Tesla unveils its Model Y electric SUV, starting at $39,000 and arriving next fall

At its launch event today, Tesla unveiled its highly anticipated Model Y compact SUV, with plans to bring it to market by next fall.

The company’s fifth car will be available in four configurations, and will seat seven passengers with an optional third row. The base variant comes in at $39,000, with a range of 370 kilometers (230 miles) on a single charge; the top-end Performance model will be able to cover 450 kilometers (280 miles), hit a top speed of 240 kmph (150mph), and set you back by $60,000.

If you’re hoping to score the cheapest Model Y, you’ll have to wait until the spring of 2021; the other three variants will be available sooner. Apart from the two aforementioned models, there’s also a Long Range Y that can do 482 kilometers (300 miles) and comes with a $47,000 price tag. And for $51,000 ($9,000 less than the Performance model), you can opt for the Dual Motor AWD option that does 450 kilometers (280 miles) with a top speed of 217 kmph (135 mph).

It’ll be interesting to see how well the Model Y sells, now that the company’s $35,000 Model 3 sedan is available for purchase, and that it’s decided to close almost all of its showrooms. Between its competitive pricing and its high brand value, the Model Y could certainly pose a challenge to the top-selling SUVs in the US from the likes of Jeep, Toyota, and Ford.

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