A Sedan That Drives Like Something More

After a short experience with the Model Y during a recent shoot, I just had to get myself behind the wheel of the Model 3. Tesla Singapore was kind enough to arrange a week-long drive in the latest Long Range variant. Rear-wheel-drive, more power (315 bhp) than the two other RWD models, and a lighter battery despite having more range; the specs alone were tantalising.

From the moment I set off, the Model 3 Long Range felt properly sorted. The turn-in is sharp, the handling is poised, and the suspension and damping tell you that this is no half-baked EV. Steering weight is good, so the car responds to direction changes with purpose. On Singapore roads, that quick reflex translates into confidence even when you’re weaving through traffic or tackling tighter corners.

Ageing EV stereotypes of floaty ride and vague steering do not apply here. At the same time, the ride is comfortable for daily use. It strikes a delicate balance between dynamics and usability.

Real-World Range That Surprised Me

According to the official specifications, the Model 3 Long Range is capable of travelling up to 750 km in WLTP terms, provided the right wheels (18-inch) and conditions are met. Our test car had the sexy 19s (so 691 km instead). During my time with it, I used 30% of the battery and achieved nearly 180 km, which, based on rough maths, suggests a real-world range of more than 600 km. That is wild for a sedan.

Of course, real-world driving in Singapore, with air conditioning, traffic, heat, and stops, means you will encounter variation. However, hitting that kind of distance gives you confidence that this car can handle long drives, not just the daily commute.

Brand Evolution and Presence

Tesla is now part of the mainstream conversation. Back then, the Roadster felt novel and niche. Today, the Model 3 carries the “best-selling sedan in Singapore” tag for good reason. It has matured in all the right ways. The brand has gained traction, the network has expanded, and the car itself feels more reasoned rather than over-hyped.

What It’s Like on the Road

In everyday driving, the Model 3 Long Range gives you the best of both worlds. Quiet and refined at moderate speeds, and when you press on, you feel the immediacy of electric torque. There is less drama than in the older Roadster days, but more finesse in how everything works together. Handling, steering and ride all feel cohesive. If you enjoy performance and you also want a practical, grown-up car, this ticks a lot of boxes.

Why It Matters in Singapore

For the Singapore market, the sedan form-factor still has appeal. The Model 3 combines that with EV benefits. Given how often I write about performance cars, electric cars and innovation, having this level of performance in a sedan is notable. The fact that it remains the best-selling sedan shows it makes sense to buyers here. It also presents a solution to those who have range anxiety when travelling in Malaysia. Now you can easily drive to KL or even Ipoh on a single charge.

Final Thoughts

Many electric cars require you to adapt your mindset. The Model 3 Long Range doesn’t feel like a compromise. It feels like a genuine evolution. From my early days driving the Roadster to now piloting this car, Tesla’s journey has been credible, and the Model 3 Long Range is the strongest chapter yet. If you are looking for a performance-oriented EV sedan that delivers and is reliable for daily use, I recommend giving this a strong look.

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model 3 Long Range (A)

Powertrain: Electric Motor | Rear Wheel Drive

Power: 315 bhp

Battery Type: Long Range

Torque: 450 Nm

Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)

0-100km/h: 5.2 Seconds

Weight: 1,747 kg

Battery Capacity: 84 kWh

Drive Range: 750 km on 18-inch wheels | 691 km on 19-inch wheels (claimed)

Energy Consumption: 7.4km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$217,216 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Tesla may be a somewhat divisive company thanks to its rather controversial leader, but if you’ve ever driven their cars, you’ll discover that, objectively speaking, they are actually very well-rounded and capable for what they were made to do.

Nowhere is this more evident than on the Tesla Model Y, which is now one of the best-selling cars worldwide. The updated Model Y, introduced earlier in 2025, further boosted its appeal among Singaporeans with a specially-tuned version that qualified for a Category A COE.

But if you want a ‘regular’ Model Y that’s not been power-restricted, there is the standard RWD version that delivers the Tesla experience as it is meant to be.

