Nearly eight months after the company started accepting bookings for the Model Y, Tesla Malaysia will finally start delivering the electric SUV. We should mention that although the Y was the first vehicle to be introduced into Malaysia, the firm began delivering upgraded Model 3s in November of last year.
The first Model Y delivery in Malaysia is slated for the middle of this week. We can look forward to three Model Y variants, including the standard RWD model which boasts 455 km range and costs RM199,000. Above that there is the dual-motor AWD version at RM246,000 and covering 533km of range, while the Performance Model starts at RM288,000 and boasts a 0-100 km/h time of 3.7 seconds.
Like the Model 3, the black interior and white body colour come as standard fare with no extra costs involved. The choices in deep metallic blue and solid black cost RM5,000 extra. Meanwhile, prices for the Ultra Red and Stealth Grey hues are RM11,000 and RM7,500 respectively.
For an additional RM10,000, buyers who choose the base and mid-trim versions can also upgrade from 19-inch Gemini to 20-inch Induction wheels.
Customers who had previously ordered the Model Y were given the opportunity to transfer to the Model 3 without losing their RM1,000 non-refundable order fee upon the release of the enhanced Tesla Model 3 (also known as Project Highland). Although the Model 3 is the newest and greatest offering from Tesla Malaysia, waiting for the Model Y will have certain benefits.
In contrast to other Tesla models, the Model Y retains a conventional gear selector and indicator stalks behind the steering wheels in addition to its larger boot and cabin.
Even though the Model 3 has more efficiency and range, it can only reach a top speed of 201 km/h in both RWD and Long Range variants while the Model Y maxes out at 217 km/h for the RWD and LR variants. If you need more speed, go for the Performance model which can reach a top speed of 250 km/h.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
At last, the long-awaited Model Y lands in Malaysian showrooms. This will be a significant launch in the world of electric SUVs as the Y offers specs that only rival EVs can dream of—like super quick acceleration, longer range, quicker charging, and more tech. Just be aware that the Model Y is a slightly older version than the Model 3 which now features new tech that the Y does not— including ventilated front seats, ambient lighting, additional speakers, and a new 8″ screen for rear occupants.