[Taboleo] A Car Like an 'Entry-Level iPhone'... Tesla Model Y RWD

Similar Appeal to iPhone 15 Base Model
Shorter Driving Range but Mostly Identical Features
Some Improvements in Soundproofing and Ride Comfort
However, Still Need to Consider the 'Firm' Ride Quality

Tesla shares many similarities with Apple, the maker of the iPhone. Both are called ‘icons of innovation’ and have contributed to the popularization of electric vehicles and smartphones. Their product characteristics are also similar. They feature excellent software and embrace minimalism (a tendency to pursue simplicity and clarity) in design. Apple recently launched the iPhone 15. The lineup includes high-end, high-performance, or size-based models: Pro Max, Pro, Plus, and the base model. Consumers will purchase the iPhone 15 according to the features they need or their preferences.

Tesla Model Y RWD
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

The same goes for Tesla. There are high-performance models represented by the Model S and X, and entry-level models called Model 3 and Y. Even within Model Y, there are Long Range and Performance trims. Some may choose the Long Range for longer commuting distances, while others may prefer the Performance for better motor output. Tesla has introduced another trim besides these two: the Model Y RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive). It targets consumers who don’t mind a shorter driving range but want a slightly more affordable model. This is similar to the iPhone 15 Plus and base models. The response has been enthusiastic. It is reported that over 20,000 units were ordered since its launch in July.

Tesla Model Y RWD
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

Advantage of Relatively Lower Price Despite Shorter Driving Range

Most of Tesla’s features, including Autopilot, are equipped identically. The design is also the same. However, the driving range (350 km) is shorter, and the price is lower. This trim is produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory in China and is equipped with an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery. Due to the LFP battery’s vulnerability to cold weather, the driving range may be even shorter in winter.

After a 99 km test drive, the average energy consumption was 176 Wh/km. Calculated using South Korea's energy efficiency standards, this corresponds to 5.68 km/kWh. It falls under the 2nd grade for consumption efficiency.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@]

The energy efficiency was excellent. At the initial test drive, the battery capacity was 92%, and the display showed a driving range of 361 km. After driving 99 km, the remaining battery capacity was 60%. The average energy consumption was 176 Wh/km. Calculated in Korean energy efficiency terms, this equals 5.68 km/kWh. According to the newly implemented ‘Regulations on Display of Automobile Energy Consumption Efficiency Grades’ starting this month, this figure corresponds to a consumption efficiency grade 2 (5.0?5.7 km per kWh). If more city driving had been done, it might have qualified for grade 1 (5.8 km or more per kWh).

This trim is cheaper than the Long Range (77.89 million KRW as of last February) and Performance (82.69 million KRW) trims. It is priced at 56.99 million KRW. If purchased in Seoul, buyers receive a total subsidy of 6.5 million KRW, combining the national electric vehicle subsidy of 5.14 million KRW and a local subsidy of 1.36 million KRW. Thus, the vehicle can be purchased for 50.49 million KRW. If bought in Geochang, Gyeongnam, where the local subsidy is the lowest, it can be purchased for as low as 43.16 million KRW.

Tesla Model Y RWD Driver's Seat View
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

The Appeal of Model Y Remains Intact…Noise Reduction and Ride Comfort Improved

The exterior and interior of the vehicle are the Model Y we know. However, the exterior shows fewer panel gaps compared to other trims produced in the U.S. Various joints are more uniform than before. The spacious cargo space remains. When folding the rear seats, the trunk can hold up to 2,158 liters. It was also impressive to see a button on the side of the trunk to fold the rear seats. The front trunk (frunk) is also spacious and highly practical.

In the case of the trunk, the maximum loading capacity is up to 2158 liters when the rear seats are folded down.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@]

There is a button to fold the rear seats on the side of the trunk.
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

The noise seemed somewhat improved. Previous trims gave the impression of being somewhat noisy because outside noise was not well blocked when driving over 70 km/h. However, the RWD trim showed better performance in this regard. At speeds reaching 90 km/h, noise levels were similar to previous trims. The ride comfort felt slightly less ‘hard’ than before. The unique Tesla sensation of feeling like riding a spaceship with your head pressed down while driving on the floor remained the same.

Still a ‘Firm’ Ride…Regenerative Braking ‘Bumpiness’ Should Be Considered When Purchasing

Although the ride comfort has improved somewhat, the sporty ‘firm’ ride remains. Regenerative braking can be adjusted but is not strongly felt. If a passenger unfamiliar with electric vehicles rides along, the driver must be more cautious to prevent motion sickness. When the road surface is bumpy or severely uneven, the entire car tends to shake together. It feels like riding a roller coaster, so if you dislike this sensation, you should definitely consider it before purchasing the vehicle.

Tesla Model Y RWD screen view while driving
Photo by Oh Gyumin moh011@

While Autopilot performance remains the same, there is a difference from previous trims. Lane changes require the turn signal to be activated. Previous trims made in the U.S. could automatically change lanes because, under the Korea-U.S. FTA regulations, if the vehicle met U.S. safety standards, up to 50,000 units could be imported as is with automatic lane change capability. However, this RWD trim is made in China, so this regulation does not apply.