Tesla Model Y Standard RWD

Overview

The 2025 Tesla Model Y Standard RWD continues its reign as the go-to electric family SUV, offering a brilliant blend of practicality, tech, and performance at an attractive price point. Starting from around €40,970 in Europe, this rear-wheel-drive variant is the accessible entry into Tesla ownership. It nails the brief for daily usability with its impressive range and cavernous interior, all wrapped in a minimalist, high-tech package. It’s a compelling choice for families switching to electric, delivering the core Tesla experience without the higher price tag of the all-wheel-drive models.

What's New for 2025?

The big news for the Model Y is the anticipated "Juniper" refresh. While details are still emerging, expect subtle exterior styling tweaks, potentially including slimmer headlights and a revised front bumper for a cleaner look. Inside, the cabin could see an upgrade with ambient lighting and new materials, bringing it closer to the updated Model 3. Enhanced ride comfort from revised suspension is also a key expectation. For this Standard RWD trim, these updates will refine an already winning formula, keeping it fresh against new rivals and solidifying its market dominance.

Design & Exterior

The Model Y’s design is unmistakably Tesla: smooth, minimalist, and aerodynamically slick. The 2025 Standard RWD maintains this clean aesthetic, often specified with aero-optimised wheels that boost efficiency. Its crossover stance provides a commanding view of the road without being overly bulky. Key dimensions are 4797 mm in length, 1982 mm in width, and 1621 mm in height, making it a substantial but manageable family SUV. The frameless windows and panoramic glass roof complete the futuristic, high-end look, making it a standout in any car park.

Interior, Tech & Cargo

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a stunningly minimalist cabin dominated by a massive central touchscreen that controls everything. The interior feels airy and spacious, thanks to the five-seat layout and a vast panoramic glass roof. Material quality is solid, with a clean and modern feel. Practicality is off the charts; you get a massive 854-litre boot, which expands to a van-like 2118 litres with the seats down. Plus, there’s a handy 74-litre frunk under the bonnet for extra storage. It’s a tech-lover's paradise and a parent's dream.

Performance & Driving Experience

Don’t let "Standard" fool you; this Model Y is properly nippy. Its single Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor sends 220 kW and 420 Nm of torque to the rear wheels, launching it from 0-100 km/h in a respectable 7.1 seconds. The instant throttle response makes it feel quicker than the numbers suggest, perfect for zipping through city traffic. The rear-wheel-drive setup provides engaging handling, while the low centre of gravity ensures it feels planted in corners. Strong regenerative braking allows for easy one-pedal driving, making the daily commute an absolute breeze.

Range, Battery & Charging

This Model Y is built for the real world. It packs a 69.5 kWh usable battery, delivering an excellent real-world range of 473 km, as calculated by Green Cars Compare. Its efficiency is a strong 6.81 km/kWh, keeping running costs low. For top-ups, it uses a standard CCS Type 2 port. At home on an 11 kW AC charger, it’ll recharge overnight. On the road, it’s a beast, capable of pulling a massive 225 kW at a DC fast charger, adding hundreds of kilometres of range in under 30 minutes.

Safety & Driver-Assistance Features

Safety is a top priority, and the Model Y boasts a full five-star Euro NCAP rating, offering fantastic peace of mind. Every car comes standard with Tesla’s Autopilot, a brilliant system combining adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assistance that makes motorway driving incredibly relaxing. It also includes autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring as standard. For those wanting more, optional upgrades like Enhanced Autopilot add features like automatic lane changes and Summon, further cementing its position as a tech and safety leader in its class.

Warranty & Maintenance Coverage

Tesla offers solid warranty coverage for peace of mind. The basic vehicle is covered for 4 years or 80,000 kilometres, whichever comes first. Crucially, the battery and drive unit are protected for a much longer 8 years or 160,000 kilometres, with a guarantee of at least 70% battery capacity retention over that period. One of the big perks of Tesla ownership is the lack of traditional scheduled maintenance; servicing is done on an as-needed basis, which can significantly lower long-term running costs compared to a conventional petrol or diesel car.