Tesla have unwrapped their latest creation; the Model Y SUV.
At the Los Angeles launch, Tesla CEO Elon Musk unveiled the manufacturer's second SUV, following in the foot-steps of the gull-wing Model X.
The Model Y shares much of the Model 3's styling, as well as the same underpinnings and 75 per cent of the same components. Interior remains largely similar too with minimalist styling and a central touch-screen interface, although unlike the Model 3 it has the potential to seat 7 people if buyers choose the optional third row of seating.
The smooth lines help the Model Y generate a 0.23 drag coefficient — one of the best in the SUV space. Although it's worth noting that from some views it looks more like a hatchback than a raised crossover.
"It will have the functionality of an SUV, but will ride like a sports car," said Musk.
He went on to discuss several of the Model Y's performance figures. In top-spec Performance model trim, it will hit 60mp/h (96km/h) in 3.5 seconds, with a range of 280 miles (450km).
The Long Range model doesn't pack quite the acceleration punch, hitting 96km/h in 5.5 seconds. But it will travel 300 miles (482km) to a charge. Naturally the Model Y will also feature Autopilot and Autopark functionality.
Pricing in the US is set to start at US$39,000, with the Long Range and Performance models priced at US$47,000 and US$60,000. Those translate to $56,900, $68,700, and $87,600 respectively in New Zealand currency, but — should the model come to New Zealand — expect pricing to be set higher. More numbers can be seen below.
It's Tesla's seventh vehicle unveiling, alongside the first Roadster, Model S, Model X, and Model 3 — plus the second-generation Roadster and the Semi.
While the American manufacturer have been through tough times over the last few years, recent successes have included back-to-back profitable quarters as well as the Model 3's position as the US's best-selling luxury vehicle of 2018.
It's believed that the Model Y is based on the same underpinnings as the Model 3 — a car still yet to be produced in right-hand drive for markets like New Zealand.
With the SUV segment continuing to grow as a force in motoring sales, the Model Y's importance to Tesla's ongoing growth shouldn't be underestimated. It certainly wasn't lost on Musk.
"I suspect we'll [sell] more Model Ys than S, X, and 3 combined," he added.
Musk also discussed the company's upcoming factory in China, saying that it will be roughly the size of Tesla's Fremont and Reno factories combined. Musk added that he expects it to be completed at the end of the year.
Model Y production is scheduled to kick off in the third quarter of 2020. Like with the Model 3, higher trim-levels will be produced first, with the entry-level model to enter production in the second quarter of 2021.
