Tesla unveils 2021 Model Y

The entry-level electric crossover is expected to become Tesla's most popular model.

Tesla unveiled the Model Y, an all-electric crossover that represents its mass-market ambitions, during an event held at its design studio in Los Angeles.

The Model Y will initially arrive in Performance and dual-motor AWD trims. The former will be the quickest accelerating, launching to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, with a top speed of 150 mph, and a $60,000 price tag. The latter will be limited to 135 mph with a 4.8-second zero-to-60-mph time, and a $51,000 sticker. Both are expected to arrive by fall 2020 with up to 280 miles of range.

The rear-wheel drive Long Range edition is the third variant on the roadmap, featuring a modest increase to 300 miles of range on a single charge. Acceleration drops to 5.5 seconds, while the base price slides to $47,000.

The entry-level Model Y Standard Range steps down to a 5.9-second zero-to-60 time, a 120-mph top speed, 230 miles of range, and a $39,000 price tag. The base model is not expected to begin rolling off the assembly line until spring 2021.

The Model Y shares about 75 percent of its parts with the Model 3, a strategy reflected in its design. It looks like a Model 3-Model X mash-up, though it doesn't get the latter's falcon doors for the sake of simplicity, and it boasts a drag coefficient of 0.23, meaning it's more aerodynamic than the S and the X, and on par with the 3. Using conventional doors will also allow owners to install a roof rack. The bigger dimensions unlock 66 cubic feet of trunk space, according to Tesla. To add context, the Model 3 offers about 15 cubes.

Most of the Y's cabin comes from the 3. Owners will find a minimalist cabin with a huge, 15.0-inch touchscreen planted right in the middle of the dashboard. It displays the infotainment system, which offers standard navigation, and it replaces many of the switches, knobs, and dials Tesla would have had to install otherwise. Adjusting the door mirrors is done through the screen, for example.

Five seats come standard, and buyers can order seven for $3,000. Tesla notes the seven-seater configuration will not be available until 2021, however. Other options include 19-inch alloy wheels ($1,500), colors other than black ($1,500 to $2,500, depending on the shade), a black and white interior ($1,000), Autopilot ($3,000), and full self-driving capability ($5,000; requires Autopilot).

Buyers can reserve the Model Y by sending Tesla a refundable $2,500 deposit. The crossover will exclusively be sold online. The California-based company hasn't revealed where it will build the model yet; its options include the Fremont factory in which it manufactures the S, X, and 3 models, and the Gigafactory in Nevada.