CarteaNewsCar ReviewsThe Electric Turning Point: 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range Test Drive Reveals the Secrets of Superiority in the Gulf

The Electric Turning Point: 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range Test Drive Reveals the Secrets of Superiority in the Gulf

Tamara Chalak
Tamara Chalak
2025-11-13
contents

The 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range lands in the GCC market at a time when electric mobility is racing ahead with innovation, versatility, and consumer demand. More than just a facelift, this latest Tesla pushes the limits of EV technology, range, and regional adaptability—appealing to tech enthusiasts, families, and business professionals alike.

Design Evolution: Sleek Practicality with a Modern Presence

  • Aerodynamic silhouette with a sporty crossover feel and a drag coefficient of 0.23, optimizing both aesthetics and efficiency.

  • New LED light signatures and refreshed bumpers signal a more global Tesla identity.

  • Elevated ground clearance and subtle rugged overfenders make it versatile for city curbs and occasional rough roads.

  • Dual-pane panoramic glass roof for a bright, spacious cabin experience.

  • Michelin Primacy tires and 19/20-inch aero wheels standard for all-weather grip and quiet cruising.

Interior Experience: Smart Minimalism Meets Premium Tech

  • Enclosed, sound-suppressing cockpit with recycled vegan-leather seats, optimized for regional heat with ventilated options.

  • 15-inch landscape touchscreen centralizes all controls, navigation, and entertainment; driver’s instruments now projected onto a frameless head-up display.

  • Rear legroom and headroom are among the best in the segment, supporting five adults + 2 optional third-row seats for families.

  • Smart climate system with tri-zone controls, HEPA filtration (ideal for dust storms), and pre-conditioning via Mobile App.

Performance and Range: Real-World Numbers for the Gulf

  • Dual-motor all-wheel drive setup; each motor smartly manages torque for acceleration or traction, with a 0–100 km/h time of just 4.6 seconds.

  • New 84 kWh battery pack (LFP chemistry) is engineered for longevity and heat resilience.

  • WLTP range of up to 595 km; UAE real-world figure: approx. 480–520 km (mix of city/highway driving with AC).

  • Regenerative braking with customizable strength, one-pedal driving option, and adjustable ride heights on Performance models.

  • Adaptive cruise and enhanced Autopilot with beta Full Self-Driving suite for regional highways.​

Safety and Driving Assistance

  • 8 external cameras, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and radar deliver 360-degree active safety.

  • Emergency lane keeping, collision avoidance, and multi-vehicle adaptive cruise are standard.

  • Rigorously crash-tested for global NCAP and Euro NCAP with a 5-star rating.

  • Smart Sentry Mode records surroundings even while parked, a major anti-theft and peace-of-mind boost

Connectivity and Infotainment

  • Over-the-air (OTA) updates keep the car’s software, controls, and navigation always current and add new features.

  • Wireless Apple Music and Spotify, Bluetooth, and integrated voice control for Arabic and English.

  • Navigation uses real-time GCC-specific traffic, charging station data, and preferred route memorization.

  • Tesla App supports full remote vehicle management: pre-start cooling, door unlocking, panic alarm, and even “dog mode” cabin monitoring.

Charging Infrastructure: Ready for the GCC

  • Compatible with Tesla Supercharger network and third-party CCS fast charging at up to 250 kW.

  • Home wallbox solution included for Level 2 AC charging (10%–90% in 8 hours).

  • Public charging: 10%–80% in just 28 minutes at maximum DC rate.

  • Built-in route planner automatically highlights available chargers across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and larger GCC region.

Ownership and Cost-Saving Benefits

  • Drastic reduction in annual maintenance: no oil changes, simplified brakes due to regen pedal, minimal fluid swaps.

  • 4-year/80,000 km comprehensive vehicle warranty; 8-year/160,000 km battery and motors warranty.

  • GCC incentive programs: toll exemptions, free parking (in select cities), and lane privileges under EV legislation.

  • Residual value for Model Y variants remains among the highest of electric SUVs in the Middle East.

Model Y vs. Key Rivals:

Attribute

Tesla Model Y LR (2025)

BMW iX3

Kia EV6 AWD

Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD

Power

384 hp

286 hp

325 hp

346 hp

0-100 km/h (s)

4.6

6.8

5.2

5.8

Battery

84 kWh LFP

80 kWh

77.4 kWh

91 kWh

Max Range (WLTP, km)

595

460

506

600

DC Fast Charge (10–80%)

28 min (250 kW)

32 min (150 kW)

19 min (220 kW)

45 min (150 kW)

Price (GCC est USD)

$54,000–$59,000

$63,000

$58,000

$62,000

Key Advantages for GCC Drivers

  • Outstanding AC and battery performance in desert heat.

  • Charging convenience for apartments and private villas.

  • Integration with local smart city and EV ecosystem (reserved parking, real-time traffic sync).

  • Zippy, silent performance perfect for both city living and weekend adventures.

In summary, the 2025 Tesla Model Y Long Range is an EV that bridges global innovation and regional needs, offering true zero-emissions driving, robust performance, real-world range, and unmatched digital features. For Gulf motorists ready to embrace the electric future, Model Y stands at the forefront—combining smart mobility, savings, and pure driving enjoyment in a sleek, versatile package.


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Tamara ChalakTamara Chalak
Chief editor information:

Tamara is an editor who has been working in the automotive field for over 3 years. She is also an automotive journalist and presenter; she shoots car reviews and tips on her social media platforms. She has a translation degree, and she also works as a freelance translator, copywriter, voiceover artist, and video editor. She’s taken automotive OBD Scanner and car diagnosis courses, and she’s also worked as an automotive sales woman for a year, in addition to completing an internship with Skoda Lebanon for 2 months. She also has been in the marketing field for over 2 years, and she also create social media content for small businesses. 

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