Tesla has introduced a new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive version of the Model Y in the United Kingdom, expanding its lineup with a lower-priced configuration that trades equipment for affordability.
The new variant starts at £44,990, making it £4,000 cheaper than the model it replaces and £3,000 more expensive than the entry-level rear-wheel-drive version. Tesla had already rolled out the configuration in other European markets earlier this year before bringing it to the UK.
Despite the lower price, the vehicle retains the same battery pack as the previous Long Range RWD model, understood to have a capacity of about 82 kWh. Official WLTP range is rated at 383 miles, four miles less than its predecessor. The standard rear-wheel-drive Model Y offers up to 314 miles, slightly higher than the model it replaced due to a reduced kerb weight.
To achieve the new price point, Tesla has removed several features. Exterior changes include replacing full-width front and rear light bars with a split-light design and eliminating the panoramic glass roof. Frequency-selective dampers have been replaced by passive units.
Interior adjustments are more extensive. Cloth upholstery replaces synthetic leather, the centre console is simplified, and the audio system has been reduced to seven speakers from nine. The rear passenger touchscreen has been removed, as has the Bioweapon Defence air filtration mode. Steering wheel adjustment is now manual rather than electric.
Unlike some markets where base models use smaller wheels, UK vehicles come standard with 19-inch Crossflow alloy wheels, a decision aimed at supporting resale values. Tesla also offers a higher-spec Premium version priced from £48,990.
The company has applied a similar strategy to the Model 3 in the UK, introducing reduced-spec versions to broaden affordability. A Long Range configuration of the Model 3 is expected to follow, after the entry version previously known as “Standard” arrived earlier this year.
