Tesla brings Model Y Long Range RWD to the UK

After introducing the Model Y Long Range RWD in other European markets earlier this year, the variant has now arrived in the UK. There, the scaled-back Model Y Standard sells from £44,990, undercutting its predecessor by £4,000.

Tesla model y schnee winter — Image: Tesla

Tesla has expanded the UK line-up of the Tesla Model Y with a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant, priced from £44,990. The model replaces the previously introduced Standard Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive and is positioned £4,000 below its predecessor, while sitting £3,000 above the entry Rear-Wheel Drive version.

The new configuration delivers a WLTP range of 383 miles, four miles fewer than the outgoing Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive, while retaining the same battery pack. Tesla does not disclose usable battery capacities, but the unit is understood to be 82 kWh. The ‘regular’ Rear-Wheel Drive variant offers up to 314 miles of range, an increase of three miles compared with the model it replaced, attributed to a lower kerb weight. As reported earlier this month, Tesla has dropped the ‘Standard’ designation.

But back to the Model Y Long Range RWD now available in the UK: To achieve the revised price point, Tesla has adjusted the specification. Exterior changes include the removal of the full-width front and rear light bars in favour of a split-light arrangement. The panoramic glass roof has been deleted, and frequency-selective dampers have been replaced with passive units.

Inside, synthetic leather upholstery has been substituted with cloth trim, and the centre console has been downsized. The audio system comprises seven speakers instead of nine, and the rear passenger touchscreen has been omitted. The cabin air filtration system no longer includes the Bioweapon Defence mode. Steering wheel adjustment is manual rather than electric.

In contrast to some other markets, where the base Model Y is equipped with 18-inch wheels, UK vehicles receive 19-inch Crossflow alloys to support residual values. We also summarised the key details on what customers must forego in the budget versions in this article.

A Premium trim level is available at £48,990. Tesla has also applied a similar reduced-specification approach to the entry-level Model 3 in the UK, with a Long Range version of that model expected to follow. The version previously referred to as ‘Standard’ arrived in the UK in January.

autoexpress.co.uk, tesla.com (configurator)