Same Sharp Looks

Visually, there’s basically no difference between the different Model Y variants, regardless of power output. You get the same sleek and sharp design of the facelift, with the slim light bar across the front, and the distinctive rear lights reflecting off the name panel at the back.

Other than that, the styling is really nothing to shout about. If not for its unique illumination choice, the Model Y is a car that would blend in with traffic, along with all the other large SUVs populating our roads.

Similar Minimalism

Likewise, the interior of the Model Y RWD is almost identical to the lesser-powered version. You get the same minimalist setup, dominated by the large central touchscreen that houses everything, including key controls and info like the drive selector and speedometer.

For those unaccustomed to Tesla’s ways, the layout will take some getting used to. Thankfully though, the facelift has also brought back a much-needed physical control in the form of the indicator stalk, which replaces the button indicators of the pre-facelift Model Y.

The infotainment screen houses all manner of functionalities and gimmicks, like the ability to play games. Most of these are identical across the range, so I won’t go into detail. 

The only difference between the RWD and the 110kW Cat A model here is that the RWD has a setting to adjust the level of acceleration, whether you want it to ‘Chill’ or deliver its power as per normal.

Space Age

As a practical SUV, the Model Y is hard to beat. There’s plenty of space in the back to stretch out, and rear passengers even get a small 8-inch touchscreen to control various settings, or even watch YouTube videos if they wish, an idea taken from the facelifted Model 3 introduced in 2024.

Boot space remains at an enormous 854 litres, expandable to a simply colossal 2,138 litres if you fold down the rear seats, a feat achieved by simply pressing a button. If somehow that is not enough for you, there is also a frunk with 117 litres of capacity.

Just The Right Amount of Power

As capable as the Cat A Model Y was, the restricted power was exceedingly obvious when you put the pedal down. The RWD obviously addresses this issue, and the overall feeling is that this is the Model Y as it is meant to be.

The single electric motor puts out a handy 342bhp and 450Nm of torque, and the car accelerates from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, which is brisk enough to help you execute overtaking manoeuvres with ease.

It’s the way that the power is delivered that’s truly impressive though. It comes in smoothly and effortlessly, and is certainly much more effective at moving you along than the 110kW. And yet it doesn’t feel as brutally explosive as the top-spec Long Range AWD model, whose acceleration has been described by some as akin to a mad rollercoaster ride.

Essentially, the RWD is really the version for those who want a relatively ‘normal’ Model Y experience, with enough power for everyday use, and nothing too crazily excessive like the overpowered AWD model.

Same Great Drive

The difference in power does not seem to have affected the Model Y’s drivability elsewhere, because it feels much the same actually. There’s a sense of sure-footedness that you’ll expect from a large electric SUV like this, but the car is also surprisingly nimble and eager in the corners, certainly much more so than many of its rivals.

The steering too is nicely weighted, with three adjustable settings to choose from. However, the feel can be a bit inconsistent, especially when cornering, and keener drivers would probably appreciate a bit more feedback perhaps.

Ride quality is well-controlled, if slightly on the firmer side. It copes well with most road bumps, and never really veers into uncomfortable territory, which is a real credit to how Tesla has engineered its suspension setup.

And because the Model Y RWD shares the same 62.5kWh battery as the Cat A variant, the range remains unchanged at 466km. In the real world you’ll probably get somewhere nearer to 400km, which is still good enough to last the average Singaporean for about a week’s worth of driving.

The Nice Middle Ground

The reality of the Singaporean car market is that the Cat A Model Y will likely remain the most popular version of the car here, simply because of its relative affordability compared to the more powerful models in the range.

In terms of outright sticker price, the Model Y RWD isn’t actually that much more expensive than the 110kW model, being roughly about $13,000 more. The difference in monthly instalments works out to just slightly under $200 a month, which is pretty reasonable to be fair. 

However, because our road tax structure for EVs is based on power output, the Model Y RWD incurs a rather sizeable road tax of $3,476 a year, more than double that of the 110kW’s $1,560 annual tax rate.

If you aren’t deterred by the hefty increase in tax though, the Model Y RWD strikes a nice balance for those who want a capable electric SUV that’s spacious, practical, good to drive and decently powerful without going overboard. It truly feels just right, which is a bit odd to describe something from a company as extreme as Tesla.

