After the sedan, Tesla has now launched the similar longer range rear-wheel drive (RWD) for its SUV, the Model Y, in China. boasting 821 km of range – according to the optimistic CLTC cycle, at least. The new Model Y Long Range RWD variant is priced from RMB288,500 (approx. RM169k) before options, and slots between the base RWD variant and Long Range all-wheel drive (AWD) variants.
The launch of the new Model Y Long Range RWD brings the total variant count of the SUV available in China to four, following the release of the six-seater Model Y L there.
As usual, Tesla remains tight-lipped on powertrain details. However, the company states the new Model Y Long Range RWD can sprint from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the base RWD model, and reach a top speed of 201 km/h.
According to a report by CarNewsChina, the new Tesla Model Y Long Range RWD is equipped with an electric motor producing 306 hp (225 kW). This electric motor is juiced by a 78.4 kWh ternary-lithium (NMC) battery pack sourced from LG.
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Aside from the differences in powertrain specifications, the rest of the Model Y Long Range RWD is identical to its cheaper sibling. The interior is equipped with a central 15.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display, complemented by an 8-inch touchscreen display for rear passengers located on the centre console.
There’s also a host of optional upgrades, such as larger 20-inch Helix 2.0 alloy wheels. Apart from costing an additional RMB8,000 (approx. RM4.6k), these wheels will reduce the range to 756 km (CLTC), presumably due to the higher unsprung weight of the larger alloys.
Closer to home, Tesla Malaysia recently launched the new Model 3 Long Range RWD with a range of 750 km (WLTP). The introduction of the Model 3 variant in Malaysia also coincides with price revisions for the rest of the Model 3 range, making them up to RM13,000 cheaper. The updated pricing is as follows:
- Model 3 RWD now starts at RM169,000 (previously RM181,000)
- Model 3 Long Range AWD is now RM199,000 (previously RM210,000)
- Model 3 Performance AWD is now RM229,000 (previously RM242,000)
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