Tesla Model Y SUV now in Singapore. Prices begin at $142,471 before COE. First deliveries set for August

Singapore - Tesla unveils their new midsize SUV, the Model Y at ION Orchard today. Prices for Elon’s farting SUVs start at $142,471, for the RWD model, while the Performance Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive model retails for $190,195. This is before you slap on that all-important, astronomically ridiculous COE, which adds approximately $110k to the price tag…. And oh yeah… minus $25,000 for its environmentally-friendly VES A1 rating.

The Model Y is now the best selling all-electric SUV in the world. Tesla also boasts that it is also among one of the safest, earning a perfect 5-star NHTSA rating. In keeping up with demand, we spoke to one of the Tesla peeps, and he mentioned that each Model Y is churned out in under 50 seconds, from their Gigafactories.

The “basic” RWD Model Y pushes 295hp, and reaches 100km/h in a reasonable 6.9 seconds. The single motor car sits on a 70kWh, which gives it a maximum range of 455km. The car is shod with 19-inch ‘Gemini’ rims as standard, though the snazzy 20-inch ‘Induction’ rims - a $3,000 upgrade, makes the car look way better.

The Performance Dual Motor AWD variant on the other hand, delivers 530hp, and gets its juice from a 90kWh battery. It reaches 100km/h in only 3.7 seconds, and has a maximum range of 514km. To accommodate the added performance, its suspension is lowered, and it also has Performance brakes. To differentiate it from the base car, the Performance model boasts 21-inch Uberturbine rims, and it also gets a tiny spoiler on the bootlid. On the inside, owners can enjoy theme-matching Performance pedals.

Like all current Tesla cars, the Model Y has most of its functions controlled through a voice-activated 15-inch touchscreen - gimmicky farts and games included. Sadly, it does not support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, it does have Wi-Fi and LTE internet connectivity.

The Model Y is notably larger than the Model 3, and it feels more like a “proper” 5-seater than the latter. The regular cargo space which is already an impressive 867 litres, can be expanded with the rear seats folded. Owners can enjoy up to a whopping 2,158 litres.

Both cars are able to properly utilise Tesla’s V3 Supercharging stations, and Tesla claim that their Performance variant can gain up to 120km on just a 5-minute charge. Tesla has already erected 8 V3 Supercharging stations, with a total of 24 Superchargers at popular destinations in Singapore, to help with this.

Both Model Y cars have a basic vehicle warranty of four years or 80,000km. The base car’s battery and drive unit warranty is valid for 8 years and 160,000km, while the Performance model adds another 32,000km of “peace-of-mind” to the battery and drive unit.

Those placing orders now, will be set to get their cars in August this year.

PHOTOS Clifford Chow and Jay Tee