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model Y RWD

Engine: Single Electric Motor

Powertrain: Rear Wheel Drive

Power: 255 kW (342 bhp)

Torque: 450 Nm

Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)

0-100km/h: 5.9 Seconds

Top Speed: 201 km/h

Battery Capacity: 62.5 kWh

Drive Range: 466 km (claimed)

Energy Consumption: 6.5km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$238,391 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Ben Chia (@benchiacars)

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The brand’s ‘Drive To Believe’ campaign invites you to find that moment for yourself: book a test drive of a Model 3 or Model Y in Singapore and stand a chance to enjoy the car for three days and two nights*.

Just you, your routine, and a quietly astonishing EV that turns everyday drives into something rather special.

Slick brochures and spec sheets are fine, but they don’t tell you how instant torque feels when you thread into evening traffic, or how soothing it is when a car simply works.

“Drive To Believe” is a hands-on trial by real life: school runs, late dinners, rainstorms, you name it. If a car can impress you on a Tuesday night in your home carpark, it can impress you anywhere.

How to win that 3D2N drive

1. Register for a Tesla test drive in Singapore.
2. Experience a guided session with a Tesla Advisor; familiarise with the interface, charging, and everyday usability.
3. Once you’ve completed your test drive, you’ll stand a chance to be selected for a complimentary 3 days, 2 nights with a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y.

The numbers that make sense

In a city that rewards efficiency and prudence, the sums are compelling. Eligible buyers can enjoy an attractive 1.50% p.a. financing offer**, keeping monthly payments manageable. There’s also Singapore’s S$5,000 EV adoption incentive, easing your step into clean mobility. All these allows you to drive away your Tesla from as low as $1,610.month***.

With charging rates that charge your Tesla from up to 311km in 15 mins, prices starting at $0.44/kWh. Combine this with maintenance savings over time, and you begin to see why so many drivers describe the switch to Tesla as both an upgrade and a relief.

Where to meet your future EV

Drop by any of Tesla’s Experience Centres in Singapore to start your journey:

1. 17 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh
2. Millenia Walk, #01-84
3. Westgate, #01-01

Explore the cars, ask the tricky questions, and book your test drive on the spot. The team will happily demystify charging, costs, and ownership.

Ready to Drive To Believe? Book your test drive online or in person at Westgate, Toa Payoh, or Millenia Walk today, and let the car do the convincing. By Monday morning, you won’t be asking if an EV fits your life. You’ll be deciding which colour suits it best.

*3D2N drive selection mechanics, dates, and availability are managed by Tesla Singapore. Terms and conditions apply.

**1.50% interest rate and incentives are subject to eligibility, bank approval, and prevailing regulations.

***Based on the estimated walkaway price, valid till 18 November 2025. Contact Tesla to find out more.

With a drag coefficient of 0.22 and an indicated 13.6 km/kWh, the LR RWD is engineered to make every kilowatt count. It’s the same tidy saloon, but fettled for distance and daily ease.

0–100 km/h in 5.2 seconds, 201 km/h at the top end, and 250 kW peak DC fast-charging when you’re in a hurry.

Tesla’s ecosystem remains one of the most integrated around: Superchargers for rapid turns, Destination Chargers where you live and play, and the Wall Connector for your own parking bay. New owners here get a complimentary Wall Connector (valued at $790), a two-year warranty for STRATA and non-STRATA landed properties, and a one-time maintenance service.

Prefer fast juice? The Supercharger network continues to grow, with a new V4 site at Westgate offering up to 250 kW, enough to add about 282 km in 15 minutes.

The Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD starts at $102,215 without COE, or from $226,615 with Category B COE (based on 20 August 2025 bidding at $124,400).

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That’s enough to make it from Singapore to Ipoh without a single whiff of charging cable. Unless, of course, you’re the sort who likes scenic detours and air-conditioning set to arctic.

