Tesla Model Y Features: New Vehicle Is Sedan 'Forced' To Be An SUV?

Tesla CEO Elon Musk had a rather successful reveal of the much-awaited Model Y a few weeks ago and some analysts had mixed feelings upon seeing the new vehicle.

The Tesla Model Y was introduced as a “crossover SUV,” a term that describes a hybrid of a sedan and a much-bigger SUV. However, some media outlets found the actual design disappointing as it looked more like the Model 3 car than a sport utility vehicle.

The reaction seems expected as the Model Y was patterned using around 75 percent of the Model 3 parts. The general silhouette of the car is also more like a sedan because it lacks the trapezoidal shape at the back which is generally present in most SUVs. Arguably, the new crossover SUV that’s meant to be the smaller version of the more premium Model X SUV, does have a higher roofline and raised body compared to the Tesla sedan.

And this is where it gets interesting. Musk said the design aims to make the vehicle look bigger from the inside. Kind of like a pleasant surprise for anyone planning to purchase the SUV once it rolls out late next year.

According to a report, the design of the Model Y’s back was necessary if they wanted to achieve what Musk described as having the functionality of an SUV and the performance of a sports car. The sloping back, it seems, was necessary for aerodynamics. Thanks to Model Y’s design, it is capable of a 0.23 drag coefficient compared to other SUVs, efficiently making it faster.

The interior of the vehicle is also significantly larger than a sedan. The Model Y has third-row seating although the extra chair has a painfully cramped space. Compared to the Model 3, the new crossover SUV also has more provisions for cargo.

For the headroom, this is where the Model Y shines. According to the Tesla website, the Model Y’s unique glass roof offers more headroom and UV protection. This feature also plays a crucial role in terms of size. Noticeably, it has no central pillar compared to the one found on the Model 3. This helps in creating the illusion that the new SUV is indeed a larger vehicle, kind of like what mirrors or glass walls do for a house.

Overall, the look of the Model Y might seem to limit the potential of the vehicle from the outside, but it seems the size and design will actually work for the electric car company in the long run.