Article written by our resident petrolhead and Head of Procurement, Harrison Walsh.
Working at Leasing Options I’m lucky enough to test drive most of the latest cars and I’ll be upfront, I’ve never really considered myself a Tesla enthusiast... and Elon Musk has never been my favourite figure either. So, when the opportunity to get behind the wheel came along, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I test drove the Model Y over the course of a few weeks and here’s my honest thoughts.
I had previously driven an early Model Y a while back, but only for a few miles and whilst there weren’t any particular issues pre-se, it didn’t set my world on fire back then. However, I kept hearing that the latest Model Y was a major step forward — and with it now being the best-selling car in the world, clearly Tesla must be doing something right.
This time, I was testing the Tesla Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive, finished in ‘Quick Silver’ Metallic, with upgraded 20” Helix wheels. Having these wheels will reduce range by around 11 miles, but for me, the improved look is worth it and, in fact, this was the exact specification I would choose for myself.
Design & Interior
This isn’t a completely new Model Y, but rather a significant facelift and it’s a big improvement. From the side, it looks largely the same, but you’ll notice the most obvious changes at the front and rear.
- Front: Sharper lines and a full-width light bar give it a mini Cybertruck feel, with a more aggressive presence on the road.
- Rear: An angled rear and flat boot door continues the sporty assertive theme.
Inside, the visual changes are subtle, but the quality is much improved. Everything feels better put together, the seats are more comfortable and supportive, and Tesla has clearly addressed previous criticisms about fit and finish.
The cabin is dominated by a 15 inch central touchscreen, which controls everything. It does take some getting used to, but once you adapt, it’s excellent and very intuitive. Rear passengers now get their own screen too, which can be controlled from the front. Parents will particularly appreciate the ability to split audio between front and back, meaning you don’t have to listen to Pepper Pig (Bluey gets a pass though).
All the touchpoints feel more premium, and the redesigned steering wheel is a highlight. It features modern, flush touch buttons and just one stalk — the essential gear selector. The steering wheel buttons took me about a week to fully adapt to, but once I did, they worked well.
Driving Experience
The Model Y doesn’t excel in one single area but it’s competent in almost every one.
- Handling: It won’t match the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N for sharpness or the Skoda Elroq for comfort, but it strikes a good balance in every way. The suspension is firm, keeping body roll well controlled for a two-tonne car. The downside? It feels a bit robotic for a car enthusiast like myself. Steering lacks feedback, it is almost too easy, and you don’t always know exactly where the grip ends. It’s quick in a straight line and very capable in corners, but it’s not the kind of car that makes you want to drive it hard.
- Motorway Driving: This is where the Model Y really does excel. Ride comfort has improved thanks to better dampers, and noise insulation is excellent — very little tyre or wind noise filters into the cabin. Long journeys feel effortless. The indicators are unusual though, as they don’t self-cancel, which takes getting used to.
Overall, the driving experience massively exceeded my expectations.
Range & Charging
This is where Tesla really shines. On a full charge, I consistently saw around 308 miles in real-world motorway driving a very strong result, especially for such a heavy piece of kit!
The Tesla Supercharger network is, without doubt, the best in the business. I’d never experienced it before this test and now I wouldn’t want to live without it. Charging speeds of up to 250kW mean you can add 125–150 miles in just 15 minutes once the battery is preconditioned. For anyone who covers high mileage, this is a game-changer.
Technology
Tesla remains a tech-first brand, and the Model Y is packed with features.
- Autopilot: I tried it but didn’t get on with it. Personally, I preferred standard adaptive cruise control, which worked brilliantly and was easily adjusted using the steering wheel controls.
- Infotainment: Surprisingly, the sound system isn’t branded, yet it’s excellent.
- No CarPlay/Android Auto: At first, I was really disappointed there was no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, as I rely on it daily with the high mileage I do. But I quickly realised I didn’t miss it. Spotify, Google Maps, and contacts are all integrated, with Google Maps linking seamlessly to the Tesla charging network. In fact, the system was so slick and well-designed, if Apple CarPlay were available, I don’t think I’d actually use it.
Final Thoughts
Going from not being curious about a Tesla, to genuinely considering one as my next car, is a huge turnaround... and that says a lot about how far Tesla has come.
What impressed me most wasn’t just the car itself, but the ecosystem around it. The Tesla network removes so much of the stress around electric car ownership which something I’ve always worried about given that I drive over 40,000 miles a year.
The Model Y might not be the top of its class in some areas, but as a complete package, it’s exceptional. Solid range, incredible charging infrastructure, improved build quality, and tech that genuinely works, it all adds up to one of the most compelling EVs on sale today.
