Tesla’s Model Y compact all-electric SUV has gone on sale in the UK, bringing a rival to models such as the BMW iX3 and Mercedes-Benz EQC.

Tesla’s Model Y compact all-electric SUV is now on sale in the UK

Priced from £54,990, it joins the Model 3, Model S and Model X in Tesla’s UK line-up and starts first deliveries in early 2022.

It’s initially available in two variants – the Long Range AWD arriving first and Performance – both of which use a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up. Other variants are expected to follow. Both are five-seat only for now in the UK and Europe; Tesla has still not made a decision on whether the seven-seater will arrive here.

The Long Range All-Wheel Drive brings a 315-mile WLTP-rated range along with a 4.8-second 0-60mph time and a top speed of 135mph.

It’ll be followed by the Model Y Performance, which starts UK deliveries around mid-2022 and is priced from £64,990 with a 298-mile range, a 3.5-second 0-60mph time and top speed of 150mph.

Both feature a panoramic glass roof, split-folding second-row seats and ‘frunk’, giving more than 2,100 litres of storage space in total. As with Model 3, it connects to the driver’s smartphone to provide keyless entry, and uses a single 15-inch touchscreen interface inside for all of the car’s controls. Drivers can also use the Tesla mobile app for features such as remote unlock, Summon, remote pre-conditioning, location tracking, Speed Limit Mode, and others. Future over-the-air software updates are likely to bring infotainment and performance upgrades.

The Long Range AWD comes with 19- or 20-inch wheels, while the Performance gets 21 inchers.

It’s compliant with Tesla’s Supercharger network of more than 6,000 chargers across Europe, as well as the brand’s new V3 Superchargers, which can charge at rates up to 1,000 miles per hour.