Tesla opens orders for Model Y in Australia, with cars in every show room

The Tesla Model Y electric crossover has – finally – gone on sale in Australia starting, from $68,900 for the standard range RWD variant, and $93,900 for the Performance variant.

The Model Y has been on sale in the US since March 2020, a year after its initial unveiling. It was originally thought it would go on sale in Australia in 2021, however, this did not eventuate. Now that Tesla’s Berlin factory has officially opened, it is understood that Shanghai-made inventory can now be freed up for Australia.

The order book was opened after a shipload of Model Ys arrived in Australia in the past week, as contributor Riz Akhtar documented this year. First deliveries are expected within the next few months.

Some of those who ordered early are being told of deliveries from August, at least for the RWD options. Those opting for the  Performance version are being told of deliveries between November and February. By the end of the day, all orders were being advised of November at the earliest, may be as late as February.

See: Exclusive images: At least six Tesla Model Y crossovers arrive in Australia

The Model Y is available to be viewed in every Tesla show room in Australia, The Driven understands, as this pic from the Gold Coast show room highlights.

Tesla also opened orders for the Model Y in Japan, a fellow right hand drive market.

Based on the Model 3 electric sedan, the Model Y differs in that it has a higher roof height, more headroom and a hatch at the back as opposed to a boot. It also has higher seating and so is easier to get in and out of.

The RWD Model Y offers a 455km driving range (WLTP), a single rear motor producing 255kW of power, and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 6.9 seconds.

The Performance AWD variant, from $93,900, offers a 528km driving range (WLTP), 393kW power output from its two motors, and acceleration from 0-100km/h in 3.7 seconds. This has a 250km/h peak speed, 21′′ Überturbine wheels, performance brakes, reduced suspension, and aluminium alloy pedals.

All models come with features like Tesla’s advanced driver assist package known as Autopilot, eight cameras with a built-in “Sentry Mode” security system, navigation, voice control, wireless smartphone charging for two phones, USB-C ports in the front and back, and of course a range of infotainment inclusions.

Premium connectivity is available including satellite-view navigation, music and video streaming, live traffic visualisations, an internet browser and “caraoke” for $9.99 a month.

Driveaway pricing for the Tesla Model Y includes a $1,375 delivery fee plus an order fee of $350. Other fees and charges depend on the state and can include stamp duty, registration costs, compulsory third part insurance, and a number plate fee. Its pricing places it well below the $79,659 fuel efficient vehicles threshold for the federal luxury car tax.

There is no seven-seater option available on the configurator, nor a Long Range variant; it appears Tesla is using the same market strategy as it did for the Model 3, so expect the Long Range variants to go live further down the track.

Notably, the pricing for Model Y means it will not be eligible for any rebates, which have a maximum threshold of $68,750 and are available in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

In some states, the Model Y may be eligible for a partial or full stamp duty rebate.

This article has been updates to correct the fact that the Tesla Model Y is not eligible for any EV rebates, and that it has also gone on sale in Japan.