EDGE OF BEING EDGY
If we take a gander at my old friend, the Merriam-Webster dictionary, one of the definitions for the word “edgy” is something with a “bold, provocative, or unconventional quality.”
Over the centuries of human civilization, there have always been people who refused to be slaves to convention – this has long been apparent in fashion, music, art and philosophy. Think about the likes of Karl Marx in the mid-1800s, Grace Jones in the 1970s, Madonna in the 1980s and (for readers my age) Lady Gaga in the late 2000s.
This thinking has likewise extended to technology – back when Blackberry phones were the must-have gadget, Apple popularized the touchscreen smartphone (without a stylus) with the iPhone. The company likewise integrated sharp design into their laptops, leading to the MacBook.
I suddenly remembered the concept of edginess while reviewing the 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD). The American automaker has long been called the Apple of the car world and, after my extensive tests in this battery-electric vehicle (EV), I can surely see why.
Unmistakable presence
When you see the Model Y Premium Long Range RWD, you know immediately that it is a Tesla.
Despite being an EV crossover, it has a sleekness that its rivals simply can’t replicate – this is thanks to things like the (rather fiddly) flush door handles, frameless windows, sculpted hood, full-width LED daytime running lights and LED headlights that are neatly integrated in the lower bumper.
Adding to the smooth look are the steeply raked front and rear windscreens, prominent rear-wheel arches, full-width LED taillights and decklid spoiler that juts out just enough for a sporty flavor. This particular Model Y variant is equipped with aerodynamic, 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/45-series tires.
Airy cabin
Inside the Model Y Premium Long Range RWD, you get Tesla’s trademark minimalist cabin that integrates black synthetic leather upholstery and a variety of soft-touch materials for a truly premium feel.
Things like the vents for the powerful, dual-zone, climate-control system are hidden (much like a Dyson bladeless fan) and can only be adjusted through the 16-inch touchscreen infotainment system (that strangely isn’t equipped with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). In fact, a rather alarming number of functions require you to use the screen.
These include critical controls like the gear selector, door locks, side-mirror adjuster and steering-wheel adjuster – although this results in a very clean look, it can be quite distracting and infuriating to dig through various menus to tweak something that you could do manually in milliseconds. This could be a fad as car interior design goes back to more buttons.
Nonetheless, the screen is clear and responsive, along with offering a superb view of the 360-degree camera. Other awesome things in the Model Y Premium Long Range RWD include the air-conditioned front seats, customizable ambient lighting and stellar surround-sound system that works in conjunction with the acoustic glass for a truly refined passenger experience.
Gripes are fairly few – for one, although the glass roof adds to the airy interior feel, it doesn’t open for additional ventilation or come with a retractable sunshade for particularly sunny days. And while the electrically adjustable, split-folding rear seats are handy, the sloping rear windscreen eats into the cargo space (which also doesn’t include a spare wheel).
Fabulous performance
On the move, the Model Y Premium Long Range RWD distinguishes itself from its rivals by offering a much sharper driving experience.
The steering feel is superb and the powerful brakes are controlled by a weighty pedal for easy modulation, while the ride and handling are on the stiff side for truly poised high-speed cornering. And unlike the Model 3 sedan, the regenerative braking can be toned down to prevent your passengers from getting carsick.
This particular Model Y is equipped with an 82-kWh battery pack mated to a rear-mounted electric motor – estimated output is 295 horsepower and 450 Newton-meters of torque, which offer sensational acceleration (0 to 100 km/h is done in around 5.5 seconds).
This EV crossover also offers generous driving range. We recorded 5.6 to 6.1 kilometers per kWh in the city (up to 460 kilometers on a single full charge) and 6.9 to 7.2 kilometers per kWh on the expressway (up to 550 kilometers), while exclusive access to Tesla superchargers means easy 250-kW DC fast-charging.
Finally, this big Tesla comes with a full active-safety suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and autonomous emergency braking. It is likewise equipped with Autosteer, which technically allows you to drive with your hands off the wheel, as long as there are clear road markings.
Edgy is in?
Overall, the 2026 Tesla Model Y Premium Long Range RWD builds on the attributes of the excellent Model 3 sedan.
You get similar performance with more space, along with the rather bewildering Tesla interface. At P2,594,000, this crossover takes on the more powerful and plusher BYD Sealion 7 at P2,588,000, along with the rather pricey Toyota bZ4X at P2,753,000.
Shortly after Apple launched the iPhone, other tech companies followed suit by offering a huge lineup of full-screen smartphones. This was, perhaps, a rare case of something edgy becoming the new mainstream, leading to the likes of the Blackberry being relegated to the pages of history.
And given that the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car in the world in 2023, 2024 and 2025, maybe edgy car design isn’t so niche anymore.
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