- Tesla Model Y is roomier and pricier than Model 3
- Base prices range from $49,990 to $67,990
- Competes with Jaguar I-Pace
- More rivals on the way
While the Tesla Model 3 is the EV brand’s biggest seller, it’s still a sedan in a market that has embraced crossover SUVs. Enter the Tesla Model Y. With its taller stance, it mimics the SUV-to-sedan relationship between Model X and S.
So, is the Model Y going to outsell the Model 3 at some point? The short answer is it depends on pricing and competition. We did a price comparison that sheds some light on this EV’s prospects.
Tesla Model Y vs. Model 3
The compact crossover comes in two trim levels: Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range, and Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Performance. A standard rear-drive model was dropped from the launch lineup. The base price of the 315-mile Long Range is $49,990 while the Performance starts at $59,990. That model’s range lists at 291 miles.
Model Y pricing is $12,000 more than Model 3 which still offers a rear-drive Standard Range version for $37,990. The Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive Long Range Model 3 starts at $46,990 and delivers a range of 322 miles. It’s $3,000 cheaper than its Model Y counterpart. The Performance Model 3, which has a 299-mile range, costs $54,990, or $5,000 less than its Model Y sibling.
The Dual Motor Model Y and Model 3 offer about the same performance, with the Model 3 quicker to 60 mph. Its lower profile and lighter weight allow the sedan to post a 3.2-second time for the Performance model and 4.4 seconds for the Long Range version. Both are .3 of a second quicker than the Model Y.
Autopilot adds $8,000
If you decide to add the intelligent cruise control option, which Tesla refers to as Autopilot, it will cost you $8,000 more across the board. So the most expensive Model Y comes in at $67,990 to the Model 3 price of $62,990.
If you any other color than the standard pearl white, it will cost an extra grand, $2,000 if you opt for red. Upgrading from 19- to 20-inch wheels will cost another $2,000. You can add a trailer hitch for $1,000. All-in on a Model Y with all these goodies push the top price to $72,990. Tesla says it will offer a 7-seat option (with two small rear-facing jump seats) for $3,000 in 2021.
The competition
Although the Model Y starts at just under $50,000, our $73,000 build is surprisingly expensive. That said, it’s not wholly out of the realm of reality for a would-be luxury EV crossover.
Perhaps the closest competitor to the Model Y on sale right now is the Jaguar I-Pace, which starts at $69,8500. It can do 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and offers a range of 234 miles. A closer trim level to the Tesla might be the mid-range SE model which goes for $76,150 and includes 20-inch wheels over the base model’s 18-inch rims.
While it slightly slower and can’t go as far on a charge, at least on paper, even the SE will be less expensive. That’s because Tesla has no federal tax credits remaining. Jaguar, however, is privy to the $7,500 federal tax credit.
As for the interior, the I-Pace certainly can’t seat seven like the Model Y promises. That said, the Model Y’s rear five passengers might find it a bit cramped. We’ll serve final judgment in that department for when we get our hands on one, though.
Also, and this is up to personal opinion, but the Jag’s interior is, well, a real interior — in the traditional automotive interior sense. The Model Y cabin features just a couple of seats and a screen. Some buyers will prefer the sparse interior motif, though. To each their own.
Slow ramp-up of Tesla Model Y volume
Complaints on interior design and nonexistent federal tax credits aside, the big shadow looming over the Model Y is its production ramp-up. On the configurator, Tesla repeatedly reminds buyers (in small, grey type) that the 7-passenger cars aren’t slated to be built until 2021. By then, Model Y will have some new rivals.
Audi is seeing its 2021 e-tron roll into showrooms. Prices range from $65,900 to $79,100 (excluding $1,095 delivery and the $7,500 federal tax credit). Although the e-tron SUV seats only five, its cabin is larger than Model Y.
Next year Mercedes will have its EQC 400 in dealer showrooms. It’ll start around $70,000 (before tax credit) and likely do around 250 miles per charge. Again, it’ll be bigger than Model Y. That same year, BMW will put the iX3 on sale. It’s estimated to start around $55,000 (before federal tax credit).
If you want a luxury compact electric crossover and you’re not necessarily married to Tesla, you have some options — both now and in the years to come.
Tesla’s Model 3, Model S, and Model X have all done very well for themselves. That was with a comparably empty EV market. With some compelling offerings from traditional automakers coming to showrooms, Tesla has a real battle for EV supremacy on its hands.
More: KBB’s Best Electric Cars
