Tesla Model Y first impressions: More space, higher ride, bigger clearance

I was lucky enough to see three Model Ys on behalf of The Driven in the Brisbane and Southport showrooms in Queensland on Friday, on the first day they came on public display in Australia, and they did not disappoint.

There was a red and white model on display on Brisbane, and a blue on display in Southport. A gray one sat in the backroom at Southport and would now also be on display. Test drives for the public are expected to begin on June 21.

First impressions were definitely focused on the larger dimensions and the bigger space of the Model Y over the Model 3.

As a relatively tall (5’11”) owner of a Model 3, who made a huge change in going for the low-riding sedan in 2021 after 15 years of driving SUVs to accommodate young children, seeing and sitting in the Model Y for the first time was hugely surprising.

In fact, Tesla has done something extraordinary with the Model Y, which shares around 75% of its DNA with its sedan stablemate.

Contrary to Musk’s early comments when Tesla was developing the Model Y that it would be “10% bigger”, the Model Y is an entirely different beast, at least from a visual and tactile inspection.

Sure, it shares the same smooth curves as the Model 3, but without a doubt, it has a bigger presence on the showroom floor.

First of all, there feels like there is more space to get in simply because there’s no stooping down to get in a low front seat.

Greater ground clearance, risers under the seats, large hatch at the back, a higher roof and larger dimensions all add to this impression, but let’s break it down.

Standing next to both vehicles, the Model 3 comes up to halfway along my upper arm, whereas the Model Y comes up to my shoulder. This image below indicates the difference in height, but getting into the vehicle highlights the difference even more so.

Partly this is thanks to the 167mm ground clearance of the RWD vehicle I sat in, compared to the 140mm ground clearance of the Model 3. This is helped by the risers that Tesla has placed under the seats, making getting in and out of the vehicle much easier.

Equally, the second row has plenty of legroom for those in the back seat. However, the middle seat is awkward with the head rest pulled up, and doesn’t offer much room for the fifth passenger width-ways.

But the larger second row access means not only will it be a much easier vehicle for parents with small children, it will be an even more comfortable ride for tall back seat passengers.

With our local Tesla pickup operator Nigel Raynard (thanks for the ride!) in the front seat as far forward as it would go, and myself in the back,  I could stretch out my legs and his knees only just touched the front dash.

The seats all feel a lot softer than the Model 3 also, and with the ability to put the passenger seat back we think there is ample of opportunity for passenger naps on a long-distance drive.

Opening up the back hatch of course did not disappoint. This alone makes it a whole different offering to the Model 3. On the left, there are also back seat releases.

We and a number of other enthusiastic viewers did find it’s a good idea to check with those looking at or sitting in the back row before pressing them however – they bounce forward will great speed.

The 853 liter storage space as well as a full 2 metres length on the floor with the seats down, and 70cm opening in height add up to much better cargo space access, as well of course more comfortable camping for the outdoorsy types.

Additionally, the 117 litre storage space under the front bonnet (colloquially known as a “frunk” – front trunk) is considerably bigger than the Model 3.  Measuring 91cm at its widest point at the top, and 70cm at the bottom, with a 35cm depth, there has to be plenty of room for at least two party ice bags.

Although this vehicle had only driven 18km, it appears that average energy consumption on a more or less flat drive will sit between 168kWh and 180kWh per 100km.

Vedaprime notes that all Model Ys on display for which he has received VINs indicate a February build. Note also confirmation of the AMD Ryzen chip meaning a better, faster experience for the touchscreen interface.

Stand by for more insights and impressions – as well as drive impressions – from The Driven’s Giles Parkinson in the very near future!

See also: Tesla Model Y generates huge interest in Australia as wait times already pushed back

And for full specs, read this story: Tesla opens orders for Model Y in Australia, with cars in every show room