Recommendation for Tesla Model Y Long buyers: go for the short one
The Israeli electric vehicle market is chaotic, and Tesla's attempt to extend the Model Y has resulted in a vehicle with significant design compromises. Despite the extra seats, the standard Model Y remains the superior choice for most drivers.
The electric vehicle market in Israel is chaotic. Three years ago, Israelis stood in line to buy Chinese electric cars; today, sales are polarized between very cheap and very expensive models. Tesla has become a status symbol for the middle class, but the lack of a dedicated six-seater model led the company to produce an elongated version of the Model Y, dubbed the "Long" (Y L).
The car is about 20 cm longer, accommodating two additional seats. Tesla's designers aimed to maintain the Model Y silhouette, resulting in a noticeable "hump" at the rear. While the regular Model Y is aesthetically pleasing, the multi-child version is less so.
Performance and Ride Quality
In terms of performance, the long Tesla Model Y is competitive, with electric motors producing a total of 444 horsepower. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in five seconds and reaches a top speed of over 200 km/h. However, the brake pedal feels overly stiff and artificial.
While the regular Model Y is praised for its impressive damping, the elongated version is disappointing. On smooth roads, it retains the characteristic Tesla handling, but there is a noticeable difference compared to the standard model. The rear suspension struggles to provide the same level of comfort, which is particularly felt by passengers in the back.
Ergonomics and Interior
The front cabin remains largely unchanged, featuring high-quality materials and excellent audio. However, the reliance on the central screen for functions like climate control, lights, and mirror adjustments feels increasingly outdated compared to modern competitors.
The rear section is the main point of contention. Third-row passengers are essentially sitting in an "aquarium." Despite having air vents and decent legroom, the massive window directly behind their heads makes the space unbearable in the Israeli heat, regardless of factory sun protection. From June to October, the third row may be practically unusable.
Conclusion
Costing approximately 310,000 shekels—about 20,000 more than the standard all-wheel-drive Model Y—the Long version offers a questionable value proposition. The attempt to force a third row into an existing platform has compromised the vehicle's fundamental design. For those with four children, the third-row flaws are significant. For those seeking extra storage, the standard Model Y offers superior ride quality and space efficiency. Ultimately, unless you specifically need the extra seats, sticking with the regular, excellent Model Y is the better choice.