Every Kilometre Counts

Tesla’s engineers didn’t just slap a bigger battery into the car and call it a day. By tweaking things like rolling resistance and shaving the drag coefficient down to 0.22cD, they’ve eked out an 8% improvement in range and somehow made the car 10% more efficient than the previous Tesla Model Y.

You now get the option to use either the regenerative braking of the electric motor or traditional mechanical brakes. And while that may sound like a “so what?” moment, it’s a big deal in terms of efficiency, stability, and most importantly, driver confidence.

Smarter Over Time

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Tesla without some of that OTA (Over-The-Air) magic. The new “set arrival energy” function adjusts your route automatically to factor in your battery’s remaining juice, adding or removing charging stops and fine-tuning durations.

Celebrate SG60 the Tesla Way

As part of the SG60 celebrations, Tesla’s offering fans a chance to win a weekend drive in a Model 3 or Model Y during National Day. Throw in goodies from Be Salon, Iki Concepts, and Hush Candle, and it’s shaping up to be quite the glam road trip.

Want to go full-on patriotic? Head down to Millenia Walk from 26 July to 3 August and craft your own National Day-themed Tesla keychain at their camping pop-up.

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As of 20 June 2025, the American EV powerhouse has officially pulled into Westgate. And no, this isn’t just another pop-up booth with pretty posters and polite salespeople, but a full-fledged Tesla experience location nestled comfortably at #01-29A.

Step through the doors and you’ll find the Model 3 and New Model Y front and centre, primed for test drives and photo ops alike. Tesla even has an Optimus, Tesla’s new humanoid robot, on station.

Equal parts science fiction and real-world innovation, Optimus is part of a larger conversation about Tesla Vision, the shared intelligence that underpins both Tesla vehicles and the robot himself.

Coming in Q3 2025, Westgate’s Basement 3 will house Singapore’s newest Tesla Supercharger station, bringing the island’s total to 13.

In 2025, Tesla Singapore has seen a 43% rise in registered vehicles compared to the same period last year. The Model 3 continues to dominate as Singapore’s best-selling sedan, while the New Model Y shattered records with 461 deliveries and counting.

And in a market where the almighty Certificate of Entitlement dictates what sits in your driveway, Tesla’s move to introduce Category A eligible versions of the Model 3 and New Model Y is strategic.

Priced at S$186,526 and S$201,600 respectively (based on the 18 June 2025 COE bidding exercise), these locally-tailored Teslas are more attainable than ever, especially when you consider Tesla’s low financing offers, with instalments starting from S$1,437 per month.

Curious? You can build your own Tesla today, or head down to the Westgate showroom to get hands-on with the future.

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The V4 Superchargers are capable of pumping out up to 250kW, enough to give a Model 3 Long Range up to 282km of range in just 15 minutes. Blink and you might miss your charge.

With longer cables, the V4 Supercharger has also been engineered to suit every Tesla vehicle, regardless of where your charge port sits. With the V4 launch at One Holland Village, Tesla now operates 12 Supercharging locations across Singapore, totalling 37 stalls.

In 2025, Tesla plans to expand the network even further, adding four new Supercharging stations in the South, East, and West regions of Singapore. Each will be tailored to local demand, ensuring that wherever you are on the island, fast, reliable charging is never far away.

Alongside this is the continued growth of Tesla’s Destination Charging network, located at malls, hotels, and attractions. And because it’s Tesla, it’s also about the experience. The Supercharging network integrates fully with the Tesla app, letting you find available chargers, monitor charging in real-time, and pay automatically through your linked payment method. This is ‘Plug and Charge’ in its most literal and luxurious form.

Plus, the latest Spring software update brings enhanced Trip Planning capabilities, allowing drivers to set desired arrival energy levels, dynamically adjust routes with charging stops, and maximise their journey with pinpoint efficiency.

With prices starting from $0.51/kWh, Tesla’s Supercharging fees remain among the most affordable in Singapore’s fast-charging landscape. And if that’s not enough, new Tesla owners under the Home Charging Programme will receive a complimentary Tesla Wall Connector (valued at $790), with a 2-year warranty and a one-time maintenance service.

