Read Caroline’s Tesla Model Y review for everything you need to know about buying the new Model Y in Ireland in 2025.
The Model Y has been a brilliant seller for Tesla in Ireland since it went on sale here in 2022. Bigger and more SUV-like than the popular Model 3, it’s been a hit thanks to its spacious interior, onboard technology, range and fast charging capability.
Following on from the update the Model 3 received last year, it’s now the turn of the Model Y.
So what’s new and is it enough to put the Model Y at the top of its game?
Let’s take a closer look.
Design
The Model Y retains its sleek, coupé-like shape for 2025 but it’s had a radical makeover at the front and the rear. The front is lower than before, with a dramatic new three-piece light bar inspired by the Cybertruck and Cybercab. Below, a redesigned front fascia has integrated aerodynamic ducts for improved efficiency.
There’s no obvious badge on the bonnet to show this is a Tesla anymore, though I suspect these will become a popular sight on Irish roads very quickly this summer once customer deliveries start. The new design brings even more aerodynamic improvements to the Y, which is good for its overall efficiency.
At the back, an innovative new 1.6 metre light bar uses indirect reflected lighting for a unique glow, and the brand name is spelt out underneath.
In typical Tesla fashion, there are limited choices to customise the Y, but there are six colours including Quicksilver like the car tested here.
19-inch black alloy wheels come as standard, but there is the option to upgrade to 20-inch for an extra €2,300.
Tesla Model Y Interior
Tesla made its name in minimalist car interiors and the new Y doesn’t deviate from that design. However, the brand has made a slight U-turn on its ultra minimalism as seen in the latest Model 3. It’s kept one stalk on the left hand side for the indicators as opposed to moving these functions to buttons on the steering wheel like in the new Model 3. It’s all the better for it. However, selecting forward and reverse is now done from the touchscreen.
The fit and finish of the cabin is good and it feels well-appointed with some plush new fabrics and ambient lighting. There’s new aluminium trim on the steering wheel, door trims and instrument panel. Synthetic leather upholstery comes as standard in black but there’s the option to spec a black and white interior for €1,200 extra.
Redesigned front seats offer improved comfort and have both heating and ventilation. The new centre console features smooth-sliding aluminium doors, extra storage and cupholders.
The 15.4-inch touchscreen is the main event and carries most of the car’s features and functions like maps, media, climate control – even the adjustment of the steering wheel and the side mirrors. There’s a lot to unwrap in the screen but it remains an intuitive system to use with an endless supply of features. More can be added during the car’s lifetime thanks to over the air updates. But worth noting, it still doesn’t allow Apple CarPlay or Android Auto integration. The in-built navigation is really excellent however, and you can easily log into a Spotify account.
Practicality
The Model Y is really spacious inside with loads of legroom for rear seat passengers. The boot is also huge and has handy features like a fold-away parcel shelf, huge underfloor storage area for charging cables, and levers to let down the rear seats – now done electronically. There’s also an additional storage compartment under the bonnet.
Rear passengers benefit from a new 8-inch touchscreen of their own with climate controls, gaming and other features to keep them entertained.
Towing capacity is up to 1.6 tonnes.
Driving the Model Y
Like before the Model Y will be available in a few different variants: rear wheel drive, long range rear wheel drive and long range all wheel drive. Range estimates vary depending on model and wheel size. But the best for range is the long range rear wheel drive with up to 622 kilometres possible, up from 600 kilometres in the previous car.
The entry into the range is the standard range rear wheel drive with up to 500 kilometres of range.
The long range all wheel drive can manage up to 586 kilometres, up from 533 kilometres.
The new Model Y feels smooth and agile to drive, and is as nippy and responsive as ever. Every Tesla is quick but the Launch Series I tested based on the long range all wheel drive car includes an acceleration boost package for 0-100km/h in a truly astounding 4.3 seconds!
The previous Model Y’s main issues were its firm suspension and poor refinement that made it surprisingly noisy inside. The new one improves things considerably thanks to acoustic glass now all round, as well as extra sound-dampening materials and a revised suspension. It’s still a heavy car and feels on the firmer side of things on particularly uneven rural roads, but it is much smoother and less bumpy to drive than what it was.
Efficiency and battery range is as impressive as ever. Over a few days of driving I averaged about 16 kWh per 100 kilometres. Tesla say as low as 15.3 kWh possible for the long range all wheel drive and as low as 13.9 kWh for the rear wheel drive.
Charging
AC charging is up to 11kW, while DC charging is possible up to 175kW for the standard range battery and up to 250kW possible for the long range. At a Tesla Supercharger you can add up to 275 kilometres of range in as little as 15 minutes.
Tesla Model Y Price
Prices start at €44,990 for the Rear Wheel Drive, €49,990 for the Long Range Rear Wheel Drive, and €52,990 for the Long Range All Wheel Drive.
Verdict
The popularity of the Model Y cannot be underestimated. It was the world’s bestselling car in 2023 and 2024, a default option for many buyers seeking a good-value, electric SUV with top-end battery tech and charging capabilities.
Yet the Model Y wasn’t the brilliant all-rounder it had once been. Other brands have caught up with Tesla in many areas and the Model Y’s on the road performance was particularly noisy and bumpy.
While the new styling is arguably more anonymous than before, the minimalist cabin and onboard tech is as good as ever with a few good enhancements too.
What’s even more notable are improvements to comfort and refinement, which make this an easy car to recommend once again.
_______________
Written by Caroline Kidd
Founder and Editor of Changing Lanes, Juror for Irish Car of the Year
The post Tesla Model Y Review (2025) appeared first on Changing Lanes.