Tesla has revealed the availability and pricing of its Model Y SUV, ahead of the brand’s official launch in Malaysia next week. The SUV – which is available in three variants, namely the Rear-wheel drive (RWD), Long Range, and Performance – can be purchased at the starting price of RM199,000.

Some key details of the three Model Y SUV variants are as follows:

	Model Y Rear-wheel drive	Model Y Long Range	Model Y Performance
Price (inclusive of SST)	RM199,000	RM246,000	RM288,000
Drivetrain	Rear-wheel drive	Dual motor all-wheel drive	Dual motor all-wheel drive
Motor power	255 kW (347hp)	378 kW (514hp)	393 kW (534hp)
Seating layout	Five-seat interior	Five-seat interior	Five-seat interior
Max range*   * WLTP global standard	430km	533km	514km
Top speed	217km/h	217km/h	250km/h
100km/h sprint	Within 6.9 seconds	Within 5 seconds	Within 3.7 seconds
Other notable features	19-inch Gemini wheels	19-inch Gemini wheels	– 21-inch Überturbine wheels – Performance brakes – Lowered suspension – Aluminium alloy pedals – Carbon fiber spoiler

All three models are available with an exterior colour of Pearl White Multi-Coat, and an all-black interior, but you can request to change these colours for a fee. Specifically, you can change the exterior colour to Solid Black, Midnight Silver Metallic, or Deep Blue Metallic for a price of RM5,000, and to Red Multi-Coat for RM10,000.

The interior can also be changed from all-black to a hue of black-and-white for RM5,000. In addition to the above, you can also request for selected upgrades to your Model Y. Adding an enhanced autopilot feature will set you back by RM16,000, for example, whereas the full self-driving capability feature will cost an extra RM32,000.

Notably, the Model Y SUV has been acknowledged as one of the safest SUVs in the world. It has obtained a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the US, as well as the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP).

In its statement, Tesla also said that customers who make their purchases will be entitled to enjoy full import and excise duties exemption for these fully imported Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) – an incentive that is offered by the government (applicable until the end of 2025). This is in addition to a 100% road tax exemption (also until the end of 2025), as well as an additional income tax relief of up to RM2,500 on expenses that are related to the installation, rental, and purchase of EVs and its charging facilities for year of assessment 2023 (including hire-purchase equipment or subscription fees for charging facilities).

If you’re interested, you can already book your very own Model Y now with a fee of RM1,000 (non-refundable); delivery is expected to be in early 2024. Tesla also hinted at the likelihood of making the Tesla Model 3 four-door sedan car available in Malaysia, but there are no concrete details at present.

(Sources: Tesla Malaysia, Paul Tan’s Automotive News)

• TAGS:
• Electric vehicles
• European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP)
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Tesla
• Tesla Model Y
• Tesla Model Y Long Range
• Tesla Model Y Performance
• Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive