Long-awaited, the premium electric vehicle (EV) arena in Malaysia welcomes yet another new contender into the fold, the Tesla Model Y.

It is the company’s latest all-electric crossover SUV, which also underpins the same platform as the Tesla Model 3 sedan.

Five exterior colours. Pearl White Multi-Coat (standard), Red Multi-Coat (MYR 10,000), Solid Black (MYR 5,000), Midnight Silver Metallic (MYR 5,000), and Deep Blue Metallic (MYR 5,000).

Fully-imported (CBU), three variants are on offer. Tesla Model Y RWD (MYR 199,000), Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (MYR 246,000) and Tesla Model Y Performance AWD (MYR 288,000). Prices are on-the-road and without insurance. 

Included is a Basic Vehicle Warranty (four-year/80,000 KM), plus a Battery and Drive Unit Warranty (eight-year/160,000 KM - Model Y RWD, eight-year/192,000 KM - Model Y Long Range AWD and Model Y Performance AWD).

Base prices (w-w/o add-ons) aside, total costs take into account the delivery and admin fee (MYR 500), number plate fee (MYR 200) and non-refundable order fee (MYR 1,000).

Opened for bookings, what’s due today will only be a deposit payable through bank cards, with estimated deliveries starting early 2024.

For a purchase, surge over to Tesla Malaysia’s official website (Tesla Malaysia configurator), and select a preferred model (Tesla Model Y - w-w/o add-ons).

Note. For newly registered CBU Tesla EVs, they currently benefit from a full import and excise duties exemption, and 100% road tax exemption. The prices still include SST, which is only exempted for locally-assembled (CKD) EVs at the moment.

Tesla owners may also claim individual income tax relief (MYR 2,500) for the assessment year of 2023, on expenses related to installation, rental, purchase, hire-purchase equipment, and EV charging facility subscriptions.

Weighing in at 1,909 KG (Model Y RWD), 1,979 KG (Model Y Long Range AWD), and 1,995 KG (Model Y Performance AWD), the Model Y stands at 4,751 MM long, 1,921 MM wide, 1,624 MM tall, and with a wheelbase spanning 2,890 MM.

Steadily smooth and electrifyingly sporty, it exudes a borderline low-sitting exterior with a tapered waistline cabin.

The front-end sees an inward-curved full-faced bumper (grille-less), seamlessly merged with the hood, creating a sense of flow towards its roofline (glass roof).

Uniquely futuristic, clean contours and fluidity command the entire outlook, completing a strong character.

Minimalistic, solid and neatly sculpted, its rear-end boasts a coupe-esque roofline with fairly-wide rear quarter panels.

Accentuating the look is its rakish rear window that flows into the boot, which is paired to a boot-lid spoiler (carbon-fibre - Model Y Performance AWD).

Completing the layout, fitted is a body-coloured bumper with integrated black cladding, matching the rest of the body (front bumper, front-rear fenders, lower doors). 

Slim and eye-drop-like, it gets a set of headlamps perfectly shaped for its low prowling body. They are full LED units with LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), automatic On/Off and high beam functions, and welcome lights. 

The wraparound tail lamps have a very sleek outlook, accentuating the clean, sporty and minimalistic rear layout well. They are full LED units with welcome lights and sequential turn indicators.

The side mirrors are electronically adjusted and power folded, with approach lights, auto-dimming and heating function.

Fitted are ventilated disc brakes, measuring 355 MM (front) and 335 MM (rear). Also present is the regenerative braking system.

Standard fitment for variants Model Y RWD and Model Y Long Range AWD is a set of 19-Inch Gemini aluminium rims (optional - 20-Inch Induction rims - MYR 10,000).

Whereas, variant Model Y Performance AWD rides on a set of 21-Inch Uberturbine aluminium rims.

The Model Y has a futuristic, simple and cleanly built dashboard, projecting an airy ambience with luxury craftsmanship all around.

Decked with all-black panels and silver trimming, the dash that’s commanded by a 15-Inch infotainment unit is paired to an elevated style centre console.

Overall clean and seamlessly designed, every accessibility can be touch-controlled, and is user-friendly for the driver.

Installed is a 15-Inch high-definition touchscreen central unit (instrument cluster/infotainment combo). 

Interior of the five-seater is upholstered in vegan leather. Standard finish is all-black (optional - black/white - MYR 5,000).

The front seats feature power adjustments (12-way) and heating functions. The rear seats get heating functions and a 60:40 split-fold configuration.

Courtesy of its central-underfloor-mounted EV battery and borderline wide body, these elements provide the e-crossover with an interior space comparable to large SUVs. 

Overall, it offers generous head, shoulder and leg rooms, thus front and rear occupants get ample space.

Mounted is a three-spoke steering wheel, wrapped in black leather. It features multi-switches (media, vehicle settings), column adjustments (tilt, telescopic), heating function, and an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system.

It has several storage areas. E.g., centre console armrest storage (tiered), side door and back seat pockets, and a decent-sized glove box.

There are four cup holders, two located in the front centre console and two in the rear centre armrest. Also, there are four bottle holders, located at each side door pocket.

