New longer-range version of popular mid-size electric SUV to arrive Down Under next month
Tesla has released Australian pricing and specification details for the 2023 Tesla Model Y Long Range, ahead of the mid-size electric SUV’s arrival from May.
Priced from $81,900 plus on-road costs, the new Long Range variant joins the existing entry-level RWD Standard Range and range-topping AWD Performance versions of the existing Tesla Model Y line-up, which is already the country’s most popular electric SUV.
That positions the new Long Range variant between the Tesla Model Y RWD ($68,900 plus ORCs) and the flagship Model Y Performance ($98,435 plus ORCs) and, critically, puts it below the federal government’s much-maligned luxury car tax threshold ($84,916 for fuel-efficient vehicles).
Compared with its more efficient and faster Tesla Model 3 Long Range sedan equivalent, the Model Y Long Range commands an $8000 price premium.
According to Tesla’s online configurator, Model Y Long Range variants ordered today are slated for delivery in May or June of 2023, meaning a one- to two-month longer wait time than other Model Y variants.
The mid-range dual-motor all-wheel drive variant unsurprisingly also bridges the gap between Model Y variants when it comes to on-road performance, with a 0-100km/h acceleration claim of 5.0sec, a top speed of 217km/h, a driving range of 533km (WLTP), a kerb weight of 1979kg and a maximum charging capacity of 250kW (as per the top-shelf Performance variant, which is also dual-motor AWD).
That makes it heavier yet quicker – and of course also gives it a longer range – than the base RWD variant, which hits 100km/h in 6.9sec, has the same 217km/h top speed, can travel up to 455km and weighs 1909kg, but can only charge at up to 170kW.
The Model Y Performance, meantime, is the quickest (0-100km/h in 3.7sec) and fastest (250km/h top speed) of the bunch – despite being the heaviest at 1997kg and offering 514km of range.
Standard Long Range equipment includes 19-inch ‘Gemini’ alloy wheels, an all-black interior with power-operated and synthetic leather-covered seats, two wireless phone chargers and four USB-C chargers. Tesla’s controversial panoramic glass roof is also standard fare.
Other highlights include power-folding, auto-dimming and heated side mirrors and automatic climate-control with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filter.
Infotainment is once again facilitated by Tesla’s mammoth 15-inch centre touch-screen display, which also displays critical driver information including speed.
On the safety front, the Model Y recently secured a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating and is fitted with Basic Autopilot, a driver-assist suite bringing autonomous emergency braking, collision warning and blind spot monitoring, among other functions.
Buyers can opt for an enhanced Autopilot package ($5100) bringing Autopilot navigation, automatic lane change, automatic parking and the Summon and Smart Summon functions. Additionally, ‘full self-driving’ capability is available for $10,100, but can’t be used legally in Australia.
There are five different exterior paint colours available. Peal White is the standard hue, while Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic and Deep Blue Metallic attract an additional $1500 charge and Red commands a $2400 premium.
Tesla still falls short of most mainstream and premium auto brands with a four-year/80,000km factory warranty (five years and unlimited kilometres is now considered the norm), although its eight-year/192,000km battery warranty is closer to the industry average and Tesla guarantees the battery won’t degrade by more than 30 per cent during that warranty period.
How much does the 2023 Tesla Model Y cost?
Standard Range RWD – $68,900
Long Range AWD – $81,900
Performance AWD – $98,435
* Prices exclude on-road costs
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Keyword: Tesla Model Y Long Range pricing announced