In 2023, the Tesla Model Y emerged as the top-selling car globally, across all types of engines, with a staggering 1.23 million units sold. Yet, as we approach the end of 2024, does it still hold up against the competition? During a test drive of the Tesla Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive—a video will be available soon—I’m excited to share 5 compelling reasons to consider this SUV from Tesla, especially as the tax incentive is expected to decrease in 2025 and a new model, "Juniper," is anticipated to launch in a few months.
Reason #1: Spaciousness!
Despite its relatively compact length of just 4.75 meters, the Tesla Model Y is the electric SUV with the most cargo space—offering up to 854 liters of trunk volume!
This well-designed space easily accommodates very tall and lengthy suitcases, strollers, and everything needed for a vacation for five people without any hassle!
In our Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive 5-seater version, the trunk even includes two sub-trunks, with the larger one capable of fitting at least two carry-on suitcases or large sports bags. No other model offers such extensive space at the back!
Additionally, a nearly unique feature is the 117-liter front trunk where you can store charging cables, accessories, and even some dirty items since its plastic lining is easy to clean. For trips, it can hold two carry-on suitcases. Within the entire Volkswagen group, only the Porsche Macan and the Audi Q6 offer a “frunk,” though with much smaller capacities (64L).
Families with three children will also appreciate the ability to fit three car seats in the back without any issues, with two ISOFIX anchors on the side seats. Although the center seat is slightly firmer due to the folded armrest, it’s wide enough to accommodate three adults or three child booster seats.
Reason #2: The Best System on the Market?
It’s often said that a Tesla is like a smartphone on wheels, and this isn’t a criticism. Before designing the car, Elon Musk conceptualized the entire technical platform, encompassing both software and hardware, similar to designing a Mac or an iPhone.
Despite recent advancements by Android Automotive, models like Rivian, and Chinese systems (XPeng, BYD) that also run on Android, Tesla’s system remains the most cohesive and possibly the most comprehensive.
Firstly, Tesla likely has the most reliable system on the market: bugs are rare, interfaces are responsive, and crashes are nearly non-existent—all with a user interface (UI) on par with Apple’s best OS.
Moreover, the range of applications is the broadest available: games, a web browser, GPS, Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify… CarPlay is almost unnecessary in these vehicles, except maybe for Waze, and even then, speed cameras are now integrated into the GPS.
More impressively, the 3D representation of the environment is stunning: cars, trucks, pedestrians, cyclists, pickups, trash cans, cones, red lights… You can even see turn signals and brake lights of the cars ahead! This is reassuring regarding the current and future autonomous driving capabilities, as the vehicle can reliably recognize its entire surroundings.
And the mobile app is both simple and comprehensive, nearly unmatched in the market. Even though BMW and Mercedes offer quite comprehensive features, Tesla’s interface remains the best thought out, customizable, and gives access to almost everything: trunk and frunk, horn, lock/unlock, air conditioning, individual heated seat settings, tire pressure, route planning (with charging stations), interior temperature, remote updates… and even the ability to summon the car to you (limited in Europe).
Lastly, Tesla is one of the few to offer a smartphone key, which can be shared and even used on the Apple Watch: yes, your watch becomes your car key. In case of issues, a simple RFID card serves as a backup key and fits easily in a wallet. Only BMW and Volvo/Polestar offer something similar currently.
Reason #3: Sentry Mode
When parking on certain streets or in some supermarket, hotel, etc., parking lots, it’s common to cross your fingers hoping no one damages your vehicle.
With Sentry Mode, you can leave your car with peace of mind! The vehicle uses its radars and cameras to monitor its surroundings. If a person or another vehicle gets too close, all cameras will record a few minutes (before and after the incident), allowing you to provide footage to the police or your insurer.
The downside is that this system consumes about 1% of battery every two hours, as the cameras continuously record the environment to a USB drive located in the glovebox (which can be locked). Tesla has promised to improve the efficiency of Sentry Mode, so it will only need to be activated when the environment demands it.
Another feature of this “sentry” is that it doubles as a dashcam while driving: a honk or a tap on the screen allows you to record the scene (on all cameras), which is useful for documenting a close call, an accident, or a failure to yield, for example. If someone behaves badly on the road, it’s also a means of leverage if the person threatens you.
Did you know that almost no premium manufacturer offers an equivalent feature?
Reason #4: Superchargers
While the public network of rapid charging stations has expanded significantly, Tesla remains the absolute reference on many criteria with its 1,000 stations spread throughout Europe.
Firstly, the availability rate of chargers is the highest of all operators: it’s very rare to find a Supercharger out of order or in poor condition. Furthermore, the number of chargers is often very high, with 20 to 30 at the most recent stations and at least a dozen at older ones.
When you have a Tesla, you never waste time plugging in: the car is recognized automatically without needing to swipe a card, pull out an app, or use a credit card… Elon Musk invented “plug&charge” ten years ahead of everyone else.
With full integration into the route planner, you can literally trust your grandmother with the car without worrying whether she’ll manage to charge it or reach the charging station: Tesla takes care of everything, including pre-heating the battery—just follow the directions.
Finally, with prices between 30 and 40 cents on average, and without a subscription, these are among the lowest prices for rapid charging, especially so close to highways.
Reason #5: Price to Range Ratio
In recent years, Tesla has dramatically reduced the prices of its Model Y, especially in France with an eco-bonus of €4,000.
As of this writing, you can get a Rear-Wheel Drive version for just €40,990 (with the bonus and even €40,240 with a referral link). Add €2,000 (€42,990), and the range increases from 455 to 600km WLTP, which is about 340km on the highway at 130km/h, compared to about 250km with the base version.
In the city, the car can easily travel up to 500km thanks to record low consumption. Even without a home charging point, you might only need to charge it once a week!
Moreover, with our referral link, you can save an additional €500 to €750 off the final price, as of this writing. It’s worth noting that at Tesla, almost everything is standard: heated seats, heat pump, semi-autonomous driving, panoramic roof… Only the color, tow hitch, and wheels are optional.
A new model is expected by mid-2025, but at what price? With a reduced bonus for deliveries after mid-February 2025 and a likely move upmarket, it’s highly probable that this version will be more expensive. Additionally, the elimination of stalks has not been universally well-received on the Model 3, which might help make up your mind…