2022 Tesla Model Y: Rear-wheel-drive model updated in China
Tesla has revised its rear-drive Model Y SUV for 2022, with new features and a price increase – but a second and a half added to the 0-100km/h time.
The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive 2022 Tesla Model Y has had its performance capabilities slashed in China, as part of an update – but there’s still no official word on when the electric SUV range will arrive in Australia.
Mirroring updates to the Model 3 sedan late last year, the ‘base’ Model Y – now known simply as the ‘Model Y’, replacing Tesla’s Standard Range badge – now claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 6.9 seconds, down one and a half seconds from the outgoing model’s 5.4-second claim.
The Model 3 also had its performance reduced late last year – but its 0-100km/h time only rose by half a second (5.6 to 6.1 seconds), and was accompanied by a larger 62kWh battery capable of 491km of range, up from 448km.
Tesla claims 545km of driving range for the entry-level Model Y – up from the 525km NEDC figure previously claimed, but this increase is believed to be due to the change in testing procedure, rather than a mechanical upgrade – increasing to 660km and 615km for more expensive variants.
Prices for the rear-drive model increased on January 1 by 21,088 Chinese yuan ($AU4650) to ¥301,840 ($AU66,500) – accompanied by double-glazed rear windows, a new lithium-ion 12-volt battery (rather than lead-acid), and a more powerful AMD Ryzen infotainment processor (as reported by Drive Tesla Canada).
Despite the updates in China – where the Model Y is expected to be built for local showrooms – Tesla Australia is still yet to confirm when the new Model Y will launch in Australia, though the commencement of local deliveries sometime in 2022 is likely (click here for more details).
Tesla has certified three model variants for sale locally: a rear-wheel-drive base model with one 255kW motor and a 62.28kWh battery, a dual-motor Long Range with 378kW, all-wheel drive and an 82.8kWh battery, and a flagship Performance with 393kW, and the larger battery and AWD.
Using overseas markets as a guide, prices are likely to start from $65,000 to $70,000 before on-road costs for the entry-level Model Y, and top out at between $95,000 and $100,000 for the flagship Model Y Performance variant.
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