First Drive: 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range

The 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range Dual Motor AWD continues to prove why Tesla remains at the forefront of the electric revolution. It’s not just an SUV—it’s a smart, fast, and remarkably refined electric machine built around some of the best software and safety engineering in the industry.

Step inside, and the first thing that stands out is the software interface—still arguably the best in the business. The massive centre touchscreen is the nerve centre of the car, controlling everything from climate and drive settings to the mirrors and glovebox. It’s intuitive, fluid, and leagues ahead of most competitors in usability and responsiveness.

Tesla’s new on-screen gear selector is an interesting twist—you simply swipe on the display to shift between drive, reverse, or neutral. There’s also a hidden backup shifter cleverly placed near the rearview mirror, a thoughtful touch in case the screen ever fails.

One thing you won’t find, however, is a head-up display or a traditional instrument cluster. At first, it feels odd having no information directly in front of you, and since I had another test car that week, I found myself “relearning” the Model Y’s minimalist layout every time I got back into it. But after a few days, it becomes surprisingly natural to glance at the central screen for speed and navigation.

Under the skin, the Model Y Long Range packs serious performance. The dual-motor setup delivers 384 hp and 510 Nm of torque, sending power to all four wheels. The result? A blistering 0–100 km/h time of just 4.8 seconds—still mighty impressive for a family crossover. Instant torque means it surges ahead the moment you tap the accelerator, making highway merges and overtakes effortless. 

Handling is another highlight. With the AWD system and 20-inch wheels, the Model Y feels planted and composed, with sharp steering and a low centre of gravity that give it a distinctly sporty feel. The suspension strikes a fine balance between firmness and comfort, making it suitable for both spirited drives and daily commutes.

The white premium interior maintains Tesla’s minimalist theme but feels upscale and looks much better built than the previous generation. Cabin space is generous, and the panoramic glass roof, which now has better UV protection, floods the interior with natural light.

When it comes to range, the Model Y Long Range lives up to its name—offering an estimated 600 km on a full charge under ideal conditions. That’s enough to eliminate range anxiety for most UAE drivers, especially with the growing Supercharger network across the country.

Safety remains a Tesla hallmark. The Model Y is among the safest vehicles in the world, thanks to its strong structure, low centre of gravity, and advanced active safety systems.

Tech enthusiasts will appreciate Enhanced Autopilot, which adds smart lane changes and advanced adaptive cruise control. The self-parking feature is impressively quick and precise—it caught me by surprise with how confidently it completed the manoeuvre. The Summon feature is another futuristic party trick. It consists of “Dumb Summon” for straight-line parking into or out of a space, and “Actually Smart Summon”, which can navigate around obstacles to bring the car to your location or a designated spot. However, this feature is restricted to parking lots and private property.

Overall, the 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range remains one of the best-rounded electric SUVs you can buy in the UAE. It’s fast, efficient, and packed with intelligent features that actually make daily life easier. The standard Tesla Model Y starts at AED 174,990 and the long range AWD version we tested starts from AED 204,990, and it delivers a near-perfect mix of performance, range, and innovation—proving that Tesla still knows how to stay ahead of the pack.