What are the differences between the two versions of Model Y?
3 Answers
Model Y has two versions: Standard Range and Long Range. Different power options: The Model Y Standard Range offers consumers two power options: single motor and dual motor models. The single motor version has a maximum power of 202KW and a maximum torque of 404 Nm. The dual motor version has a maximum power of 339KW. The Model Y Long Range also has two power options: Long Range version and Performance version. The Long Range version has a maximum power of 493KW, while the Performance version reaches a maximum power of 750KW. Different range: The Model Y Standard Range has a range of 468 kilometers, while the Performance version has a range of 605 kilometers. The Model Y Long Range version has a range of 663 kilometers, and the Performance version has a range of 728 kilometers.
After driving the rear-wheel-drive Model Y for two years, I switched to the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version, and the difference is quite noticeable. The rear-wheel-drive version has an official range of 554 km, which is sufficient for city driving with an actual range of over 400 km, but it feels a bit inadequate for long trips. The Long Range version, with an official range of 688 km, can actually cover over 500 km, providing more peace of mind. In terms of acceleration, the rear-wheel-drive version's 6.9-second 0-100 km/h time is adequate for daily use, while the Long Range version's 5-second sprint delivers a stronger push-back sensation. The biggest advantage of the all-wheel-drive system became apparent during winter trips back home—the rear-wheel-drive version slipped on snowy roads, while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive gripped like a gecko, extremely stable. The Long Range version also features rear-seat heating and a 14-speaker audio system, far superior to the rear-wheel-drive version's 6 speakers. The downside is the higher price tag of 50,000 RMB and the slightly heavier battery.
Studying electric vehicle specifications is my habit. The core difference between the two Model Y versions lies in the powertrain. The rear-wheel-drive version features a simple single-motor layout, with a 0-100 km/h acceleration of 6.9 seconds, comparable to conventional family cars—adequate but not thrilling. The Long Range AWD version employs dual motors, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds, putting it on par with performance cars. The range difference is even more critical: the rear-wheel-drive version uses LFP batteries with a nominal range of 554 km (actual ~420 km), while the Long Range version uses ternary lithium batteries, rated at 688 km (actual ~550 km). The AWD system offers clear advantages on slippery roads, providing better stability when cornering in wet conditions. If the budget allows, I recommend opting for the Long Range version—it also comes with two extra years of battery and powertrain warranty.
