![\"Tesla](\"https:\/\/www.gannett-cdn.com\/presto\/2019\/03\/15\/PDTN\/19f9e3ac-0377-47c4-be1d-68f1f21ba622-Model_Y_Side_Blue.jpg?crop=2497,1209,x758,y662&width=540&height=&fit=bounds&auto=webp\")
<\/p>\n<\/div>Say hello to the Tesla Model Y crossover, the taller Model 3.<\/p>\n
The compact SUV was introduced by CEO\u00a0Elon Musk at the electric brand’s California design studio Thursday night – bringing Tesla’s production lineup to four vehicles: Model S sedan, Model 3 sedan, Model X SUV, and Model Y.<\/p>\n
The quartet has been dubbed “S3XY” by Tesla fans, and Musk reveled in the acronym all evening.<\/p>\n
“We are bringing sexy back!” he thrilled to an appreciative\u00a0audience of Tesla employees.<\/p>\n
The unveil followed months of speculation as to how the Model Y\u00a0would differ from Tesla\u2019s popular Model 3 sedan –\u00a0the best-selling luxury vehicle in the U.S. in 2018 –\u00a0upon which it is based.\u00a0After Tesla teased a silhouette of the car,\u00a0Internet artists speculated\u00a0<\/a>on a variety of designs. But in the flesh the Model Y looks very similar to the 3 with its smooth, grille-less front end, high headlights, panoramic roof, and bulbous rear end.<\/p>\n While sitting higher than the Model 3 (think a Subaru\u00a0Crosstrek SUV compared to near identical twin Subaru Impreza hatchback)\u00a0the Model Y will still benefit from a low center of gravity thanks to big-battery placement under the passenger compartment. From the event, the Y appears to have the same, austere interior of the Model 3 with most controls in a 15-inch, horizontal,\u00a0tablet touchscreen. Musk even promises a similar zero-60 time to the Performance Model 3\u00a0– 3.5 seconds – from\u00a0the Model Y’s own Performance\u00a0trim.<\/p>\n The major differences with the Model Y are interior cargo and storage. Essential for SUVs, the Model Y gains a hatchback opening over the Model 3’s conventional sedan truck lid. Fold the seats flat and Tesla promises 66 cubic-feet of cargo room – significantly more\u00a0than the 3.<\/p>\n Buyers will also be able to option a third row (add $3,000) for up to seven-passenger seating – unusual for a compact SUV, but made possible by the\u00a0absence of a driver-train running through the cabin as with\u00a0conventional, gas-powered cars. You get “frunk” storage under the hood as well.<\/p>\n Why Y? Because the compact SUV is the hottest segment in the market. Musk was bullish on his new ute’s prospects: “I think we’ll do more Model Ys than the X, S, and 3 combined.”<\/p>\n The Model 3 will start at $39,000 with a 230-mile-range, “standard” battery which is $4,000 higher than the price of an entry-level, 220-mile\u00a0Model 3 sedan.<\/p>\n A long-range, $47,000 version of the Y will be optioned with 300 miles range (10 less than a comparable Model 3) as well as an AWD model\u00a0and the hyper-quick Performance model which starts at $60,000.<\/p>\n