s dedication to enchancment primarily based on buyer suggestions, leading to a safer driving expertise at evening.
### Unmatched Cabin Quietness
Tesla has targeted on decreasing cabin noise within the new Mannequin Y, claiming it’s over 20% quieter than its predecessor. That is noticeable throughout high-speed drives and is attributed to the addition of acoustic glass in varied components of the automobile, together with the roof. Conversations and calls made inside the automotive have additionally improved because of upgraded cabin microphones, making for a extra nice expertise.
### Enhanced Audio System for Fans
Tesla has additionally made important strides within the audio expertise inside the cabin. The sound system, outfitted with 16 audio system and a subwoofer within the Lengthy Vary mannequin, creates an immersive listening surroundings that rivals high-end techniques in different manufacturers. Even streaming music from platforms like Spotify is an fulfilling expertise.
Not like many automakers that companion with exterior manufacturers for his or her audio techniques, Tesla’s setup stands out by itself, arguably deserving a singular designation like “Tesla Acoustics” as a result of distinctive high quality.
### Driving Dynamics: SUV Meets Sports activities Automotive Efficiency
Whereas the earlier iteration of the Mannequin Y dealt with nicely, the 2025 mannequin has developed to exhibit the driving dynamics of a sports activities sedan, significantly on winding roads. In metropolis driving, it appears like every other Mannequin Y, however on more difficult terrains, it actually shines.
The upgraded suspension gives a planted really feel, enhancing consolation on bumpy roads. Tesla claims this new suspension absorbs bumps 51% higher than the earlier mannequin, resulting in a composed trip throughout varied driving situations.
### Business-Main Effectivity
The Mannequin Y is a virtually two-ton automobile with a long-range functionality. Regardless of its dimension, it units a excessive customary for effectivity amongst electrical SUVs. Throughout assessments, I recorded a powerful effectivity of 13.6 kWh/100 km whereas driving at freeway speeds with heating parts activated on cooler mornings.
As compared, rivals just like the dual-motor BYD Seal sedan eat over 16.5 kWh/100 km. The brand new Mannequin Y not solely outperforms different EVs, however its aerodynamic enhancements have achieved a drag coefficient of 0.22, 4% higher than its predecessor.
### Superior Autopilot Options and One-Pedal Driving
Tesla’s Autopilot has additionally seen notable enhancements within the new Mannequin Y. Activating it’s simple, and it makes freeway journey considerably smoother. The system handles pace adjustments successfully with out hesitation round bends or in less-than-ideal climate.
Moreover, one-pedal driving has been made extra user-friendly with adjustable ranges, catering to a wider vary of driver preferences. It permits for seamless management whereas reversing, offering added security and comfort.
### Spectacular Charging Capabilities
Tesla drivers profit from an in depth community of superchargers, offering easy accessibility to fast charging options throughout the nation. In a current check, I skilled the potential to cost from 29% to 80% in roughly 20 minutes on the Brighton supercharger.
### Enhanced Rear Consolation and New Options
Enhancements have additionally been made for rear passengers, with a extra supportive seat design and the addition of an leisure display screen, which permits for a variety of actions resembling watching YouTube or adjusting automobile settings.
### Conclusion
My time with the Mannequin Y makes it clear that Tesla has considerably upgraded this already well-liked automobile. These enhancements recommend that it’ll proceed to dominate the market as Australia’s best-selling EV, with additional efficiency choices arriving sooner or later.
Finally, the up to date Mannequin Y demonstrates Tesla’s adeptness at mixing innovation with consumer suggestions, solidifying its place on the forefront of the electrical automobile business.
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