Tesla Model Y now on sale in Australia

After months of unexplained delays, Tesla has announced that the 2022 Tesla Model Y has finally arrived in Australia and is now available to order online, with the battery-electric mid-size SUV starting from $68,900 plus on-road costs.

That represents a premium of $5000 over the related entry-level Tesla Model 3 sedan, and rules out the Model Y for the generous $3000 rebates offered in key states such as Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia that apply just below the SUV’s list price.

Lining up closely to sold-out rivals such as the Kia EV6 (from $67,990) and Hyundai IONIQ 5 (from $71,900), the first examples of the Tesla Model Y in Australia will be delivered to customers from this weekend and over the coming months to early adopters.

But buyers who place orders today face lengthy waiting times.

Tesla says to expect delivery times of up to six months for the base-grade 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD and up to nine months for the Model Y Performance.

After the first vehicles were spotted in Australia yesterday, Tesla has now confirmed that just two models will be available at launch.

These are the entry-level Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) priced at $68,900 plus on-road costs with a 455km range (WLTP).

The top-spec Tesla Model Y Performance is pegged at $98,689 plus ORCs with a 514km range (WLTP).

A third mid-series model, dubbed the Tesla Model Y Long Range, is expected to be available in 2023.

According to the Tesla website, the Tesla Model Y RWD will cost just under $75,000 once on-road costs are added, while the Performance model rises to around $105,000 to get rolling on the road.

Longer, wider and taller than the closely related Tesla Model 3 mid-size sedan, all 2022 Tesla Model Y SUVs come with a 15-inch central touch-screen system (with over-the-air software updates), twin wireless phone chargers, four USB-C ports, a single USB-A port, 13-speaker premium audio system with subwoofer and a 128GB storage device in the glove box.

Other standard equipment highlights include power-folding, auto-dimming and heated side mirrors, a panoramic glass roof, all-vegan leather-like black upholstery with power-adjustable front seats, heating for the front and rear seats and steering wheel, and automatic climate control with HEPA (high-efficiency particulate absorbing) filter.

Options include white seat upholstery ($1500), black, blue and silver exterior paint ($1500) and a red exterior hue ($2900). Of the five body colours available, only white is a no-cost option.

Base-grade Model Ys can be fitted with larger 20-inch alloy wheels ($2900) – up from 19-inch rims – while Performance models come with 21-inch alloy wheels and LED fog lights.

All Tesla Model Y EVs can be optioned with the Autopilot capability ($10,100), which includes features like full auto driving, auto parking and summon vehicle, plus a traffic light stop function.

Owners can also use their smartphone as a digital key, and the Tesla Mobile app allows for advanced remote functionality and vehicle tracking.

While there is no seven-seat option as in some overseas markets, the Model Y has a large 854-litre boot, which is considerably more than the Model 3’s 425L capacity. Factor in the cargo space of the frunk (117L) and folding the rear seats down, and total cargo capacity in the Y is 2158L.

A tow hitch is also expected to be optionally available from early 2023, with a 1587kg (3500lb) braked towing capacity.

Mirroring the Tesla Model 3 range, entry-level 2022 Tesla Model Y RWD comes with a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor that produces 220kW and drives the rear wheels through a single-speed reduction gear.

The e-motor is fed by a 62kWh lithium-ion battery pack that will provide a range of 455km (WLTP) for the 1909kg vehicle. The 0-100km/h acceleration sprint is claimed to take 6.9 seconds. Top speed is 217km/h.

The Model Y Performance packs dual e-motors and has a bigger 82.8kW battery pack, increasing range to 514km (WLTP). The twin-motor set-up also provides all-wheel drive, and provides the SUV with a lot more hustle, blasting from 0-100km/h in a sports car-like 3.7 seconds.

Top speed is limited to 250km/h, and the twin e-motors generate combined power of around 390kW.

Long Range models will get the same AWD, twin-motor layout as the Performance model, along with the larger battery pack, but will deliver an extended cruising range – possibly more than 550km.

The Model Y is compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, currently spanning 49 locations across Australia including the new V3 Superchargers that are claimed to deliver 1600km per hour.?

Like all Tesla vehicles, the Model Y is backed by a four-year/80,000km warranty, while the battery and drive unit is covered by an eight-year/192,000km warranty.

Australian-delivered Tesla Model Y vehicles are built at Tesla’s Chinese factory in Shanghai alongside the Model 3 sedan.

How much does the 2022 Tesla Model Y cost?
Model Y RWD – $68,900
Model Y Performance AWD – $98,689
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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