Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD

Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | Test Drive

7 April 2026 Redazione News, Tested

Words Federico Madia / Photos Federico Bard

No matter how you look at it, Tesla is still the planet around which all the other electric worlds of modern mobility revolve. Or at least, that’s my personal perception. Fourteen years after the first Model S rolled off the production line, the fleet of vehicles powered by electrons stored in lithium-ion batteries has changed quite dramatically. Behind this shift, as you well know, are economic decisions, marketing strategies and above all quasi-legislative impositions which — whether for better or worse — have expanded the range of zero-emission cars and albeit slowly compared to what would be necessary increased the infrastructure needed to make this type of mobility truly viable.

But let’s get back to Tesla. As effectively the first electric car, it marked a turning point and for a long time remained the undisputed benchmark. Over the years it has been updated, while still retaining that ability which from the very beginning placed it light-years ahead of competitors who perhaps didn’t believe strongly enough. Constant change has first led to the introduction of at least one fully electric model for nearly 80% of brands on the market, a percentage that has now grown significantly, pushing manufacturers to develop models designed exclusively to house batteries rather than combustion engines. Add to that the plethora of (mostly Chinese) low-cost brands arriving in Europe exclusively with zero-emission models and Tesla can no longer be taken for granted. It’s certainly not the only option anymore. But is it still the best?

The Model Y is the crossover that echoes the style of the flagship Model X, doing away with the complex and theatrical rear doors and sacrificing a few centimeters in length, height and interior space. That said, much like the Model 3 — but aesthetically far more harmonious — it immediately made it clear that it was the most interesting model in the Californian brand’s lineup. After a series of software updates, the time has come to refresh its design and clearly drawing inspiration from the sharp, clean cuts of the Cybertruck, the new Model Y receives a substantial update. It features razor-thin front headlights, a LED strip connecting the rear lights — equally sharp — and a design that not only refreshes the model’s look but distinguishes it far more than its previously understated lines ever did.

Available with various battery options up to the Performance version, the Long Range all-wheel-drive variant stands out as the best choice, at least for those not looking to save money by opting for the entry-level version. That said, as we found some time ago when testing the Model 3 RWD, even the entry point into the Tesla world is perfectly capable of delivering everything you need, including impressive performance. Of course, the extra horsepower provided by the second electric motor is always welcome, but it’s above all the all-wheel drive — each motor powering its respective axle — that makes driving even more relaxed, especially when road conditions are less than ideal.

The updates to the Model Y are not just aesthetic. Looking at the interior, we find the well-known minimalism so dear to Musk. As in the Model 3, a colored LED strip runs across the entire cabin, and although you still have to do without a physical gear selector (drive, reverse, and park), the indicator stalk is back, leaving the steering wheel with the usual buttons that, together with the ever-present 15.4-inch touchscreen, handle a wide range of adjustments. Materials remain understated but flawless. The clean design continues to be a strong point and the cabin comfortably accommodates five passengers, with those in the rear enjoying a generous screen from which they can control various functions.

And what about driving dynamics? That’s exactly where I wanted to get. Because the Model Y has always been remarkably good to drive. It’s one of those generously sized crossovers that invites you to cover long distances, yet feels perfectly at ease in urban environments. It’s spacious without being excessively bulky. As for so-called B-roads, Tesla engineers claim to have refined the suspension setup to make the ride smoother. The AWD version is limited to 200 kph, but acceleration remains blistering: 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds. As you might expect, the 493 Nm of torque is available instantly, just like the 514 horsepower, but keep in mind you’re still dealing with roughly two tons of weight.

This inevitably means that handling on twisty roads must account for a weight-to-power ratio that leaves no escape from the fact that the Model Y is fast and fun, but still heavy. That’s why opting for a more “civilized” suspension setup (if we want to call it that) is absolutely the right choice. That said, 99.9% of users might not even notice the difference. The real star of the driving experience is the steering: precise and direct, to the point of justifying the existence of the Performance variant, which delivers even more power and an even greater appetite for cornering.

I almost forgot the most important part: range. We could praise the Model Y’s build quality and driving dynamics for hours, but since it’s a car meant for real-world use rather than pure fun, Tesla must guarantee that I can get home without constantly worrying about remaining range. The company claims 586 km (which is 6 km more than the Performance and 36 km less than the RWD). Assuming realistic driving conditions — mixing city driving with some highway stretches — and at least in my personal experience, 480 km of real-world range is perfectly achievable. The positive aspect is that, unlike the vast majority of electric cars, Tesla’s range estimates are among the most accurate. Trust the onboard computer and take advantage of the excellent infotainment system, with a navigation system that automatically calculates the best charging solution along your route.

Tesla may no longer be the only bright star around which all planets revolve, but when it comes to everyday mobility and versatile use, it still sits at the top of the list. And the Model Y, strengthened by a design update that makes it even more appealing, once again confirms itself as the best model in the lineup. As for pricing — and without considering the many incentives and discounts that may be available depending on the period and your place of residence — the Model Y starts at around €40,000 (RWD Standard), rising to €45,000 for the NV36 RWD. For the Long Range NV36, prices climb to €50,000 for rear-wheel drive and €54,000 for all-wheel drive like the one tested here. At the top sits the Performance version at €62,000, meaning slightly less range but even more power.