The Model Y is Tesla’s fifth car to market and marks the company’s second attempt at producing a mass-market electric vehicle.
“An SUV that will ride like a sports car,” said Elon Musk at the Model Y launch event. The South African-born CEO was referring to the performance version of the SUV, which is claimed to reach 100kph in 3.5 seconds from stationary.
Models expected to be released in the second half of 2020 include a long-range ($47 000/R680 000), all-wheel drive ($51 000/R740 000), and performance model ($60 000/~R870 000). A cheaper commercial model is expected to launch in 2021.
The seven-passenger vehicle’s interior will feature a touchscreen control panel on the dashboard, similar to the Model 3. It will also sport a panoramic sunroof.
“The cool thing is, it’s ‘feature complete,’” said Musk, with reference to the fitted sensors. “It will be able to do basically anything just with software upgrades.”
