Tesla Model Y Design: 'Not A Crossover,' Says Designer

Ever since the Elon Musk’s Tesla Model Y was introduced early this year, the new electric vehicle has been a subject of many discussions.

It seems like a fairly fantastic car to consider. It’s fast, with a promised acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in less than six seconds and an impressive 230 miles of range on a full charge. Compared to the popular Model 3, Model Y is considerably bigger and capable of seating seven. This is why the new EV is dubbed as a “crossover SUV” by Tesla -- not exactly a sedan but smaller compared to the Model X.

The Model Y is also expected to be produced faster than the Model 3 as it would be using around 70 percent of parts from the EV sedan. Musk is banking on the “SUV” monicker as this variant is popular in the American market which prefers bigger cars.

However, one designer believes that the Model Y is simply a higher and larger Model 3 sedan and can’t really be considered an SUV. In an interview, Chrysler car designer Tom Gale was asked to comment on the looks of the Tesla Model Y.

“I don't see it as a crossover at all. In fact, I think a lot of people are going to miss it on the road. Just today I saw a Model 3, and it really is a testament to how well they've evolved the proportions of Tesla's design. The same is true with the Model Y, but to me, this is just a sedan being taller," he said.

The designer, however, understands the complexities of building an electric vehicle and that considerations such as battery life should be put into perspective when it comes to design. Adding a few SUV-like features into the Model Y could very well upgrade it into the category of SUVs without compromising or making any new changes to its power source.

In addition, the design of the Model Y’s rear was necessary to achieve the vehicle’s full functionality. The sloping back is necessary for aerodynamics, which actually makes the car capable of a 0.23 drag coefficient, making it really fast for an SUV.

The interior is also larger than a sedan as the Model Y has third-row seating although the extra chair has a painfully cramped space and have more provisions for cargo. As for the headroom, the Tesla website describes the Model Y’s unique glass roof to offer more headroom and UV protection. It also creates the illusion that the new SUV is indeed a larger vehicle especially when you look at it from the inside.