Tesla Model Y Standard

SOME people say EV pioneer Tesla is faltering. Sales figures are declining worldwide and it appears interest in the brand is waning. The reasons for this may be many, but it can’t be down to the cars themselves — especially since the Americans have proven with the Model Y facelift that they aren't resting on their laurels.

- Holger Preiss

To make the Model Y even more attractive, Tesla is turning a decisive screw: that of the price. While still not confirmed for the UK, a new entry-level ‘Standard’ model has just gone on sale in Germany for 39,990 Euros (approximately £35,000). Despite its deliberate simplicity and reduced specification, it offers a lot more than a Volkswagen ID.4 — a car that currently starts from £36,995.

Despite that diminished specification, the 4.8-metre-long Model Y Standard looks elegant in a certain way. The front end does without unnecessary trinkets; there's no lightbar, for example, no flair for the front bumper, and no excessive spoiler on the boot lid. This Model Y also removes the lightbar between the taillights, but visually, you don't miss it.

This less-is-more approach continues inside, which has a cool, Nordic feel but radiates a simple elegance in equal measure. Instead of leather seats, the upholstery in the Standard model is covered with a mixture of grey textile and synthetic-leather inserts in the shoulder area. Likewise, the door cards and dashboard receive extra fabric inlays. The choice of materials and colours is reminiscent of the elegantly understated interiors you'll find in some Volvo models.

Crucially, on our first test drive of the Model Y Standard, there was nothing to complain about regarding the general build quality. Nothing rattled or creaked - not even when driving over harsh cobblestones or through nasty potholes.