elon musk unveils tesla model Y - the SUV that rides like a sports car

elon musk has unveiled tesla‘s highly-anticipated model Y, describing it as the ‘safest mid-size SUV in the world by far‘. the entrepreneur debuted the vehicle during event at the company’s design studio in hawthorne, california, last night, 14 march 2019. 

‘it has the functionality of an SUV, but it will ride like a sports car,’ musk said. ‘so this thing will be really tight on corners.‘

the model Y boasts incredible performance with a low center of gravity, high-efficiency powertrain, and ultra-responsive motors. it has a top speed of up to 150 mph and according to musk, is testing out at 0.23 drag coefficient with a ‘performance’ version providing 0-60 mph acceleration in as little as 3.5 seconds. 

before performance however, musk stressed tesla‘s preference to focus on safety first. musk said he anticipates 5-star crash ratings and high safety marks across the board thanks to a rigid body structure and large crumple zones aim to create ‘unparalleled’ protection.

with regards to the interior, main features include generous space and a panoramic glass roof, the latter a feature already available on previous tesla models. with 66 cubic ft of cargo (1.9 cubic meters), the model Y is a mid-size SUV spacious enough to carry seven adults and ‘their gear’, according to a statement from tesla.

pricing starts at $39,000 for the standard range version, slated to arrive in spring 2021. this one should reach 230 miles on a charge and will have a top speed of 120 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds. a performance version is due in fall 2020 with 280 miles of range for $60,000. musk also listed a dual motor AWD, also slated for fall 2020, which should do 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds, reach 135 mph, and travel up to 280 miles on one charge for $51,000. finally, a ‘long range’ version also due fall 2020, will have 300 miles of range, hit 130 mph, and clock in a 5.5-second 0 to 60 sprint for $47,000.