Beyond our borders, Tesla is stitching together a regional network that connects Singapore to Malaysia and even onwards to Thailand. With 26 Supercharging sites and 24 Destination Charging locations across both countries, long-distance EV travel is pretty much possible now. Expect to see more developments in the near future.

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To clarify, the Tesla Model Y in 2024 outsold everything else. Petrol, diesel, plug-in, hybrid, you name it. 1.2 million units found homes across 160 countries.

But with great success comes great scrutiny. And while the original Model Y may have conquered spreadsheets, it wasn’t exactly winning beauty pageants or refinement contests. Noisy, a bit stiff-legged, and minimalism that bordered on monastic; it wasn’t everyone’s cup of soy milk latte.

So, is the 2025 Model Y just another facelift for Tesla to keep the sales chart happy, or has it truly evolved into something more polished?

Sharper outside

The Model Y has now been treated to what we’d call a “heavy refresh”. Gone are the koi fish looks of the old model, replaced with styling cues adapted from the new Model 3 and Cybertruck.

Improved suspension, slicker aero, softer ride, better sound insulation and (finally) a rear floor cast as a single piece. Fewer parts, more strength. Good stuff.

Kinder and gentler on the inside

If Apple ever made a living room, it would look like the inside of the new Model Y. Sparse, sleek, and determined to remove any evidence of human touch. There’s still a single screen that does everything, which may annoy traditionalists who just want a knob or button for the air-conditioning.

New materials and textures try to inject warmth, but it’s still very much an acquired taste. You don’t sit in a Model Y and fall in love. You sit in it and go, “Oh. That’s efficient.”

That said, front seats are now heated, cooled, and electric as standard. Rear passengers get longer seat cushions and their own heaters.

The glass roof has a new coating and is better at shielding from the sun, and there are now lightning-fast wireless chargers and enough centre console storage to lose your gym membership card forever.

Still the king of practicality

Tesla didn’t mess with what works. The Model Y’s calling card has always been its usability, and that continues in 2025. You’ve got room for five adults, and kids in the back can now be entertained by an 8-inch touchscreen mounted between the front seats, ideal for air-con control or an impromptu gaming session.

The rear seats recline (a bit) and fold flat at the touch of a button from the boot. Speaking of which, boot space is immense: 854 litres under the parcel shelf, expanding to 2,138 litres with the seats down. That’s enough for IKEA flat-packs, groceries, and your in-laws’ luggage all at once.

Don’t forget the extra “frunk” too, the front boot that adds another 117 litres of usable space, now with a drain plug. Handy if you’ve got muddy boots… or a very messy picnic.

She ain’t quick, but she’s smooth

The biggest update to the Model Y is the overall driving experience. Gone is the stiff-legged awkwardness of the earlier car, replaced by a ride that is actually comfortable. Tesla’s gone to town reworking the suspension geometry, dialling back the twitchiness, and smoothing out the bumps with the grace of a seasoned butler carrying tea on cobbled streets.

It’s still no featherweight, tipping the scales at around two tonnes, but the mass is managed well. Steering has been slowed down a touch to keep things calm, tyres are now bespoke for the car, and there’s proper sound deadening all over. Even the wheel arches have been told to keep it down.

You glide instead of crash over potholes now. You cruise instead of clatter. It finally feels like the premium family SUV it always wanted to be.

Yes, you can spring for the AWD Launch Edition and disappear over the horizon, but the Singapore-specific RWD 110 variant is just nice for our roads. 62.5 kWh gives you easily over 400km of useable range, and 350Nm of torque is plenty for getting off the line quickly.

It’s fast, but responsible. A family SUV that behaves like one, unless provoked.

It has grown up

The new Model Y is quieter, more efficient, calmer to drive and nicer to be in. And that about sums it up.

What we have here is a thoughtful evolution of a car that already did the basics well. It’s not showy. It’s not trying to be a sports car in SUV clothing. It’s just better. Sure, it’s lost a bit of its “wow” factor; the shock and awe of early Teslas has given way to a quiet maturity.

But it’s still backed by that unmatched Supercharger network, and it still delivers the kind of all-round excellence that explains those eye-watering sales numbers.

