Tesla Model Y gains new long-range rear-drive variant in UK

Tesla has quietly expanded its Model Y lineup in the UK with a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant, giving buyers more range without stepping up to all-wheel drive.

The move follows the debut of Tesla’s longest-range Model Y in China late last year, where a rear-drive version claimed up to 821 km under the optimistic CLTC testing cycle. The UK version is not quite that extreme, but it still delivers an impressive 616 km of WLTP range, making it one of the longest-range electric SUVs currently available in a right-hand-drive market.

And yes, it is cheaper than the dual-motor Long Range.

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More kilometres, single motor simplicity

This new UK variant sits about 10% above the entry-level rear-wheel drive model, priced from £44,990, and slots neatly between the base version and the Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

Performance and efficiency figures are strong for a large family SUV:

• WLTP range: 616 km
• 0 to 100 km/h: 7.2 seconds
• Top speed: 201 km/h
• Energy consumption: 13.6 kWh per 100 km
• Wheel size: 19-inch Crossflow alloys

Under the floor sits a 74 kWh battery pack, according to European regulatory filings. While Tesla has not confirmed the exact chemistry, the pack is reportedly 31 kg lighter than the Lithium Iron Phosphate battery used in some existing Model Y variants.

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Interestingly, this UK specification delivers slightly less range than the version launched in mainland Europe last month, which claims 657 km WLTP and lower energy consumption of 12.7 kWh per 100 km. The difference appears linked to wheel and specification choices.

Still, over 600 kilometres of certified range in a rear-wheel drive SUV is no small achievement.

Could Australia be next?

That is the obvious question.

In Australia, Tesla currently offers three Model Y variants:

• Premium Rear-Wheel Drive with up to 520 km range
• Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive with up to 600 km
• Performance All-Wheel Drive as the flagship

Prices locally start from $58,900 before on-road costs for the single-motor version, while the Long Range AWD begins at $68,900. The Performance variant sits significantly higher and is sourced from Tesla’s German factory for Australian deliveries.

If Tesla follows the same strategy used with the longest-range Model 3 variants, this new rear-drive long-range Model Y could be a logical addition for Australia and New Zealand. It would offer buyers more highway range without the added cost and complexity of a second motor.

For now, Australians wanting maximum range still need to opt for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive, which offers 600 km WLTP and relatively short delivery wait times.

But a 615 km-plus rear-drive Model Y would slot neatly into the local market, particularly for regional drivers covering long distances where charging stops can still be spaced far apart.