Installed are four USB-C ports (two-front, two-rear), and a dual-wireless charger (centre console).

Power-operated, its main boot has a load capacity of 854-Litres (2,041-Litres - rear seats folded), while its frunk (front trunk) provides up to 117-Litres.

The Model Y features the following Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). Standard, they are Tesla Basic Autopilot (Level 2 autonomous driving system), Sentry Mode (360-degree camera, dashcam), emergency braking, collision warning, and blind spot monitoring. Other accompanying systems are Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control (TCS), Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC), and Hill-Descent Control (HDC).

Optional is Tesla Enhanced Autopilot (MYR 16,000), which includes Navigate on Autopilot, Auto Lane Change, Autopark, Summon and Smart Summon (summon parked Tesla via Tesla app). 

Another optional add-on is Full Self-Driving Capability (MYR 32,000), which includes all functionality of Basic Autopilot and Enhanced Autopilot. Constantly updated via over-the-air software updates.

Passive safety includes airbags (front, sides, curtains), seat belts (reminders, pre-tensioners, anchors), ISOFIX, parking sensors (front, rear), parking cameras (front, side, rear), door ajar warning, impact sensors, crash sensors, and security alarm.

All variants come with Acceleration Mode (Standard, Chill, Sport). Variant Model Y Performance AWD adds on a Track Mode.

Installed is a 15-Inch high-definition touchscreen central unit (infotainment/instrument cluster combo). The system supports camera views (live traffic feed), navigation, media, and in-car Wi-Fi.

The sets of ADAS will make long and short journeys less tiresome, a lot safer, and at the same time easing the day-to-day manoeuvrability of the e-SUV. 

Fitted is a Premium Audio setup, featuring 13 speakers, one subwoofer and two amps.

Embedded in the Model Y is a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor. 

Variant Model Y RWD features a single-motor rear-mounted setup, generating 347 HP/255-KW and 420 NM of torque.

Variant Model Y Long Range AWD features a dual-motor front- and rear-mounted setup, generating 415 HP/378-KW and 493 NM of torque.

Variant Model Y Performance AWD features a higher-tuned, dual-motor front- and rear-mounted setup, generating 534 HP/393-KW and 493 NM of torque.

All variants feature a single-speed reduction gear automatic transmission.

Power is transmitted to the rear wheels (RWD - Rear-Wheel Drive) for variant Model Y RWD, and to all four wheels (AWD - All-Wheel Drive) for variants Model Y Long Range AWD and Model Y Performance AWD.

Variant Model Y RWD accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 6.9 seconds and has a top speed of 217 KM/H. 

Variant Model Y Long Range AWD does 0 to 100 KM/H in 5.0 seconds (Acceleration Boost - 4.5 secs) and top speed is 217 KM/H. 

Variant Model Y Performance AWD does 0 to 100 KM/H in 3.7 seconds and top speed is 250 KM/H. 

Underpinned in all variants is a 400-V electrical architecture. 

Variant Model Y RWD features a 62-KWH Lithium-Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery, yielding a maximum driving range of 455 KM (WLTP), fully charged (DC charging – 170-KW). 

Variant Model Y Long Range AWD features an 82.1-KWH Lithium-Ion battery, producing a maximum driving range of 533 KM (WLTP), fully charged (DC charging – 250-KW). 

Variant Model Y Performance AWD features an 82.1-KWH Lithium-Ion battery, providing a maximum driving range of 514 KM (WLTP), fully charged (DC charging – 250-KW).

The Model Y features smart entry system with automated-doors (key fob, key card, phone key), panoramic acoustic glass roof (tint protection - ultraviolet, infrared), dual-zone auto-climate control (HEPA filtration system with Bioweapon Defence Mode), Cabin Overheat Protection (cabin cooling), multi-function steering wheel (heating function, column adjustments), auto-dimming rear-view mirror (interior, exterior), power adjustable seats (front-12-way, heating function), vegan leather (easy cleaning, highly-durable), interior lighting, front and rear armrests, 360-degree camera, parking sensors (front, rear), Tesla Mobile App, rain sensing headlights and wipers, auto headlamps, voice control and speed sensing door locks.  

There are air-conditioning vents present in the rear cabin.

Innovatively, by positioning the battery low in the centre of the e-SUV, it allows for a perfect 50:50 weight distribution and a low centre of gravity.

For all variants, the front features an independent suspension setup (double wishbone, coil springs (helical springs), telescopic shock absorbers, anti-roll bar with stabiliser link/bar). 

Whereas, the rear features an independent setup (multi-link, coil springs (helical springs), telescopic shock absorbers). Variant Model Y Performance AWD adds on a lowered suspension. 

Overall, it is very spacious with firm handling and is very suitable as a daily driver. Inside and out, performance- and comfort-wise, the ride quality is satisfactory.

Good sound insulation with the NVH aspects accounted for. The cabin is acoustically designed, to enhance the in-car ambience and block out exterior noises.

It features encapsulation around the e-motors to reduce vibration and an acoustic glass roof (tint protection - ultraviolet, infrared).

All in all, the cabin is able to suppress unwanted noises well and make them barely noticeable, even when cruising through bumpy asphalts or at all speeds.