Review: Officially imported Tesla Model Y RWD in Malaysia, shaking up the RM 200k segment
Shaun · Aug 11, 2023 09:00 AM
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There’s no shortage of buzz for the Tesla Model Y in Malaysia since its official launch just under a month ago. Although test drive units are yet to be available to the general public and potential buyers, we’ve had the privilege of sampling the Model Y courtesy of Tesla Malaysia.
In this review, we’ll dive into what it’s like to drive and experience an officially imported Tesla Model Y.
The Model Y we have here is the standard rear-wheel drive (RWD) variant that’s priced at RM 199k. No options have been added to this unit, save for the Red Multi-Coat paint. Personally, this writer is a fan of the red paintwork as it just oozes lusciousness, but is it worth the RM 10k premium?
If you ask me, I’d say yes if you were going for the range-topping Performance variant because might as well since you’re going all out, and it matches the red brake calipers. But for the standard RWD, the appeal isn’t enough to offset the price premium. Then again, it’s all down to preferences.
Let’s move on to its size. It measures 4,751 mm long, 1,921 mm wide, and 1,624 mm tall, while wheelbase stretches at 2,890 mm. For reference, it’s a fair bit larger than a Honda CR-V, which measures 4,623 mm long and 1,855 mm wide.
However, the Model Y’s rounded exterior masks its sizable dimensions, making it appear more compact than it actually is. The 19-inch Gemini wheels are just about large enough to not appear malnourished.
Personally, I would’ve preferred the proportions of a more traditional two-box design for an SUV. Though you’ll quickly learn that there is nothing traditional about Teslas, especially when you’re seated inside.
2023 Tesla Model Y - Interior
Step into the cabin and it is perhaps the epitome of minimalism. Apart from the door release button, there are no buttons at all in the cabin. Almost every function has been consolidated into the huge 15-inch central display, from the steering wheel adjustment to the air flow direction from the vents.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t try out some of the features and functionality as our session was fairly brief. But first impression of the touchscreen is that it’s exceptionally quick, from its response to loading time. It’s small wonder that it can run Steam games. The display itself is also vivid and goes plenty bright even under harsh sunlight.
Moving on from the display, the cabin itself feels incredibly airy, even more so than the Model 3 that we’ve tested a while ago in China. Speaking of that particular US-built Model 3, build quality of this China-imported Model Y is noticeably better, though there’s not much to shout home about in material selection.
The massive glass roof helps with the airiness, though a concern amongst Malaysian buyers would be heat, given our weather. While it is rather warm to the touch, the heat emitted from the glass wasn’t pronounced in the cabin and Tesla says it blocks out 99 percent of UV ray. Though an additional layer of tint would be recommended just for that extra reassurance.
At the rear, the seating position is comfortable with a nicely reclined backrest angle and more significantly, thigh support is adequate and the high floor isn’t as noticeable as in many other EVs. And you’d still get a completely flat floor.
Space is generous with about three tennis balls of kneeroom and two tennis balls worth of headroom from the glass for a 175 cm individual.
Back to the front seat, there’s plenty of range for the steering wheel and seat adjustment for all builds and sizes to get a comfortable driving position. Paddings for the seats are relatively supple and provides good side support, though lumbar support is slightly aggressive.
Once everything from the seat to the steering wheel has been set, simply hit save to profile (it saves up to 10 driver profiles).
2023 Tesla Model Y - Driving Experience and Ride Comfort
Now, what's the driving experience like? While the button-free interior might require a bit of an adjustment period for those new to it, the actual driving feels quite intuitive. General visibility is great as well.
The Model Y offers three settings: Creep, Roll, and Hold. Creep is ideal for those unfamiliar with the single-pedal driving function commonly found in EVs, as it simulates the behaviour of an automatic transmission, gradually inching forward when you release the brake pedal.
Roll enhances regenerative braking but won't bring the vehicle to a full stop until you apply the brakes. Hold setting maximizes regenerative braking and brings the car to a complete stop without any need for brake pedal input (one-pedal driving).
Regardless of settings, it’s easy to get accustomed to and you’ll quickly realise how much control you have over the car’s speed via the accelerator pedal. As with EVs, accelerating is an effortless affair. Plant your foot from a standstill and it will pin you to the seat, and this is only the RWD variant, which has more than sufficient performance for most.
There are also three settings for the steering: Comfort, Standard, and Sport. Personally, Sport feels unnecessarily weighty without any benefit of feedback, even Standard is on the firmer side of things. But Comfort is where it’s at for its intention and feels balanced.
The overall sense of firmness extends to the ride quality, likely designed to handle the substantial weight of the battery and the power from the electric motor.
There’s enough pliancy to deal with lumps and bumps with composure but don’t expect it to iron out road imperfections like a Toyota Camry. Noise levels are low, with foam inserts within the tyres and double-glazed windows all round.
The advantage of this general feeling of stiffness from the steering to the suspension is the confidence it gives to the driver. Body lean is well contained, and the sharp steering allows for precise tracking in the bends.
If there's one thing I'd like to see featured in a Tesla, it would be a head-up display. Glancing at the central screen while driving proved to be quite a distraction. Though perhaps this is something to get used to in time.
We’ve also tried the Autopilot feature briefly along the highway and noticed that if steering input is detected, the steering assist turns off and doesn’t reengage, so the driver has to reactivate the Autopilot. Apart from that, it works like the majority of Adaptive Cruise Control systems with Lane Centering.
Conclusion
The brief test drive session was enough to convince us (both myself and Adrian) that this is the EV to buy for RM 200k. It’s still far from being affordable to the masses but it offers buyers the so-called futuristic experience without unnecessary rotating gimmicks and over-styled interior.
More importantly, the Tesla ecosystem is like none other, with its built-in app to do it all including accessing the Supercharger network.
The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling EV in many regions and having tried it, it’s clear why. If you have RM 200k to spend on an EV, this is a no-brainer. For those curious about it, head over to the display area in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur at Level 3 Couture and see for yourselves.
The quest for automotive knowledge began as soon as the earliest memories. Various sources information, even questionable ones, have been explored including video games, television, magazines, or even internet forums. Still stuck in that rabbit hole.
