The Tesla Model Y Has Out-Priced Its Competitors In Malaysia

Tesla Model Y online configurator showing base prices ranging between RM199,000 to RM288,000.

By now, we’re certain you’ve up to speed about Tesla Motors Malaysia establishing the Model Y configurator online just days ahead of its official launch on July 20 (Thursday).

With base prices ranging between RM199,000 and RM288,000 excluding options and on-road costs, it’s safe to say that Tesla Motors Malaysia has under-priced the Model Y significantly against the bulk of its segment rivals here. The exception here are of course a handful of budget-friendly Chinese offerings.

So, how exactly does said American marque’s EV crossover stack up against said competitors in terms of price? Well, we took a quick glance at what’s currently available in the new EV cars market to see where the Model Y’s prices stack up against key competitors, and here’s what we can deduce.

Mazda MX-30 – From RM198,730

Say what you will about Mazda’s odd entry into the local premium EV crossover space, the fact that it was launched back in June last year with a similar sub-RM200k starting base price means it now has to compete with the now officially-imported – and warrantied – Model Y from Tesla Motors Malaysia.

Clearly, the MX-30’s 35.5 kWh battery capacity, single motor with 143 HP and 271 NM plus front-wheel-drive (FWD) setups, and claimed 199 KM (WLTP) range, all pale in comparison against the base, single-motor and rear-wheel-drive (RWD) Model Y variant even. The latter’s 75 kWh battery capacity, 347 HP and 420 NM outputs, along with its claimed WLTP range of 430 KM, ensures this.

Then comes the difference in size between the two, and it’s pretty obvious as to which has the more spacious and practical package on offer. Clearly, the MX-30 is at a serious disadvantage here, but we reckon it will still appeal to those that simply want something a little different, and don’t mind paying for it.

Hyundai Ioniq 5 -  From RM207,808, RM238,408, and RM270,408

Moving from one left-field offering to another, perhaps one can argue that the Hyundai Ioniq 5 range holds a package that can challenge the Model Y properly. Like the Model Y, the Ioniq 5 offers two battery capacity choices (58 kWh and 72.6 kWh), single- and dual-motor layouts, as well as RWD and AWD setups.

Smaller battery capacities does see this Hyundai lag in terms of both range and performance against all forms of the Model Y, but we’ll argue that this Hyundai’s design stands a lot fresher than the rivalling Tesla. Said Korean fighter also arguably offers greater luxuries on board, plus the promise of a more engaging drive to boot.

Kia Niro EV – From RM255,888

The next Korean fighter in line to go against the Model Y comes from Hyundai’s sister brand Kia, and we’ll start with the Niro EV that just launched this month.

Whilst down on battery capacity, power outputs, performance, and perhaps range, the Niro EV does possess similar advantages as its cousin the Ioniq 5 in terms of presenting a fresher and more attractive design that’s also very striking.

Arguably, there’s also the offer of higher levels of on board luxury here too, which will make a huge difference indeed.

Volvo XC40 & C40 Recharge – RM278,888 and RM288,888

For the European marques, the Model Y’s arrival is set to seriously disrupt Volvo and both its locally assembled (CKD) XC40 and C40 Recharge EV crossovers. Based on price alone, both Swedes now have to contend against the Model Y in both its Long Range and Performance guises.

To be fair, both Volvos stand as better matches against the Long Range form of the Model Y and, thankfully, both have plenty of big punches to counter said American disruptor. Key amongst which is performance as both Volvos stand just a tad quicker with their ability at dispatching 0-100 KM/H in less than 5 seconds.

And whilst range may not favour either Volvos here, we are certain the levels of luxury delivered by both Swedes stands at a much higher level over said Tesla rival. We’ll also argue that the C40 Recharge boasts even sleeker styling over the Model Y, which tends to look somewhat ungainly against said Swedish fighter.

BMW iX1 – RM285,500

The BMW iX1 is perhaps the sole German-made competitor that can properly take on the Model Y, albeit to a certain extent.

Though this Bimmer is down on power, speed, range, and perhaps size, it does hold one massive uppercut, by which we mean said renowned Bavarian marque’s promise of a car that drives extremely well. And like the rivalling Volvos mentioned above, this Bimmer also promises to deliver familiar and high levels of on board luxury.

Mercedes-Benz EQA 250 – RM296,888

On paper, it appears that this offering from the famed three-point star marque that we sampled not too long ago is at a serious disadvantage, and not just against the Tesla either – it’s relatively behind both its European and Korean rivals of similar size and price.

Perhaps the only merit this Merc holds in this space is its offer of said marque’s unmistakable form and level of luxury, bolstered by its other renowned trait – a very refined, and comfortable drive. Apart from which, we’re certain anyone would be hard pressed into this Merc’s favour, more so now with Tesla’s entry in the same space.

Kia EV6 GT-Line – RM319,000

Last, but certainly not least, comes perhaps the only offering in this price range that can somewhat match the Tesla Model Y in terms of range. In fact, the Kia EV6 GT-Line is the only one in this list that delivers a WLTP maximum range beyond 500 KM, but only just – 506 KM.

This Kia’s range still stands less from the 533 KM (Long Range) and 514 KM (Performance) figures of the dual-motor, AWD Model Y variants, but at least the EV6 GT-Line arguably holds a more luxurious and comfier cabin over said Tesla rival, and there’s perhaps equal – if not better – levels of tech present too.