New Car Reveal/How I Would Buy It - 2021 Tesla Model Y

Tesla's Model Y seeks to broaden the brand's appeal even more to the masses in a SUV body style that's proven to be irresistible to buyers nowadays.

Here it is! The 2021 Model Y, Tesla’s new crossover based on the Model 3. It honestly looks exactly how I figured it would – a Model 3 and Model X mashup. The long-range Model Y will have range of 300 miles, and a Performance version will do 0-60 MPH in 3.5 seconds. As with the Model 3, the Model Y’s long-range model will come out first, and start at $47,000. A dual-motor AWD version will start at $51,000 and the Performance version at $60,000. A standard range Model Y with 230 miles of range won’t be available until 2021, but will have a starting price of $39,000.   

Elon Musk expects that the Model Y will achieve top safety marks across the board, just like the Model 3. What’s more notable is that the Model Y will offer optional third row seating for $3,000, bringing max seating capacity to seven passengers. This will be Tesla’s second mass market vehicle, and is a key entry in a market crazy over crossovers. Naturally, it offers more room and utility than the $35,000 Model 3. Going off of past Tesla production trends, I’d expect we won’t see the $39,000 Model Y until nearly 2022 realistically. Perhaps this realization and the Model Y’s derivative CUV styling is what contributed to Tesla’s stock dropping the day after the crossover’s reveal... Despite this, I do like it quite a bit.   

For My Money...

The only models that can be configured right now on Tesla's site are Long-Range and Performance Model Ys.

You can already build your Model Y on Tesla’s site and deposit $2,500 to reserve one. For my money, I’d get a Long-Range Dual Motor AWD Model Y with Solid Black paint (the only color you don’t have to pay for – just like on the Model 3), 18-inch Aero wheels, premium Black/White Interior, five-passenger seating, and Autopilot. The total estimated price after savings is $50,700, and incentives vary by state. But remember: Tesla’s federal rebate is now halved and will continue to decline.   

God willing, I get my Master’s degree in Marketing in late 2020 and my lease on my Compass is ending in 2021, so hmmm... Let’s see where Tesla and the market stand at that point and the Model Y may be an option. Are you excited for Tesla’s new model? Are you tired of SUVs, electric or not? I get a feeling the game is only going to get more ‘shocking’ as time goes on.

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