Leasing.com drives the Cybertruck: Would it ever work in the UK?

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Author: | Updated: 28 Jan 2025 21:19

It’s not often we bring you a review of a car you can’t lease, let alone one that isn’t available in the UK. But this time we’ve made an exception. Leasing.com has officially driven the Tesla Cybertruck.

On a recent break to the US, we hired one to find out exactly what’s what and, more importantly, if a vehicle like this could ever really work in the UK. Spoiler alert: It won’t.

Here’s our thoughts in full.

Cybertruck lead sunny sky

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Cybertruck: What is it?

The Cybertruck is like nothing else. With a flat, stainless steel body, it’s somewhere between a chiselled piece of stone and a vehicle from Blade Runner 2049 in the looks department.

And, while they are gaining traction in the US, if you want to make yourself insta-famous driving a Cybertruck is a sure-fire way of doing it.

Cybertruck rear

It is also obscenely large. Everything’s bigger in the States, but the Cybertruck takes this to new heights. It’s almost six metres long, and more than two metres wide – excluding door mirrors. That makes it larger than many US pick-up trucks, let alone those that are available in the UK.

Up front, there’s a full-width light bar between the bonnet and front panel area, although you’ll actually find the headlights hidden further down – between the front panel and the bumper.

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Other interesting features? The windscreen wiper is rather intriguing too – despite the screen’s size there’s just one huge wiper that sits vertically.

Well, there’s that huge flatbed area for starters – beneath the rollback bed topper, you’ll find 2,830 litres of space. Maximum payload? An impressive 1,134kg.

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Cybertruck: The interior and tech

As you might expect form what is technically a pick-up truck, the interior is more rugged and durable than other Teslas. The vast dashboard and centre console is clad in durable rubberised plastic, while the footwells get heavy duty wipe down mats.

Steering the Cybertruck takes some getting used to – the steering wheel is an oblong shape and tiny. Like the latest Model 3s, the indicators are also operated via the wheel.

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Another similarity with mainstream models is the huge touchscreen which controls virtually everything else. Voice command was one of the best we’ve tested, and there’s the normal array of Tesla apps and features.

Being a US supplied car, our Cybertruck came with full self-driving capabilities – which can be used at up to 85mph. To activate the mode, simply press the right scroll button on the steering wheel.

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We later found our autonomous systems had been set to “Hurry Mode” – which made for a slightly alarming encounter with a Sherriff. We don’t think this particular mode will be catching on in Europe anytime soon.

Cybertruck: The drive

Driving the Cybertruck is an experience unlike any other. As you might expect for a vehicle of its size, it feels enormous on the road. Navigating through suburban streets or car park feels like piloting a tank.

But out on the open highway, the Cybertruck comes into its own. Despite its size, the dual-motor setup in the version we drove provides astonishing acceleration – 0-60mph in just over four seconds: unnatural for a vehicle of this mass and bulk.

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Wind noise is surprisingly subdued, but road noise from the massive tyres is ever-present, especially at higher speeds. The ride is firm, as you’d expect from a workhorse pick-up, but thanks to the adjustable air suspension, it’s not uncomfortable.

In fact, it’s surprisingly smooth for such a large and rugged vehicle. The visibility from the driver’s seat is excellent thanks to the elevated driving position and massive front windscreen, but manoeuvring in tighter spaces highlights just how tricky it is to handle a vehicle of this scale.

Thankfully, the Cybertruck’s suite of cameras and sensors is some of the best in the business, making parking a little less stressful – although finding a space big enough was a challenge in itself!

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Cybertruck: Would it ever work in the UK?

While the Cybertruck might turn heads and win hearts in the US, it’s hard to imagine it being practical in the UK. For starters, its sheer size is completely at odds with the dimensions of most British roads and parking spaces.

At nearly six metres long and more than two metres wide, it would struggle to squeeze down many country lanes or even fit in a standard UK garage.

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Urban environments wouldn’t be much kinder to it either. Supermarket car parks, multi-story spaces, and narrow terraced streets would make everyday tasks an ongoing headache.

In some ways, it would feel like trying to drive a double-decker bus for your daily errands.

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The flatbed might also pose problems for UK buyers. With 2,830 litres of space and a hefty payload capacity, it’s perfect for hauling work equipment or even off-road toys like dirt bikes in the US.

But in the UK, where pick-ups are more of a niche market, that kind of practicality is unlikely to appeal to many drivers.

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That’s not to say the Cybertruck wouldn’t attract fans in the UK – there’s always a market for standout vehicles that offer something completely different. Its futuristic design and the sheer presence it commands would no doubt appeal to EV enthusiasts looking for something bold and unique.

However, for most UK drivers, it’s simply too impractical to be a viable option. Aside from the costs associated of EU and UK-type approvals, it’s not a risk Tesla is willing to take at the moment. If you’re after a new Tesla you will be able to lease, here’s all you need to know about the new Model Y.

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