In the end, the new Model Y reminds you why Tesla is still very much in charge.

Technical Specifications

Tesla Model Y

Powertrain: Single Electric Motor, Rear-Wheel Drive
Power: 110 kW (148 bhp)
Torque: 350 Nm
Gearbox: Single Speed (A)
Acceleration: 9.6 Seconds (0-100km/h)
Top Speed: 201 km/h
Battery Capacity: 62.5 kWh
Drive Range: 466 km
Energy Consumption: 6.5 km/kWh (claimed)
Price: S$202,976 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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The new Tesla Model Y 110 is more about making smart electric mobility more accessible.

Now, if you’re wondering about the “110” in its name, it’s a nod to the car’s power output. Specifically, 110 kilowatts (or about 147bhp), which neatly places it within the Category A COE band.

It’s an EV you can buy without getting hammered by the premium COE bracket.

But don’t let its “entry-level” label fool you. This Model Y still retains the clean, minimalist interior we’ve come to associate with Tesla: a 15-inch central touchscreen that manages everything from your climate control to Netflix binge sessions, and the airy, uncluttered cabin that has become something of a signature trait for the brand.

Expect a 0–100km/h dash in 9.6 seconds, respectable for its slight power deficit. Range-wise, Tesla quotes up to 430km on a single charge.

Visually, it’s all very familiar. You won’t spot a glaring difference between this and its pricier siblings. And that’s precisely the point. Tesla isn’t compromising the Model Y’s look or feel, it’s simply dialling the numbers to meet Singapore’s very specific COE constraints.

The Model Y 110 is priced from $103,476 (before COE), making it Tesla’s most wallet-friendly model in Singapore to date. Factor in the VES rebate and potential EV incentives, and you’re looking at a premium electric SUV that could realistically find its way home with more owners.

For those interested in having a go in the new Model Y, test drives are available at both the Tesla Experience Centre at Toa Payoh and Millenia Walk.

Customers interested in experiencing the New Model Y first-hand can sign up via this link.

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For the first time in Asia-Pacific, the New Model Y is being showcased at ION Orchard, giving Singaporeans an exclusive first look at Tesla’s latest iteration of its game-changing electric SUV. 

Borrowing styling cues from the futuristic Cybertruck and Cybercab, the refreshed Model Y now sports a bold new cross-car lightbar up front, a redesigned tailgate, and an all-new rear light bar.

And if you manage to get your hands on the Launch Series edition, you’ll be treated to exclusive design elements, including:  

• A custom Launch Series badge on the rear  
• Puddle light projection and unique doorsill plates
• A redesigned charging console with silver accents
• All-black vegan suede interior trim    

Engineers say the cabin is noticeably quieter, thanks to double-layer glass on all windows, which helps keep road and wind noise to a minimum.

The panoramic glass roof now features silver-coated glass, designed to reduce UV rays and heat, ensuring the cabin stays cool and comfortable even under Singapore’s tropical sun.

For aerodynamics and efficiency, Tesla has also introduced newly designed wheels that reduce rolling resistance, a rear diffuser that optimises airflow, and improved rear-wheel downforce.

Tesla’s minimalist cabin design is complemented by some high-tech refinements, borrowed from the best-selling Model 3. Ventilated front seats are also fitted here, to keep things cool in Singapore’s heat.

A second-row display for passengers, offering climate and entertainment controls, plus the car features one-touch rear seat controls, allowing passengers to adjust or fold the seats at the push of a button.

As always, the Tesla software ecosystem remains best-in-class, with over-the-air (OTA) updates ensuring that the Model Y continues to evolve and improve even after you drive it home.

The New Model Y retains its signature blend of practicality and performance, with two variants available:

Model Y (Rear-Wheel Drive)

• 466 km range (WLTP)  
• 0-100 km/h in 5.9 seconds  
• Top speed: 201 km/h  
• Starting price: SGD$106,502 (without COE)  

Model Y Long Range (All-Wheel Drive)  

• 551 km range (WLTP)
• 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds (Launch Series exclusive)
• Top speed: 201 km/h
• Starting price: SGD$130,626 (without COE) 

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