Tesla Model Y Premium AWD 7-Seater: First Impressions — finally a premium ride and a third row that makes sense

Tesla Model Y | source: tesla.com
Tesla Model Y | source: tesla.com
Our editorial team got behind the wheel of the most intriguing version of the current Model Y — the Premium AWD Long Range with seven seats. Priced just over €55,000, it promises premium comfort, all-wheel drive, and something almost no electric SUV in this segment offers: a usable third row. First kilometres already suggest this is not just a marketing gimmick.

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Tesla Model Y Premium AWD — key specs at a glance

ModelTesla Model Y Premium AWD Long Range
PowertrainDual motor, all-wheel drive
Max. power~378 kW (514 hp)
Acceleration 0–100 km/h4.8 s
Range (WLTP)600 km
BatteryLithium-ion
DC chargingup to 250 kW (10–80 % in approx. 15–20 min)
Wheels19" Crossflow
Seats7 (2+3+2)
Audio15 speakers + 1 subwoofer
Display16" QHD front + 8" rear
Price from€55,000 (5 seats) / with 7-seat surcharge
About Tesla: The American EV maker continues to set the benchmark in software efficiency, powertrain effectiveness, and charging infrastructure into 2026. The Model Y is the world's best-selling electric vehicle, and with the 2026 facelift, it received a substantial upgrade in interior quality, suspension, and equipment.

Premium vs. Standard — a different car entirely

Anyone who read our winter test of the Model Y Standard knows the base version didn't impress us with its ride. It was firm, uncompromising, at times uncomfortable on Czech country roads. The Premium AWD is an entirely different vehicle.

Frequency-dependent dampers do exactly what they promise — on everyday bumps the car glides comfortably, yet it holds its line in corners. Gone is that budget-car feeling you get from the base version. Instead, you feel like you're sitting in a vehicle a class above. And that is precisely the refinement the Model Y needed.

Interior: more premium than you'd expect

The first thing you notice is the 16-inch QHD display. It's fast, sharp, and the software remains class-leading. Compared to the Standard version, a host of small details add up to a significantly more upscale feel:

  • Power-adjustable steering wheel — no more wrestling with a manual lever; you set it from the display
  • 8-inch rear display — second-row passengers get their own climate and entertainment controls
  • Ventilated and heated front seats — a welcome luxury in summer
  • Panoramic glass roof — makes the cabin feel incredibly airy
  • Ambient lighting — subtle, not intrusive
  • Microsuede and textile trim — pleasant to the touch, doesn't feel cheap

The interior finally feels premium. It's no longer "minimalism at all costs" but a thoughtfully designed space where everything has its place.

Seven seats: finally a family EV with room for extras

The biggest question mark hung over the third row. Can anyone actually fit back there?

Yes, they can. Children fit comfortably in the third row, and even an adult up to about 170 cm can manage for shorter trips. It's no luxury limousine, but for city runs or weekend excursions it works surprisingly well. Importantly — even with the third row up, there's still space for a few shopping bags or small luggage. The boot shrinks, but not catastrophically.

The second row is power-operated — folding, sliding, and recline adjustment are all electric. A brilliant detail you'll appreciate every time someone climbs into the third row. When you don't need all seven seats, they fold flat to create a massive cargo area.

Consumption: efficiency first

We tested in pleasant weather around 20 °C and the results are excellent. For such a large and heavy SUV, the Model Y Premium AWD is remarkably efficient. Early figures suggest long-term consumption sits well below the competition — Tesla's traditional strength that holds true even for the seven-seat version.

With 600 km WLTP range, real-world combined range should hit around 450–500 km. We're looking forward to a highway test to see how the AWD version performs at a steady 130 km/h.

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First 50 km of mixed driving — some highway at 100 km/h due to traffic, country roads, and city.
First 50 km of mixed driving — some highway at 100 km/h due to traffic, country roads, and city.

Autopilot: functional, but not Full Self-Driving

The standard Autopilot handles lane keeping and adaptive cruise control. It works reliably on highways, but it is by no means full autonomous driving as some imagine it. On Czech roads it occasionally hesitates and doesn't feel 100 % confident. If you expect a "car that drives itself", you'll be disappointed — for that you'll need to wait for FSD.

FSD (Full Self-Driving) remains a separately priced add-on — and even that, based on current experience, isn't where Elon Musk promised it would be. Think of Autopilot as an excellent assistant, not a replacement driver.

First verdict: a significant step forward

The Tesla Model Y Premium AWD 7-seater is an entirely different car from the base Standard. The suspension is more comfortable, the interior feels genuinely premium, and the third row is truly usable. If you're looking for a family electric SUV with 5+2 seating and don't want to go for a massive minivan, this is currently one of the most compelling options on the market.

We'll be back in a few days with a highway test, charging curve, and long-term data. Stay tuned.

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How much is the 7-seat surcharge on the Model Y Premium AWD in Europe?

Tesla does not officially break down the surcharge separately — the seven-seat configuration is only available on the Premium AWD Long Range and is ordered as a built-in option. The total price including seven seats lands at approximately €57,000–€59,000 depending on colour and wheel choice, varying by European market.

Can the 7-seat Model Y tow a trailer?

Yes. The Model Y can tow a braked trailer of up to 1,600 kg, and this capacity is retained in the seven-seat version. Great for families with a caravan or small boat.

What is the real-world consumption of the Model Y Premium AWD in summer?

Our early data from testing at 20 °C shows impressive figures below 17 kWh/100 km in combined driving. A dedicated highway test and charging curve analysis will follow in a separate article soon.

Source: https://www.evmagazin.cz/tesla-model-y-premium-awd-7mistny-prvni-dojmy-konecne-premiovy-podvozek-treti-rada-ktera-dava-smysl