Say hello to…
…the new Tesla Model Y, now with updated looks, improved refinement, greater range and a better interior. Has the divisive brand done enough with the new version to win over business drivers?
The version tested here is the rear-drive long range car, the model most suitable to company car drivers as it offers the best range at the best price.
Fitted with a 75kWh battery, and powered by a 335hp motor, the Model Y RWD Long Range has an official range of 387 miles.
Standard equipment across all models includes a panoramic roof, 19-inch alloys, clever cruise control, infotainment screen, powered boot, dual wireless charging pads, Bluetooth, satnav, surround cameras with recording, heated seats, keyless entry and start and USB sockets.
Is The Tesla Model Y Suitable For My Fleet
The new Model Y, which is codenamed Juniper, is really more of a facelift car than ‘new from the ground up’, which means it retains the same 75kWh battery in the long range model, it also retains the same, excellent 250kW max charging speed as the seemingly decent boot space (Tesla doesn’t quote a figure for this, but it’s big enough). As a result of all this, and the Tesla charging network, the Model Y continues to be a great high-mileage option for company car drivers.
Leasing A Tesla Model Y
Gateway2lease is offering the 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD for £563 a month on a 3+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Maintenance costs are forecast at £42 a month over the same mileage, according to Gensen Reports, while Class 1A NIC comes in at £20 a month.
Driving A Tesla Model Y
Tesla has answered many of the negatives of the previous Model Y.
Primarily the ride comfort has been significantly improved. It’s not perfect, but it now isn’t an issue that would stop you buying the car.
The suspension is still firm, but it’s compliant enough to handle most of the UK’s poorly surfaced roads and the suspension is also seems quieter and better insulated than before. Interestingly, the change in the suspension setup hasn’t resulted in less fun in on a twisty road, which is to be praised. Steering feel is still lacking, but you can enjoy the drive.
The interior, which wasn’t bad in the previous car, now has slightly higher quality materials used throughout and Tesla has kept a physical indicator stalk (unlike the latest Model 3). Plus there’s better noise insulation at motorway speeds too, helping the long-distance capability.
The Tesla Model Y is fairly efficient too. Over more than 250 miles (the vast majority on the motorway) we recorded 3.99 miles per kWh, which would give a real-world range just shy of 300 miles.
As with all Teslas, the majority of the car’s setup and controls are activated through the large central touchscreen. While there are more functions available than in almost any other car, the Tesla operating system is very logical and the screen is fast to respond to inputs. However, with no driver’s display ahead of the steering wheel, or even the option of a head-up display, the speedo display isn’t in your line of sight, it’s also frustratingly small too. And the Model Y doesn’t have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so you can’t use Waze or Google Maps through the big screen which would help alert to, traffic congestion, speed traps or limit changes.
In reality these are lower grade issues and only slightly dent the appeal of the Model Y as a fleet car.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Tesla Model Y
Impressively efficient and refined car for the high mileage driver. And now with better ride comfort.
Tesla Model Y
- Model: Model Y Long Range RWD
- Power: 335hp
- Torque: 450Nm
- Max speed: 125 mph
- 0-62mph: 5.6s
- Official range: 387 miles
- Test range: 299 miles*
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
- BIK tax band 2025/26: 3%
* summer weather
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