Tesla has revised its Model Y lineup, launching a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant at a significantly lower price point – starting at £44,990. This represents a £4,000 reduction compared to the previous Long Range model, bringing it closer in price to competing electric vehicles from European manufacturers like Skoda and Audi.
Lower Price, Fewer Features
The price cut comes with several changes to the vehicle’s specifications. Tesla has removed some premium features to achieve the lower cost. These include the distinctive light bars on the front and rear, replaced with a simpler split-light design, and the panoramic roof. Suspension has also been simplified, swapping frequency-selective dampers for standard passive units.
Inside, Tesla has replaced the faux leather upholstery with cloth seats and reduced the size of the centre console. The sound system now features seven speakers instead of nine, and rear passengers no longer have access to a touchscreen. Even the high-end “Bioweapon Defence” air filtration system has been removed.
Range and Specifications
The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant offers a range of 383 miles on a single charge, a slight decrease of four miles compared to the previous model. This is achieved using an 82kWh battery pack, though Tesla does not officially disclose battery capacities. The base Rear-Wheel Drive model has also seen a minor improvement, now offering 314 miles of range – an increase of three miles attributed to weight reduction.
Key Changes and Market Strategy
Notably, Tesla has eliminated the physical key, requiring owners to use the Tesla smartphone app for vehicle access. The base model in the UK receives 19-inch wheels to maximize resale value, while other markets (like the US) still refer to this version as the “Standard” Model Y.
These changes signal a shift towards more competitive pricing and a simplified feature set for Tesla’s best-selling electric vehicle. The move is likely to attract price-conscious buyers while still providing a solid range and performance.
