2023 Tesla Model Y price and specs: Popular electric SUV now most affordable yet

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All three Model Y electric SUV variants are differentiated by the drivetrain and battery pack.

The Model Y RWD has a single-motor setup and is most efficient, while Long Range and Performance models gain more powerful dual-motors for all-wheel drive and a larger battery to yield some extra driving range.

The key difference is the RWD's lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery that can recharge at up to 170kW DC (with no charge limit), while the Long Range and Performance with a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) pack peaks at up to 250kW DC speeds (with a 90 per cent charge limit recommendation).

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All three Model Y electric SUV variants share largely the same features as standard.

EDITOR'S NOTE: All prices listed below exclude Tesla’s $400 ordering fee, $1400 delivery charge, and the compulsory Luxury Car Tax (applicable on the Performance variant only).

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Model Y RWD price: $65,400 before on-road costs

The Tesla Model Y is priced from $65,400 before on-road costs for the entry-level standard range RWD variant. Key features include a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cabin filter, full panoramic fixed glass roof, and a high-tech minimalistic interior like its smaller Model 3 sedan twin on which it's based.

RWD features:

Model Y Long Range price: $78,400 before on-road costs

For $13,000 more, the Long Range gets a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, plus LED fog lights.

Long Range adds:

Model Y Performance price: $91,400 before on-road costs

Another $13,000 for the flagship Performance gains additional features, such as the more powerful drivetrain tune, 21-inch Überturbine wheels with red-painted performance brake callipers, lowered suspension, and a carbon fibre rear spoiler.

Performance adds:

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Tesla Model Y options

• Standard paint – no cost: Pearl White Multi-Coat
• Premium paint – $1500: Solid Black; Midnight Silver Metallic; Deep Blue Metallic
• Red Multi-Coat paint – $2400
• 20-inch Induction wheels (RWD and Long Range only) – $2400
• Black and white interior – $1500
• Tesla Mobile Connector trickle charging cable – $550
• Tow Package – $1970

Enhanced Autopilot – $5100:

• Navigate on Autopilot on highways (assists with lane changing and highway exits)
• Automatic lane change assist
• Automatic parking assist
• Summon (remotely move forwards and backwards)
• Smart Summon (remotely drives to owner)

‘Full Self-Driving Capability’ – $10,100:

• Enhanced Autopilot features
• Traffic light and stop sign control (slows down the vehicle while using adaptive cruise control)

Premium Connectivity – $9.99/month:

• Satellite-view maps with live-traffic lines
• Music and video app streaming
• Remote exterior and interior camera monitoring (via mobile app)
• Karaoke
• Internet browser

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As of the time of publication, the Tesla Model Y variants eligible for government incentives are summarised in the table below. Refer to the following for more information on the federal FBT exemption and state-based incentives.

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The Tesla Model Y is backed by a four-year/80,000km vehicle warranty and roadside assistance with a different battery warranty depending on the drivetrain variant.

For the base Model Y RWD, it has a eight-year/160,000km battery warranty, whereas the Model Y Long Range and Performance are covered for eight-years/192,000km. Tesla promises it’ll keep at least 70 per cent of its battery health over the coverage period.

It adopts a condition-based servicing scheme, meaning the vehicle will notify the owner when its sensors detect it’s time for check-up via the mobile app.

Tesla also recommends a range of specific routine maintenance tasks, including:

• Cabin air filter – every two years
• HEPA filter – every three years
• Tyre rotation, balance and wheel alignment – every 10,000km/if the tread depth difference is 1.5mm or more
• Brake fluid test – every two years
• Air conditioning desiccant bag – replace every four years
• Cleaning and lubricating brake callipers – every 12 months/20,000km (for cars in cold weather regions only)

The Tesla Model Y RWD compares well on paper with the similarly-priced Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Volvo XC40 Recharge electric SUVs. It has larger boot (although it's measured up to the roof, instead of the seats as per its rivals), faster 0-100km/h acceleration, and energy efficiency.

But, the EV6 and Ioniq 5 are capable of ultra-rapid charging speeds on a compatible public charging station thanks to its 800-volt class architecture.

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NOTE: Prices exclude on-road costs, mandatory $400 ordering fee, $1400 delivery charge, and the Luxury Car Tax (applicable on Performance variant only).