With its touchscreen-dominated interior and software-driven features, the Tesla Model Y Premium RWD operates more like a smartphone than a traditional car. The vehicle’s 15.4-inch center touchscreen serves as the primary control hub for virtually every function. There aren’t traditional physical buttons on the dashboard. Instead, drivers access climate controls, guidance, and entertainment through the digital display. An additional 8-inch rear touchscreen gives back passengers their own entertainment options.
The Model Y’s design reflects a tech-first philosophy. Software, rather than mechanical components, determines how the vehicle performs. The car comes standard with Basic Autopilot, which includes responsive cruise control and lane centering. Owners can upgrade to Enhanced Autopilot for automatic lane changes and route-based cruise control. The Full Self-Driving Capability package adds traffic light and stop sign recognition through software updates.
Connectivity defines the ownership experience. The Tesla mobile app lets owners monitor and control their vehicle remotely from a smartphone. Wi-Fi and cellular connections keep the car linked to Tesla’s network constantly. Digital keys stored on a phone replace traditional key fobs entirely. This same connectivity enables service technicians to access the vehicle remotely for diagnostics and repairs. The Linux-based infotainment system delivers a native app experience with preinstalled services like Spotify, Netflix, and YouTube without requiring an app store. The 2025 refresh maintains the traditional turn signal stalk despite the vehicle’s minimalist design philosophy. The Premium RWD trim introduces richer interior materials and enhanced sound deadening to elevate the cabin experience.
Perhaps most distinctively, the Model Y receives regular over-the-air software updates. New features, performance improvements, and safety improvements arrive directly to the vehicle without requiring trips to a service center. Battery optimization, entertainment features, and interface improvements all get delivered this way. The vehicle effectively becomes more capable over time, similar to how smartphones gain new functionality through software updates. Most software updates take less than an hour to complete, though larger feature-rich updates may require multiple hours if scheduled overnight. The RWD variant can add up to 182 miles of range in just 15 minutes of Supercharging. The Long Range RWD’s 75 kWh battery enables extended driving between charging sessions.
The car’s driving assistance systems rely on nine cameras for environmental awareness. These cameras enable features like lane centering and responsive cruise control. Supercharging payments process automatically through the vehicle’s account system, eliminating manual payment steps.
The Model Y Premium RWD finally represents a fundamental shift in vehicle design. It prioritizes digital integration and software capabilities over traditional mechanical systems. The minimalist interior, featuring an all-glass roof and faux leather upholstery, reinforces this tech-forward approach. Drivers don’t just operate a machine anymore. They’re effectively interacting with a sophisticated connected device on wheels.