Tesla Model Y (Cat B Rear-Wheel Drive) Facelift Review: The iPhone Of EVs Grows Up

What we like:

Greatly improved build quality

One-pedal drive is smooth and intuitive

Impressive handling

Well-priced

What we dislike:

Lack of physical buttons

Steering a tad heavy for casual drivers

I’ll admit, I was never really a fan of the original Model Y. The proportions felt awkward, the turtle-like front end didn’t do it any favours, and interior quality often left much to be desired. But this updated 2025 Model Y, specifically the Cat B single motor variant that now sits in the middle of the lineup in Singapore, has changed my perspective more than I expected.

Exterior: Sleek Enough To Redeem Itself

The new Model Y won’t win design awards for originality, but it’s a clean and cohesive update. Tesla’s gone with a safer, more universally appealing look—so yes, we’ve now got a full-width light bar on the front and back like nearly every other EV on the market, but oddly enough, it works. The “turtle vibes” are gone (to me at least), replaced with tauter lines and better proportions, especially from the front. It’s still recognisably a Tesla, but with a little more polish this time.

Interior: Familiar, But Finally Sorted

Step inside and you’ll instantly recognise the same sparse layout from earlier Model Ys, but now it feels like Tesla finally ironed out the kinks. The build quality has noticeably improved—no more squeaky trim panels or misaligned pieces you’d find in early Model 3 or Y variants. The doors shut with a reassuring “thunk”, and even though the overall interior aesthetic hasn’t changed much, it feels a lot better put together and more refined.

Like an iPhone, the cabin is loaded with features, from streaming services to lightshows and “fart modes”. But truthfully, I barely used any of them. What I really appreciated was how easy this car was to live with. No unnecessary startup procedures—just get in and go. In typical EV fashion, it’s instant and seamless.

Tech & Convenience: Gimmicky, But Genuinely Useful

Tesla’s digital wizardry is still one of its strongest selling points. One standout feature that I really appreciated: the car senses when you’ve applied opposite lock during a tight parking maneuver and automatically shifts between drive and reverse. It’s such a small thing many will overlook, but surprisingly useful when navigating tight lots or doing three-point turns.

The gear selector now lives on the screen, which takes a bit of getting used to, and while I love the access card and phone-as-key functionality, the actual act of locking/unlocking by tapping an invisible zone on the gloss black B-pillar feels like a step backward. It’s finicky, and over time, that glossy panel will look like a scratched CD.

The Drive: Zippy, Yet Still Civilised

You’ll find the Model Y very much Tesla in its approach—instantly responsive, with acceleration that’s always on tap. This Cat B single-motor variant puts out 220 kW (about 295 hp) and 440 Nm of torque, getting you from 0–100 km/h in a respectable 5.9 seconds. That’s more than enough shove for day-to-day traffic bursts and overtaking duties. It’s not ludicrously fast like the Long Range AWD trim, but it’s lively enough to remind you that this isn’t your average crossover.

The ride quality is well-judged—marginally firmer than some of its Chinese competitors, but still supple enough for city duty. Where it gets interesting is in how it behaves through corners. Handling is surprisingly sharp for something this tall, and body roll is kept in check. But push it a little harder, and something curious happens: you’ll feel the car subtly curtailing power delivery to the rear, almost as if it's reeling itself in. Perhaps a safety net baked in for traction control or stability management, but it’s noticeable—and for keener drivers, maybe a tad too nannying.

Steering feel is another mixed bag. It’s weighted—surprisingly so—even in Standard mode, which adds a sense of heft and seriousness to the drive. But there’s not much in the way of actualfeedback. Enthusiasts might wish for a little more communication from the front wheels, while casual drivers might just find it too heavy for their liking, especially during tighter manoeuvres or city parking.

Where Tesla nails it, though, is in regenerative braking. The Model Y employs a dual-cylinder setup that blends regenerative and mechanical braking more intelligently than before. It uses two brake master cylinders that can activate independently, helping to smooth out transitions between regen and friction braking. In practical terms, that means one-pedal driving works beautifully—it’s predictable, progressive, and strong enough to slow the car to a near stop without ever feeling grabby or abrupt. It’s a bit spooky how seamlessly it works, but after a few drives, it becomes second nature.

Range and Charging: Leading the Way

Tesla claims a WLTP range of up to 466 km on a full charge for the RWD Model Y, courtesy of its 60 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery. Real-world range tends to hover around 350–400 km depending on how aggressively you drive and whether you make full use of the climate control system.

Because the battery is LFP-based, you can safely charge it to 100% daily without harming its long-term health—something that isn’t usually recommended for other EV chemistries. Charging via Tesla’s Supercharger network is straightforward and quick. You’ll get up to 170 kW of DC fast charging capability, which can take the battery from 10 to 80% in around 25–30 minutes under optimal conditions.

There’s also AC charging at up to 11 kW via a Type 2 connector, perfect for overnight home charging setups.

The Verdict: A Mature Tesla That Makes Even More Sense Now

This 2025 Model Y feels like a grown-up version of its predecessor. It doesn’t try too hard to be quirky, and finally feels like the well-rounded product it always aspired to be. Compared to its Chinese rivals, this refresh brings enough improvements to remain competitive—not necessarily because it leads in any one area, but because it’s fundamentally good across the board.

And here’s something potential buyers will appreciate: Tesla’s aftersales support in Singapore is relatively transparent. They don’t charge massive markups on parts and servicing, and that kind of peace of mind matters more than ever. At around S$220k with COE, this Cat B single motor variant feels like a very fair deal in today’s market.

In short: it’s well-priced, well-built, and very easy to live with. I may not have started out as a Tesla believer, but this Model Y might have converted me.