Featured image: the_tesla_model_y/Instagram

Tesla cars are fast, high-tech, stylish, safe, and always a few steps ahead of other electric vehicles. In the spring of 2020, a new Tesla, Model Y, entered the market. It is sold in the ultra-popular and ultra-profitable midsize crossover segment. Recently, The Drive took the Y out for a spin, and here are the highlights.

Source: @Supermantibod/Twitter

Model Y (across all its trim levels) is powered by a 75-kWh battery pack powering two axle-mounted electric motors. The rear one, which is the car's main source of propulsion, is Tesla's own Permanent Magnet Switched Reluctance type. These are, basically, more efficient than most electric motors currently on the market. The front motor is a more conventional induction-type layout, providing high levels of torque at low speeds.

Total power output from this Dual Motor setup is rated at 286 kilowatts or the equivalent of 384 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. The Long-Range Model Y will rocket to 60 mph in just under five seconds, and will drive 310 miles on a single charge. Such specifications pulverize both the Jaguar I-Pace (234 miles) and Audi e-tron (204 miles). All-the-while, Model Y sports a 3,500-pound towing rating--a first in the segment.

Despite the fact that Model Y is built on the Model 3's platform, the former's wheelbase was stretched by half an inch, leading to a 2.2-inch overall length difference. The Y is also 2.8 inches wider. These dimensional changes, accompanied by the higher roofline and hatchback configuration, inevitably lead to a more spacious and practical cabin. The total cargo space is especially impressive.

Tesla does include the standard Autopilot automated driving assistance technology, which is a great travel assistant. The Full Self-Driving Capability feature remains an $8,000 option.

Photo credit: Jason Cameron via Getty Images

Particularly noteworthy is how Model Y behaves on the road. Tesla is ahead of the curve due to the way it drives and how utterly efficient its drivetrains are compared to other EVs out there. Driving the Model Y captures Tesla’s technological dominance by the way it performs and manages its range. The Model Y, even in its most basic form, is fast, smooth, efficient--and like the entire Tesla lineup, incredibly safe.

"Unsurprisingly, the Model Y will launch itself out of the hole as fast as the best sports cars, but it's the precision of its throttle pedal that's truly astonishing. One simply needs to feather it for the vehicle to get up and go swiftly. It's the kind of tactility that instantly infuses the driver with utmost confidence and control."

The verdict

"You see, what the entire auto industry needs to understand with its EV promises and shady concept cars is that Tesla is here now. Tesla is selling. And Tesla is ahead. And the more it waits before releasing its products, the harder it'll be for them to take on what was not long ago just a little California startup."

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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

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