Tesla tries to claw customers back with a long range version of its best-selling Model Y SUV - but is it worth paying extra for?

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Tesla is once again trying to tempt customers back to its electric cars – this time by extending the range of its best-selling model.

Elon Musk’s EV company has introduced a new variant of its Model Y SUV - the world's best-selling car in 2023 - and it will cover 383 miles on a single charge. This is 69 more miles than the entry-level Model Y.

The new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive SUV goes on sale at £44,990 - £3,000 more than the 314-mile range Rear-Wheel Drive model.  

The new Long Range version comes with all the Tesla tech customers expect – from Arcade games to dog mode – and ultra-rapid charging that gives you a claimed 173 miles of range in 15 minutes.

Tesla has been attempting to entice more cost-conscious buyers to its line up of late, launching a new Model Y Standard towards the end of last year. 

And now it's offering 69 extra miles, and longer term lower costs of ownership, for an extra £3k - is that even a good deal? Here's what you get so you can decide.

The new, cheaper Tesla Long Range RWD Model Y: Elon Musk’s EV company has introduced a new variant of its Model Y SUV, and it will cover 383 miles on a single charge. It costs £44,990

Long range and fast charging

Tesla says the new Long Range version ‘unlocks maximum range for drivers who need it’, providing ‘peace of mind and affordable energy costs on long-distance trips’.

The 383 miles of range is enough to get from the circa 350 miles from London to Berwick-upon-Tweed with charge to spare.

The extended range is thanks to the new Y’s low energy consumption of 13.6 kWh/100 km.

You pay £3k more for this Long-Range RWD version than you do for the 314-mile RWD version, which doesn't seem a huge saving. However, the Long-Range RWD Premium model jumps up to £48,990 and the Long- Range All-Wheel Drive model is £51,990, so you do save a chunk of cash there. 

Those two models do 387 and 391 miles on a single charge respectively. 

The new Model Y can high speed charge to 250 kW and comes with access to over 20,000 Superchargers across Europe, 2,000 of which are in the UK.

In the 15-minute window it takes to add 173 miles of range allows families to stop for a loo break, grab a coffee or take the dog for a quick walk.

The new Model Y Long Range RWD has the same interior as the 2025 Model Y with dual screens and premium materials

Other than new materials it looks almost exactly the same as the old version with the same 15.4-inch screen

Read More

We drive the cheapest Tesla Model Y - can the new £42k 'Standard' fix the brand's reputation and reverse its sales slump?

Tesla’s signature features are included

What’s good about Tesla’s approach to updating its models or bringing new ones out, is that the somewhat controversial brand doesn’t remove its most loved features to save money.

The new Y therefore comes with an extensive suite of features, including remote mobile app access, trip planner with real-time supercharger availability, and a variety of gaming and entertainment options.

Phone key, remote climate control, sentry mode, dog omde, and all the Tesla signature features are included.

Everything is housed in the 15.4-inch landscape touchscreen, and there’s one steering wheel stalk for indicators – the same as in the new Model 3.

Practicality hasn’t changed either: There’s a huge 835-litre boot which increases to 2,118 litres with the rear seats folded.

The Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive also benefits from over-the-air updates which continually enhance the vehicle, introducing new features and improving existing ones at no extra cost.

Autopilot is standard, and the car is hardware-ready for Full Self-Driving (Supervised), which will be enabled remotely on applicable vehicles once approved by local regulators.

How total costs of ownership have been lowered

Like the new sub-£40,000 Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive, the new Long Range variant has been designed with a focus on total cost of ownership.

Thanks to its low energy consumption, Model Y Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive offers some of the lowest running costs in its class, especially when paired with its low maintenance needs.

Tesla has selected 19-inch Crossflow wheels and has lowered the EV’s acceleration to support better insurance costs and residual values for UK customers.

How much does it cost and when is this new Long Range version available?

As said, it will cost £44,990 or £349 a month. Tesla is also offering a Trade-In bonus of £3,750, valid against all Model Y and Model 3 vehicles ordered before 31 of March 2026.

On sale now, deliveries will debut in late March 2026.