This is the Model Y from Tesla—their innovative, all-electric SUV that has taken the EV market by storm. 

We travelled to Tesla Manchester’s new UK headquarters to pick up the Model Y and experience the car firsthand. After an epic road trip, extensive testing, and diving deep into the specs, features, and real-world performance of this groundbreaking EV. 

 

Tesla is known for setting the bar high in the electric vehicle world, and the Model Y is a key part of that legacy. Designed as a versatile, tech-laden, and high-performance SUV, it brings Tesla’s electric innovation into a practical form that’s perfect for families, commuters, and EV enthusiasts alike. 

 

Before we dive into the review of the Model Y itself, let’s talk about our journey to Tesla Manchester. Tesla’s Manchester location has quickly established itself as a major hub for the brand in the UK, with its sleek, modern facility serving as the headquarters for Tesla’s operations in the north. We had the pleasure of visiting this state-of-the-art facility to pick up our Model Y for the review.

 

As soon as we arrived at Tesla Manchester, it was clear that this wasn’t just any car dealership. The showroom had a futuristic feel, with minimalist design, seamless technology integration, and an abundance of Tesla Superchargers located right outside, ready to juice up any Tesla models in the vicinity. It’s not just a place to buy cars—it’s an experience in itself, reflecting Tesla’s commitment to innovation.

 

The first thing that strikes you is its sleek, modern design – it sits somewhere between the Model 3 saloon and the larger Model X SUV, but it retains a unique identity. This compact crossover is designed to balance functionality with aesthetic appeal, and it does so with style.

 

The Model Y shares a similar front-end design with the Model 3, with a minimalist look that’s devoid of the traditional front grille you’d expect on an internal combustion engine vehicle. Instead, you get a smooth, aerodynamic front fascia, with sharp LED headlights that seamlessly integrate into the car's sleek lines.

 

The smoothness of the front not only looks futuristic but also contributes to the car’s low drag coefficient, improving its range and overall efficiency. The Tesla badge sits proudly at the centre of the bonnet, a subtle yet unmistakable symbol of its electric powertrain.

 

From the side, it has a distinct stance, thanks to its raised ground clearance and slightly higher roofline compared to the Model 3. The sloping roofline gives it a coupe-like silhouette, but the rear end remains upright enough to provide ample interior headroom for passengers. The flush door handles - a Tesla signature - are not only stylish but help reduce wind resistance, improving aerodynamics.

 

At the rear, the Model Y continues Tesla’s theme of minimalism. A subtle spoiler sits on the edge of the rear hatch, while the taillights are sharp and sleek, complementing the rest of the design. The rear window is relatively large, improving visibility compared to many other SUVs in its class. Tesla’s attention to detail in creating a clean, flowing design is evident throughout the exterior.

 

Step inside, and you’re immediately immersed in a world of minimalism and advanced technology. Like all Tesla vehicles, the Model Y offers a tech-centric, driver-focused interior that emphasises comfort, functionality, and cutting-edge design. The trip back from Manchester gave us the chance to experience the luxurious yet practical cabin on a long journey.

 

The dashboard in the Model Y is a masterclass in minimalism. There are no traditional buttons or dials—everything is controlled via the central 15-inch touchscreen. This giant screen is the hub of the car, providing access to every feature from navigation and media to climate control and Autopilot. The system is intuitive and highly responsive, making it easy to navigate through menus and control the car’s various functions. Plus, thanks to over-the-air updates, Tesla can add new features and improvements over time, ensuring that your car evolves long after you’ve driven it off the lot.

 

While the minimalist aesthetic is a standout feature, Tesla has not compromised on comfort. The seats are upholstered in vegan leather, and both the front and rear seats are heated. The driver’s seat offers a wide range of adjustments, and the elevated driving position provides excellent visibility. One of the highlights of the Model Y interior is the panoramic glass roof, which stretches across the length of the cabin. This not only lets in plenty of natural light but also enhances the feeling of spaciousness inside the car. The glass is UV-protected, so there’s no need to worry about overheating or glare on sunny days.

 

Thanks to its higher roofline, the interior feels more spacious than you might expect from a compact SUV. The second-row seats offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable choice for families or long road trips. The rear seats fold flat, expanding the already generous cargo space, and creating a fully flat load floor perfect for transporting larger items.

 

For those needing extra seating capacity, the Model Y offers an optional third-row configuration, expanding the seating capacity to seven. While the third row is a little tight for adults, it’s perfect for kids or short journeys.

 

Tesla excels in one of the most important areas for electric vehicles: range and charging capabilities. Whether you’re commuting to work, road-tripping across the UK, or just running errands, the Model Y’s range and Tesla’s industry-leading charging infrastructure make electric driving incredibly convenient. This network is a major advantage when owning a Tesla, especially compared to other electric vehicles. There are over 30,000 Superchargers worldwide, and they’re strategically placed near motorways and popular routes, making long-distance travel a breeze.

 

For home charging, Tesla’s Wall Connector is one of the best options. It can add up to 44 miles of range per hour, meaning your car will be fully charged overnight.

Tesla has always been as much a tech company as a car manufacturer, and the Model Y reflects that DNA. The entire car is controlled via the central 15-inch touchscreen, which serves as the command centre for navigation, media, climate control, and even driving settings. Fitted as standard is Autopilot; Tesla’s driver-assistance system that automates tasks like steering, acceleration, and braking on motorways. For most drivers, Autopilot is more than enough to handle long journeys with ease, reducing driver fatigue and making highway driving much safer.

 

The Model Y is one of the safest vehicles in its class, with top ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP). Active Safety Features include:

• Automatic Emergency Braking: This system detects obstacles and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or reduce the impact of collisions.

• Collision Warning: Alerts the driver when a collision is imminent, providing extra time to take corrective action.

• Lane-Keep Assist: Helps the driver stay within their lane by providing gentle steering inputs.

 

The Tesla Model Y is positioned as a premium electric SUV, and its price reflects that. However, given its extensive range of features, performance capabilities, and access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, the Model Y offers excellent value for money.

 

After picking up the Tesla Model Y from Tesla Manchester and spending considerable time behind the wheel, it’s clear that this SUV lives up to its reputation. Whether you’re after long-range efficiency, cutting-edge technology, or thrilling performance, the Model Y delivers on all fronts. It’s versatile enough for families, fun enough for thrill-seekers, and efficient enough for eco-conscious drivers.

 

Whichever Trim you choose, Tesla has crafted an electric SUV that is not only practical but also a joy to drive. With Tesla’s Supercharger network, Autopilot, and continuous software updates, the Model Y is more than just a car—it’s a glimpse into the future of driving.

 

 

Trim	Range		Price
Rear Wheel Drive	283 miles (19” inch)	267 miles (20” inch)	£44,990.00
Long Range AWD	331 miles		£52,990.00
Performance	319 miles		£59,990.00

 

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