Finally, the wait is over. The world’s top EV maker Tesla is now in Malaysia officially. The American marque has just made its entry into the local market with the launch of the Model Y, the brand’s first mass-market sports utility electric vehicle.
Tesla offers the Model Y in three trims - RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance AWD in Malaysia, which are now available to order on the brand’s official online configurator. Make note the deliveries of the EV are slated to begin in early 2024.
The Model Y enjoys a tax-free status in Malaysia as it is fully exempted from import/excise duties and road tax.
Drivetrain, Range, and Charging
The base-spec variant is powered by a single rear-wheel drive motor which kicks out a maximum power of 347 hp and a peak torque of 420 Nm, enabling the EV to hit the century sprint in 6.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 217 kmph. The motor is fed by a 57.5 kWh battery pack offering a range of 430 km (on the WLTP cycle).
On the contrary, the Long Range gets the energy from a dual motor all-wheel drive setup producing 514 hp and 493 Nm. With that much grunt, the EV runs from zero to 100 kmph in 5 seconds and hits a top speed of 217 kmph. When it comes to battery, we get a larger 75 kWh unit that extends the range up to 533 km.
Lastly, the top-spec Performance trim also comes fitted with a dual-motor AWD setup, but here it generates a higher level of output compared to the Long Range. Figuratively, it makes 534 PS and 660 Nm, which is enough to achieve the century sprint in 3.7 seconds. The top speed also increases to 250 kmph, however, the range capacity reduces to 514 km.
The EV supports both AC and DC charging; the latter can go up to 250 kW in the case of AWD trims.
Dimensions
Dimensionally, the Model Y is 4,751 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall. The wheelbase is measured at 2,890 mm.
Features
Underpinning the minimalist design language, the Model Y electric SUV comes kitted with advanced features inside and out. The list covers -
- LED headlights and tail lights
- 19-inch Gemini wheels (21-inch Uberturbine wheels with the Performance AWD trim)
- Keyless entry with access card and smartphone entry
- All-vegan interior
- 15-inch touchscreen infotainment unit
- All-glass roof with UV and infrared protection film
- Dual wireless mobile charger
- Automatic climate control with HEPA air filter and Bioweapon Defence mode
- Power-adjustable front seats with heating function for the front as well as rear seats
- 13-speaker sound system
- 4 USB-C ports
- Sentry Mode video recording
- Autopilot ADAS suite (comprising autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane centring assist)
- Enhanced Autopilot at an additional cost of RM 16,000 (adding Navigate on Autopilot, Automatic Lane Change, Auto park, Summon and Smart Summon)
- Full Self-Driving package at RM 32,000 extra (adding traffic light and stop sign recognition)
Colours
Tesla EV buyers get 5 colour options to choose from - Pearl White, Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue, and Red. However, only the Pearl White tone comes at no additional cost, as for the rest of the colours, one needs to pay an extra amount - RM 5,000 for Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, Deep Blue, and RM 10,000 for Red. Additionally, the automaker charges RM 5,000 for black/white interior.
Warranty
With each purchase of the Model Y, Tesla offers a 4-year or 80,000 km basic vehicle warranty and an 8-year or 160,000 km battery warranty. The latter goes up to 192,000 km warranty in the case of the Long Range and Performance variants. Make note, the battery warranty is with minimum 70% battery capacity retention.
What do you think of the Tesla Model Y? Do you believe it's a game changer? Let us know in the comments.