2022 Tesla Model Y price and specs: Electric SUV now on sale in Australia

Here it is! After an unexplained delay late last year, the world’s most popular electric SUV is now on sale Down Under.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y electric SUV is now on sale in Australia, priced from $68,900 before on-road costs for the entry-level variant – $5000 more than the cheapest Model 3 sedan.

Six months after first deliveries were first rumoured to commence – and three years it was revealed by Tesla in the US – the Model Y has reached Australia.

The car will launch in two forms: an entry-level rear-wheel-drive model priced from $68,900 plus on-road costs – roughly $1725 above the cut-off for EV incentives in NSW and Victoria – and the all-wheel-drive Performance from $98,599 (including Luxury Car Tax).

Orders placed today for the base variant will see delivery between August and November 2022, while the Performance can be delivered between November 2022 and February 2023.

A mid-range all-wheel-drive Long Range currently available overseas will not form part of the line-up at launch, though it has been certified for sale with the Australian Government, and is likely to arrive later on.

The high-rider shares many of its parts with the current Model 3 sedan – currently Australia’s best-selling electric car – and will be built in China at the same ‘Giga Shanghai’ factory.

The $68,900 base variant – known only as ‘Model Y’ – is powered by a single motor on the rear axle, producing 220kW, according to figures submitted to the Australian Government (a torque figure is not provided).

This allows the 0-100km/h to be completed in a claimed 6.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 217km/h.

A lithium-ion battery pack – estimated to offer 62.3kWh of energy storage – integrated into the floor permits an estimated driving range of 455km between charges on Europe’s WLTP test cycle.

A panoramic glass roof, heated seats, faux leather upholstery, four USB ports, wireless charging, and 19-inch ‘Gemini’ wheels are fitted to the base car as standard, plus the base level of Tesla’s Autopilot driver assist package.

The flagship Performance variant starts from about $98,599 before on-road costs, once Luxury Car Tax is included – or $93,900 without LCT – representing a premium of $6500 over a Model 3 Performance sedan.

A dual-motor layout (one on each axle) sends 393kW to all four wheels, according to government data, permitting a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.7 seconds, and an electronically-capped top speed of 250km/h.

A larger lithium-ion battery pack – reportedly around 82.8kWh – permits an estimated WLTP driving range of 514km between charges.

On top of the base car’s features, performance brakes, lowered suspension, 21-inch ‘Uberturbine’ wheels, and alloy pedals are added to the Performance model.

Inside both variants, infotainment and live vehicle data including speed comes via a 15-inch centre touchscreen, also used to adjust car settings including seat and steering wheel position, temperature, volume and driving mode.

The standard audio system – which was developed in-house – features 13 speakers, one subwoofer, and two amplifiers.

Interior trim can be specified in black (with wood dashboard accents) or white, the latter for a cost premium of $1500.

While the Model Y is offered with five- and seven-seat layouts in the US, only the former is available locally – at least for the time being.

Five body colours are on offer: Pearl White Multi-Coat (no cost), Solid Black ($1500 extra), Midnight Silver Metallic ($1500 extra), Deep Blue Metallic ($1500 extra) and Red Multi-Coat ($2900 extra).

The boot provides 854 litres of storage space with the rear seats upright, or 2158 litres with them folded flat – more than other similarly-sized vehicles, though the Tesla’s figures are likely measured to the roof (as is the norm in the US), not to the parcel shelf.

The ‘Full Self-Driving’ package costs $10,100, however its advantages in Australia over the standard-fit ‘Autopilot’ system are limited for the time being.

‘Autopilot’ includes the full suite of safety features now offered by most manufacturers in the segment, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring

The SUV is yet to receive a rating from peak local safety body ANCAP, however has scored well in most areas of crash testing overseas – and earned the full five stars in US crash tests (though these do not necessarily translate to ANCAP scores).

The standard Model Y falls about $1725 above the cut-off for electric vehicle buyer subsidies in NSW, Victoria and South Australia (though it still receives a stamp duty exemption in NSW), when order and delivery fees are included (the price the subsidy cut-off is based on). Remove these fees and the difference is only $150.

The car can be optioned and pre-ordered via the Tesla Australia website, accessible here.

The 2022 Tesla Model Y electric SUV is now on sale in Australia.

2022 Tesla Model Y Australian pricing

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs, but include Luxury Car Tax.

2022 Tesla Model Y standard features:

2022 Tesla Model Y Performance adds (over base RWD):

William Davis has written for Drive since July 2020, covering news and current affairs in the automotive industry. He has maintained a primary focus on industry trends, autonomous technology, electric vehicle regulations, and local environmental policy. As the newest addition to the Drive team, William was brought onboard for his attention to detail, writing skills, and strong work ethic. Despite writing for a diverse range of outlets – including the Australian Financial Review, Robb Report, and Property Observer – since completing his media degree at Macquarie University, William has always had a passion for cars.

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