Tesla has announced a new model in the Model S family – the Tesla Model Y. It’s the second vehicle in the Model S family to utilize the new Model 3 sedan body style. Model Y shares a 75% of its components with the Model 3, including a similar general interior layout and similar electric drivetrain. However, there are some key differences. The Model Y also offers optional third row seating for a modest seven-passenger car.

Model Y is building on the stretched sedan architecture of the Model 3, meaning that it retains all the door and headroom that the sedan model has but expands outward to allow room for a larger sedan-style rear hatch. This allows the Model Y to handle more weight from the front end, but also brings increased structural rigidity and strength to the cabin. A benefit of the stretched sedan architecture is better handling at high speed due to better clearance over bends and less rollover risk at low speed or on curbs. Tesla claims that increased structural rigidity and strength result in better handling and more agility at high speeds. Other benefits include:

Better Steering Responsiveness. The Model Y offers faster steering response. Upgraded front and rear suspension help to enhance the Model Y’s handling. Vehicle dynamics specialists at Mercedes-Benz are responsible for improving the Model Y’s ride and handling. As a result, the vehicle now offers a sportier, more responsive ride experience for the driver.
Three Standard Layers. The front and rear seats of the Model Y are nearly identical to those of the Model S and X. The introduction of a new fifth seat, called the Parro-neau, further diversified the Model Y’s seating layout. However, the standard three layers – upholstery, fabric coverings, and foam padding – are still available as a standard for the full-sized sedan.
Longer Body Strings. The shorter, 37 inches, front wheel drive standard range for the Model Y is an improvement over the Model S and I’m currently offered. In addition to improving passenger comfort and room space by nearly five inches, the length of the car’s interior and trunk as well as its overall width are now 4.5 inches longer than the previous models. The long-range performance model, the Gran Turismo Sport, also includes a rear-view camera and front seat passenger airbag.
Available Features. New front and rear headlamps, brake lights, and taillights are standard on all Tesla. One new feature not available on all cars however, is the Type S Hard Stop Light, which is a high-beam indicator that will help prevent drivers from causing accidents when they are driving at night. Of course, each vehicle will vary when it comes to exterior features. As of now, the only standard range for Tesla is the black roof and side molding.
Optional Battery Options. Available starting in the spring of 2021, new lithium-ion and lithium-manganese battery options will be made available for the Tesla of the future. Most models will have both sets of batteries available, but the new lithium-ion batteries promise to offer up to twice the power of the original while offering much better cold-cranking amps than the previous generation. As with most car battery options, the additional range available from the upcoming Model Y will likely be limited to electrically powered only, so if you want to travel longer distances or carry more weight and luggage, you may have to settle for the other two types of battery.
Extended Battery Life. One thing that set the Model Y apart from competing vehicles from its predecessors was the inclusion of a portable hot water heater. As of the time of this writing, however, it appears that the manufacturer has wisely retained this feature for future vehicles. However, the heater may not be as effective in hot climates as it is for cold ones. This will most likely be an option for those who purchase a Nissan Versa hatchback already equipped with a heat pump. That said, it looks like the battery life offered by the Toshiba model 3 will remain much longer than most competitors thanks to the portable heat pump.