Tesla Model Y Australian pricing leaked

Tesla looks set to bolster its position as Australia’s top-selling EV brand with sharp pricing for its first mid-size SUV, the Tesla Model Y, which is now in right-hand drive production in China alongside the popular Model 3 sedan on which it’s based and expected to become the US electric car maker’s top-selling model Down Under.

A report published by

The entry-level Tesla Model Y single-motor RWD variant will apparently be available alongside the top-spec Tesla Model Y Performance dual-motor AWD flagship, priced at $98,172 plus ORCs, forming a two-grade model range.

The leaked prices were communicated to ‘corporate customers’, according to the report, and indicate the Model Y will be positioned just $4000 higher than the Model 3 at base level, following the mid-size electric sedan’s most recent entry price increase, to $63,900 plus ORCs.

A sub-$68K starting price would see the Model Y undercut not only the Hyundai IONIQ 5 (from $72,990) and premium mid-size electric SUVs such as the BMW iX3 ($114,900), but conventional German rivals like the Audi Q5 ($72,700) and BMW X3 ($74,900).

It’s not clear when Tesla will officially announce Australian pricing and open the local order book for the Tesla Model Y, but it seems Tesla is preparing an Australian market launch in the coming months, so we could see first arrivals by around mid-2022.

According to the official Tesla website, Aussie versions of the Model Y SUV will only be offered in five-seat configuration at this stage, meaning we may not see the seven-seat version here.

First revealed in March 2019, the Tesla Model Y is smaller than the Model X large SUV but slightly larger and more practical than the Model 3 sedan, which was Australia’s best-selling passenger car last month.

The Tesla Model Y shares many components with the Model 3 sedan, which means the entry-level single motor rear-drive model is expected to have a circa-250kW single-motor, rear-drive arrangement, and should deliver a range of around 450km (WLTP) thanks to a 56kWh battery pack.

The top-spec dual-motor AWD version should be good for around 400kW of power, ensuring an ultra-fast 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds. It will get a larger battery – with a capacity of around 75kWh – ensuring a range of around 480km (WLTP).

A third Model Y variant that mirrors the Telsa Model 3 sedan’s Long Range AWD model is expected to materialise in due course, and was road-tested by carsales in China in late 2021.

The Long Range AWD twin-motor model will deliver slightly less power than the Performance version but greater range, tipped to be roughly 507km (WLTP).

Tesla Model Y EVs are expected to feature a similar equipment levels to the Tesla Model 3, such as a single 15.0-inch central touch-screen that doubles as an instrument cluster. Heated, power-adjustable and leather-accented seats, wireless phone charging and a panoramic glass roof should be standard on all models too.

Measuring 4750mm long, the Tesla Model Y is a bigger vehicle than the Toyota RAV4 (4600mm) and offers up plenty of boot space – 854 litres. By comparison, the Tesla Model 3 has 425 litres of boot space.

The Tesla Model Y’s boot expands to 2158 litres with the rear seats folded and there’s also a frunk adding 117 litres of cargo space.

Tesla has been doing a roaring trade in Australia of late. The pioneering US EV brand is the country’s top-selling EV brand with just over 12,000 Tesla Model 3s finding homes in 2021.

As the mid-size SUV segment is the most popular vehicle segment in Australia, the new Tesla Model Y is expected to generate a considerable amount of buyer interest – assuming the US car-maker can maintain supply levels.

Stay tuned for more Aussie details and our first local drive of the Tesla Model Y soon.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model Y cost?
Single motor RWD – $67,990
Performance AWD – $98,172
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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