You can now buy the cheaper single-motor Tesla Model Y in the UK

At the time of writing, a Tesla Model Y Performance costs £67,990 in the UK. A fair chunk of change we’re sure you’ll agree. Previously, if you didn’t need a 0-60mph time of 3.5 seconds from your family crossover, then your only other option on our shores was the also-all-wheel-drive Long Range Dual Motor. That meant a slightly more palatable entry price of £57,990, and it’d still do the all-important Top Trumps sprint in 4.8 seconds. 

Now though there’s a much more sensible sounding option, because Tesla has made the single-motor Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive available to order in the UK and Europe. Entry price? £51,990.

Not cheap then, but you do get a fair bit of kit for the money (even if you can’t see it in the purposely sparse interior). Tesla’s Autopilot cruise control is standard fit, as is a ‘Premium Interior’ with heated front and rear seats and a heated steering wheel, plus a ‘Premium Audio’ system with 13 speakers, a subwoofer and two amps. 

Then there’s the powertrain. In the Rear-Wheel Drive you get a single motor that can manage 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds and will power your large blob onto a top speed of 135mph. Range is estimated at 283 miles on the WLTP test with the smaller 19-inch wheels, or 267 miles if you go for 20-inchers. Worth pointing out that it’ll also tow up to 1,600kg, which is far more than most rivals. 

You get access to Tesla’s Supercharging network too of course, although you’ll only get rapid charge speeds of up to 170kW whereas both dual motor iterations can charge at 250kW. You do save between 50-70kg with your single motor though. 

We’re told that UK deliveries will begin in December 2022, with all Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive models for Europe being built at Tesla’s Shanghai factory. 

Read TG's full Tesla Model Y review by clicking these blue words