Tesla China just dropped a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) Model Y SUV, flexing its muscle in the Chinese EV market. Priced at a compelling 288,500 yuan (approximately 40,400 USD), this addition to the lineup offers a staggering 821 km (510 miles) CLTC range, making it the Model Y with the longest range on offer. It’s clear Tesla wants to give consumers more options and push the boundaries of electric mobility.
Long Range, More Choices
This new RWD variant expands the Model Y family in China to four distinct options:
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Starting at 263,500 yuan (36,900 USD)
- Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): Starting at 288,500 yuan (40,400 USD)
- Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Starting at 313,500 yuan (43,900 USD)
- Model Y L (Six-seater version): Starting at 339,000 yuan (47,500 USD)
The new Long Range RWD model maintains the Model Y’s familiar dimensions: 4797mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1624mm high, with a 2890mm wheelbase. A subtle but significant exterior tweak is the integration of Tesla’s patented diffuse reflection technology at the rear, a design element set to become a recognizable signature for the latest model.
Inside the Cabin and Under the Hood
Step inside and you will find the classic Tesla interior. It features a standard 15.4-inch front touchscreen and an 8-inch rear touchscreen, both with Bluetooth connectivity. This setup ensures all occupants can enjoy media and even control seat heating. It’s designed for a comfortable and connected experience, making those long drives fly by.
Under the surface, the Long Range RWD Model Y packs a 78.4 kWh LG ternary lithium battery. This powerhouse is what gives it that impressive 821 km CLTC range. It is propelled by a single rear-wheel-drive motor, delivering a peak output of 225 kW (302 hp). This allows the SUV to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.6 seconds, with a top speed of 201 km/h. Solid numbers for a car built for efficiency and usability.
The Value Proposition and a Minor Gripe
While the new variant has a 25,000 yuan (3,500 USD) premium over the entry-level model due to its expanded range, most other specs remain unchanged. Interestingly, the audio system, which some consumers have critiqued, stays the same with only nine speakers. This has sparked some online chatter, with a few netizens even voicing their feedback directly to Tesla China Vice President Grace Tao on Weibo. It goes to show that even with impressive range, details like sound quality can make a difference to discerning buyers. Overall, this new Model Y offers a compelling blend of range, technology, and Tesla’s signature driving experience, ready to electrify more roads across China.
