TESLA MODEL Y Review

Tesla's Sleek, Smart, Thrilling SUV 

Editor : Mark K | Cars&TechSG

The refreshed Tesla Model Y Juniper isn't just an electric SUV — it's a statement. Sleek, agile, and packed with cutting-edge tech, it promises a driving experience that's as thrilling as it is luxurious. With futuristic interiors, advanced features, and Tesla's signature performance, the question is: does it live up to the hype? Let's find out more with this CAT B variant!

The refreshed Tesla Model Y makes a strong entrance with its minimalist yet purposeful design, staying true to Tesla's ethos while incorporating thoughtful updates. At the front, the clean fascia remains instantly recognizable, but it's the rear that steals the show with a new light bar spanning across the Tesla lettering. This red accent isn't just cosmetic—it projects onto the ground as well, adding a distinctive signature at night, and most importantly, it's VICOM approved!

Along the sides, the coupe-like roofline and flush door handles maintain the sleek profile, while large wheels give it a planted, confident stance on the road. Subtle tweaks in aerodynamics also contribute to efficiency, ensuring the Model Y looks as modern as it drives.

The minimalist dashboard remains dominated by the familiar 15-inch infotainment display, which handles nearly every function of the car. Yet despite its clean and futuristic design, the cabin avoids feeling clinical, thanks to well-judged use of soft-touch materials, discreet storage solutions, and an uncluttered layout. The elevated seating position provides excellent forward visibility, while the flat floor maximises legroom and practicality for all occupants.

Tesla's tech ecosystem is still one of the strongest in the industry, and this Model Y iteration keeps that reputation intact. The central infotainment screen is large, crisp, and responsive, housing everything from navigation to entertainment. Features like car-aoke with vocal toggles, a library of arcade games, and streaming apps turn waiting time into a genuinely enjoyable experience. More importantly, the system's mileage prediction tool calculates remaining battery percentage for your planned route and proactively suggests charging stops if necessary—a feature that reduces range anxiety and makes long trips easier to plan. Over-the-air updates continue to keep the car fresh, ensuring owners always benefit from the latest refinements.

The highlight here lies in the second row. Here, XPENG has fitted newly designed captain's chairs that are significantly wider and more luxurious than before. Inspired by zero-gravity seating concepts, they provide a lounge-like experience, complete with enhanced cushioning, improved adjustability, ventilation, and premium finishes. 

A panoramic sunroof further enhances the airy ambience, flooding the cabin with natural light by day and offering a stunning view of the night sky on evening journeys. The trade-off, however, is the loss of a central walk-through to the third row — a practical feature still retained in the Grand Seat variant, where the captain's chairs are narrower to allow aisle access. This makes the choice between the two trims a question of whether buyers prioritise outright comfort or greater everyday practicality.

The rear cabin of the Model Y has been designed with everyday usability in mind. Legroom and headroom are generous, thanks to the flat floor and high roofline, allowing three adults to sit comfortably without feeling squeezed. The panoramic glass roof extends over the second row, giving passengers an open and airy atmosphere, while the wide door openings make entry and exit easy. The seats themselves are supportive for longer journeys, with reclining backrests that add a welcome touch of flexibility. Families will also appreciate the abundance of storage cubbies, cup holders, and ISOFIX anchor points, making the rear section just as practical as it is comfortable.

Practicality remains a hallmark of the Model Y. Boot space measures roughly 854–867 litres with the rear seats upright, expanding to over 2,100 litres with them folded flat. This sheer volume makes it versatile enough for a bulky shopping haul, outdoor gear, or even a laid-back picnic setup where two adults can comfortably lie down inside. Adding to this flexibility is the frunk, which provides additional storage for smaller items. Tesla has cleverly equipped it with a drainage system, making it easy to rinse out sandy slippers or store wet gear without mess—an underrated but highly useful feature for those with active lifestyles. 

On Road Performance: 

On the move, the Model Y feels instantly familiar yet distinctly more refined. One detail that I will appreciate is the retention of the signal indicator stalk, a practical feature that keeps daily driving intuitive. Power delivery across trims is smooth, responsive, and confidence-inspiring. The entry-level RWD 110 offers around 110 kW of power, 148Bhp, 350Nm Torque, with a 0–100 km/h time of 9.6 seconds, making it COE-friendly while still perfectly adequate for urban commuting. 

Step up to the standard RWD variant and output jumps to roughly 255 kW (342 hp), with stronger torque that makes overtaking brisk and effortless. If you are a thrill-seeker, the Long Range and Dual Motor AWD trims elevate performance significantly—the Performance version can rocket to 100 km/h in just 4.3 seconds, with its 507Bhp , 590Nm Torque, placing it in sports-car territory.

Battery packs vary between 62.5 kWh in the entry models and 78.4 kWh in the higher trims, with DC fast charging up to 175 kW ensuring quick top-ups on the go. Range is another strong point: the standard RWD is rated at about 466 km WLTP, while the Long Range trims stretch that figure to around 550 km WLTP, depending on configuration and wheels. 

Despite this performance and efficiency, the ride remains impressively refined. The cabin is hushed thanks to the soundproofing, while the suspension smooths out imperfections without compromising handling. Whether weaving through traffic or cruising long distances, the Model Y strikes a fine balance between agility, comfort, and electric punch.

The Bottom Line:

This upgraded Model Y is more than just an electric SUV; it is a versatile companion that blends everyday usability with Tesla's trademark innovation. It's quick when you want it to be, quiet when you need it to be, and spacious enough to handle whatever life throws at you. 

Whether you're looking at it as a family car, a commuter, or a lifestyle vehicle for weekend adventures, the Model Y feels polished and ready for the role. It may or may not be the flashiest EV to you, but it continues to define what a modern electric SUV should be: refined, practical, and packed with technology that genuinely makes the driving experience better.

Technical Specifications 

Battery Capacity  : 101.5 kWh

Charging Time      : 10% to 80% in 20 minutes (DC Charging)

Power                     : 315 BHP 

Torque                   : 450 Nm

Century Sprint      : 7.8 secs

Range                     : 590KM (Depends on driving style)

Boot Capacity       : 755L

Road Tax                : $3163 Annually 

Official Website    : TESLA Singapore

Check out more images of the ride at our Instagram Page!