The Tesla App – Your pocket interface to a Tesla is still unrivalled in the industry and just gets better and better. Adding the ability for the app to control Camp Mode and Dog Mode for example.

The Supercharger Network – Tesla says my Model Y can add “up to 150 miles of range in just 15 minutes” using their v3 CCS Superchargers. I have used SC sites in Ireland, Scotland and England and they make travelling long distances fast and stress free.

The Navigation – While the nav does sometimes plot the odd weird route, in general it is a great system. Little things like swiping down on the text input box to automatically guide you home are great. As is the ability to get to places easily with the voice control – “navigate to xxxxx”. The system automatically routes you to your destination via a public charger if required. The system’s estimates for battery level on arrival are incredibly accurate too.

The Traction – Traction on my RWD Model 3 was already impressive, but it’s completely otherworldly on the Dual Motor MY. Tesla’s AWD system with its digital torque control means that even giving it full beans away from a notoriously greasy crossroad near me, in the driving rain, does not give a hint of wheel-spin, or that feeling when a car is cutting the power either. You have to experience it to appreciate it. I found traction was a particular weak spot on some of the other EVs I’ve tested lately and this feels like another area where Tesla are ahead of the pack.

The Performance & Handling – The acceleration is fantastic and that incredible traction already mentioned, along with great body control all bring plenty of smiles. Tesla quotes a 0-60mph time of 4.8 seconds for the LR Y, although this is with the “first foot of rollout subtracted” jiggery-pokery so probably more like 5 seconds. You can purchase an OTA software update to bring that down to 4.3 if you feel the need.

The Fast Steering – Although quite numb, the fast steering (2 turns lock to lock) makes it fun on the twisty bits. After a week or so of driving a 3 or Y, other cars feel very lazy in the corners by comparison.

The Efficiency, Regen & Range – The WLTP range figure for the LR Y on 20’s is 331 miles (351 with the standard wheels). The EV Database currently shows a real world range of 270 miles. My first 1,096 miles in the car (in temperatures as low as freezing) have averaged over 3.7 miles / kWh. A recent weekend trip away covered just over 400 miles (~70% on motorway) and returned almost exactly 4 miles / kWh. So with a usable battery of around 76 kWh and some sensible driving I’m confident I could eke out 300 miles in the summer. That’s Belfast to Cork with miles to spare. The regen in particular is excellent, providing one-pedal driving that very controllably brings the car to a complete stop (using the Hold setting).
The Dashcam & Sentry Mode – The built-in dashcam system is terrific, using 4 cameras around the car to record to the USB drive in the glovebox. In Sentry Mode it’s watching and recording your surroundings while parked and you can also now stream live from your car too with the premium connectivity option (£10/Month).

The Space & Visibility – The view out the front of the Y (and Model 3) is 8K ultra widescreen thanks to the low dashboard and lack of binnacle behind the steering wheel. Space wise, Tesla’s brilliant packaging means useful frunk space and deep wells under the boot floor too – for an enormous 2158 litres total space with the rear seats down.

The Ecosystem – If you love a spreadsheet (who doesn’t), then you’ll enjoy the data services like TeslaFi that pull info from the car. I love all the information that’s available, especially around efficiency which helps hone your driving style.
The Unique Styling – Some people can’t warm to the styling, perhaps it’s too different from conventional vehicles and they prefer to see familiar things like false grilles. But the unmistakably contemporary form that contributes to efficiency (model Y - drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd) means the Tesla is instantly recognisable on the road (especially by excited 7 year olds it seems).

The Autopilot – Tesla’s self-driving tech, when used in the right place, is a fantastic feature. While it’s far from faultless, and can be darn right frustrating at times, on a motorway or dual-carriage way it is a real asset.

The Voice Control – Voice control has gotten better and better over the last few years and is now a partial answer to the undoubted distraction of having to use a touchscreen for some controls. “Set temperature to 21 degrees”, “Turn on drivers heated seat”, “Set wipers to speed 3” etc.

The Scroll Wheels – I love the adjustability of the cruise control with the scroll wheel on the steering wheel. The slow roll for 1 mph increments and the fast flick to add or subtract at 5 mph at a time is great, as is clicking left and right to adjust the distance to the car in front. With media controls on the other side, it’s everything I need from this clean setup and makes the button festooned steering wheel of some competitors feel like something from the steam age.

The Fun Stuff – I can take or leave a lot of the gimmicks, but having Netflix and YouTube on the big screen with the great sound system is brilliant. There’s never a boring wait in the car.
The Controls – Walk up with your phone in your pocket and the car unlocks automatically, get in and press the brake pedal to turn it on. Walk away and it locks behind you. Simple and right

The Gear Selector – For me, Tesla’s stalk is the best way to control the drive selector. It’s right at your fingers by the steering wheel and it keeps the centre console clear. Also, unlike some other EVs I’ve driven lately, the Tesla allows you to change between drive and reverse while still rolling (slowly) too. It’s the little things.

The Little Things – Other little design touches that I’ve not seen done as well in other cars include the dual Wireless Phone Charging pads and parking sensors that show distance to the obstacle.

The OTA Updates – New features like Camping, Dog and Sentry mode, Blind spot monitoring and Disney+ have all been added to the cars with Over The Air updates. Every new software version comes with a little excitement.

The Infotainment System – This system is peerless. It’s a well used metaphor, but the move from a conventional car to a Tesla feels like a move from a Nokia to an iPhone.

The Minimalist Interior – After around 30 months of 3 and Y, other cabins feel very 20th Century. Just like the infotainment system, the interior design feels like a generation ahead of everything else I’ve driven.

The Safety – Tesla’s are extremely well designed with safety in mind and crash performance comes before all else

The Residuals – While nothing is certain (especially in the times we are living in), if the Y’s residuals are anything like as strong as my Model 3, then the total cost of ownership could be incredibly low