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Tesla Model Y still months away, expected in Australia late 2021 or early 2022

The upcoming electric SUV is underpinned by the same platform as the Model 3 sedan, and starts from $51,990 across the Pacific.


The Tesla Model Y SUV is expected to arrive in Australian showrooms during late 2021 or early 2022, according to several employees of the electric vehicle manufacturer.

Exact timing will not be officially confirmed – even to staff – until the vehicle appears on Tesla’s online configurator. However, Drive understands local service centres are operating under instruction delivery is likely within six to nine months.

The Tesla Model Y – which is already on sale in the US – is underpinned by the same architecture as the Model 3 sedan. Largely mirroring its smaller stablemate, the upcoming SUV will be offered in Long Range and flagship Performance guise.

Both variants feature dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. The former will reach 60mph (97km/h) from a standstill in a claimed 4.8 seconds, while the latter sees that figure fall to a supercar-rivalling 3.5 seconds.

Range according to the US' EPA test cycle is quoted at 525km and 488km respectively.

Until recently, an entry-level Standard Range variant was offered, deriving power from a single electric motor on the rear axle. This allowed the benchmark 0-100km/h to be completed in a claimed 5.5 seconds, onto an electronically-limited top speed of 217km/h. Range was quoted at 393km on the EPA cycle.

In the US the Model Y starts from US$51,990 (AU$67,000) before government subsidies are applied, while the equivalent Model 3 is priced at $44,690 (AU$57,600) – this equates to an approximately 16.3 per cent difference between the sedan and SUV variants.

Assuming a similar pricing structure is applied Down Under, expect the high-rider to start from just under $75,000 before on-road costs.

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William Davis

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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