Tesla Model Y deliveries commence in the US

Deliveries of the new Tesla Model Y, Elon Musk's new all-electric SUV, have begun in America.

Slotting in between the compact Model 3 and the larger Model X, it’s priced from $39,000 – that’s around £32,000 at today’s exchange rates, but UK prices are still to be confirmed.

Owing to its middling position in the range, it gets styling carryovers from both the compact Model 3 and huge Model X SUV, and actually shares 75% of its components with the smaller model.

In the cabin, you’ll find a very familiar-looking dashboard carried straight out of the Model 3 – a 15in touchscreen controls most of the car’s functions. Tesla’s semi-autonomous Autopilot system will be included on more expensive models, too.

Size-wise, it’s a competitor to the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, but unlike the German pair, it will be available as a seven seater. A large tailgate and a total load pay of more than 1,800 litres (with all rear seats down) will make it a much more practical proposition to the Model 3 Saloon.

The Model Y line-up is set to launch with the ‘Long Range’, Dual-Motor’ and ‘Performance’ models in the US. The Long Range is capable of up to 300 miles between charges.

The Dual Motor will offer a lower range of 280 miles, but gets a 135mph top speed and a 4.8-second 0-60mph time.

The range-topping Performance model will get the same 280-mile range, but ups the top speed to 150mph and lowers 0-60mph acceleration to 3.5secs. The entry-level ‘Standard Range’ model will launch in 2021. It gets 230 miles of range and a 120mph top speed. 0-60mph stands at 5.9secs.

Given the increasing popularity of crossovers and SUVs, the Model Y is an extremely important car for the California-based manufacturer, with stiff competition coming from mainstream premium brands.

No UK prices have been revealed yet. We’ll bring you more details on the Model Y as we receive details, but the first models are likely to arrive in Europe by 2022. Quite a wait then.

If you fancy an electric crossover right now, how about the Hyundai Kona Electric?  We sampled one for a week – find out how we got on or alternatively, find Hyundai Kona Electric lease deals here.