Tesla Model Y Still Outclasses Rivals in Europe, New 500-Mile Test Confirms

Credit: Tesla China

A recent road test across Europe has affirmed that Tesla’s Model Y retains a clear lead over emerging competition, even from Chinese makes promising higher range or faster charging. The comparison, conducted by What Car? magazine, pitted the Model Y against the BYD Sealion 7 and the MG IM6 over a 500-mile route under real-world conditions. Results show that, despite attractive specifications from its rivals, Tesla’s practical performance remains hard to beat.

Rivals’ Promises vs Reality

-BYD Sealion 7 claimed superior range on paper. However, in the test its remaining range before a scheduled charging stop fell below what the car’s display had projected.

-MG IM6 boasted nearly 400 kW charging speeds. In practice, it came short of that peak, failing to maintain real charging power at the advertised level throughout.

Tesla’s Advantages in Practice

• Range efficiency: Across the full test, the Model Y consumed about 19.4 kWh per 100 km, compared to 22.2 kWh/100 km for the MG IM6 and 23.9 kWh/100 km for the BYD. 
  
• Charging times (25% to 80%): MG was fastest at ~17 minutes, while Tesla and BYD were close behind at ~28 and ~29 minutes respectively. 
  
• Cost over the journey: Using Tesla’s Supercharger network made the Model Y cheapest to refuel, at about £82 total. MG cost around £119, and BYD about £130. 
  

Conclusions

While sales growth from BYD in Europe and MG’s quick-charging specs are turning heads, the comparison showed that actual driving results still favor the Tesla Model Y. Its consistent energy use, reliable charging infrastructure, and more trustworthy real-world range put it ahead, especially for drivers who travel long distances and want predictability.

Watch the complete 500-mile challenge from What Car? magazine in the video below: