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Edmunds readies for Tesla Model Y long term review, build quality in focus
One of the most recent recipients of the new all-electric Tesla Model Y Performance configuration was online automotive resource company Edmunds, who are preparing for a long term review of the electric crossover.
Edmunds’ Carlos Lago reviewed the vehicle on his own as the current COVID-19 virus continues to encourage people to keep their distance. While the virus stopped Edmund’s possibility of picking up the car at a Tesla store, it allowed the company to review not only the car and its impressive performance but also experience the electric automaker’s “touchless” approach to delivering the Model Y to consumers.
In focus will be Tesla Model Y’s build quality and long-term durability when used in an everyday setting. Unlike other media companies that are given press vehicles by automakers for review, Edmunds purchases their vehicles to conduct a real-world review. “A Tesla Model Y is now in our fleet, and that’s where our diverse range of staff and editors use the car just like you would. Commute it, take it to work, run errands with it, and so on, and so forth,” says Lago.
Edmunds’s long history with Tesla, having drawn the ire and applause of community supporters, sets the stage for nothing short of an interesting long term review to come.
For now, Edmunds’ initial impression of the Model Y in utility and performance is similar to the many early reviews we’ve seen from first customers.
It’s no secret that the Tesla Model Y’s shape is similar to the Model 3’s, and has an overall size that is comparable to the Model X. However, Lago suggests the Model Y’s shape is similar to what he calls the “coupe-style design” that has been adopted by German automakers for its SUVs.
The roominess of the Model Y is a clear distinction to its Model 3 sibling, notes Edmunds. With the expansive glass roof design and rear hatch design, Edmunds takes note of Model Y’s spaciousness. “Altogether, the space is really the highlight,” Lago explains.
The large cargo space helped by the automatic fold-down rear seats was recently highlighted by Brian Jenkins of i1Tesla, who camped in the back of his Model Y with a Tesla compatible air mattress.
The Model Y handles impressively. Led by the placement of its heavy and durable battery pack, the lithium-ion cells located underneath the car provide a lower center of gravity. Along with a revised suspension system, which Sandy Munro has said makes the car feel like its “on rails,” the Model Y’s handling seems to be second-to-none. “It gives the vehicle a tightness and responsiveness that’s engaging, that’s really fun to drive,” Lago says. “You can feel that difference in every Tesla product.”
Additionally, the Model Y’s Performance variant offered speed and acceleration that Lago was impressed with. Edmunds purchased the optional Performance Upgrade for its new Tesla, which includes an additional 10 MPH of top speed, 21″ Überturbine Wheels, performance brakes, a lowered suspension, and aluminum alloy pedals. Each of these contributed to a driving experience that Lago enjoyed, which he seems to suggest is expected when driving a Tesla.
The Model Y has been expected to be Tesla’s most popular vehicle yet. Its impressive performance combined with 316-mile EPA estimated range, a fresh cosmetic design, and a spacious interior all contribute to this theory. As Tesla has broken into the compact, midsize SUV market, many people expect the Model Y to disrupt the sector, which has established itself as one of the most popular body styles in the world. With Edmunds giving an honest review that came off as positive, it will be no surprise if the Model Y ends up being Tesla’s biggest seller yet.
Watch Edmunds’ Carlos Lago highlight the Tesla Model Y Performance in their lead up to an upcoming long term review.
Tesla entered two new markets this week by advancing its presence in Latvia (Europe) and officially launching operations in Uruguay (South America), marking a rapid dual-continent expansion.
These moves underscore the company’s strategy to tap into emerging EV markets with supportive policies, renewable energy grids, and growing demand for sustainable transport.
Latvia: Strengthening the Baltic Footprint
In Latvia, Tesla has built on its earlier registration of Tesla Latvia SIA in late 2025 with recent steps toward full operations, including job postings for a service center and representation in Riga. This aligns with broader Baltic expansion following Lithuania’s model of pop-up stores and service centers.
Coming to Latvia https://t.co/XNkQQJ2O6a pic.twitter.com/yS9kpcNky1
— Tesla Europe, Middle East & Africa (@teslaeurope) July 17, 2026
EV penetration in Latvia stands at around 7 percent for BEVs in new passenger car registrations. 2025 data showed 1,602 BEVs out of about 22,500 total, or 7.1 percent, with combined plug-ins nearing 19 percent. Growth has been steady but below the European average, supported by government subsidies and infrastructure development. Tesla models like the Model 3 lead local EV registrations.
Vehicles for the Latvian market will likely be sourced from Gigafactory Berlin or Gigafactory Shanghai. Charging infrastructure is robust for the region as well, with over 400- 2,000 public points, with Tesla Superchargers in Riga, Jūrmala, and along Via Baltica routes offering up to 250 kW.
Uruguay: Third South American Country
Tesla teased its Uruguay arrival with “Estamos llegando,” or, “We are arriving,” on social media, followed by an official presentation scheduled for mid-July.
Hola Uruguay 🇺🇾
Nuestros Model 3 y Model Y están cada vez mas cerca! pic.twitter.com/FR41fsA7um
— Tesla Latinoamérica (@Tesla_LatAm) June 30, 2026
The company established Tesla Uruguay SAS, homologated Model 3 and Model Y (three versions each), and appointed local leadership. This makes Uruguay Tesla’s third official South American market after Chile and Colombia.
Uruguay boasts one of Latin America’s highest EV penetrations, with battery-electric vehicles exceeding 20 percent market share recently, driven by tax incentives, high fuel prices, and a nearly 95-100 percent renewable electricity grid. Hundreds of Teslas already operate via grey imports, but official sales bring warranties, service, and support.
Vehicles will be imported from Gigafactory Shanghai, enabling competitive pricing for Model 3 and Model Y. Charging plans include Supercharger development alongside existing infrastructure, leveraging the country’s green energy advantage for affordable operation.
Tesla Superchargers follow Model 3 and Model Y to South American country
Tesla’s Dual Continent Expansion
Tesla’s simultaneous push into Latvia and Uruguay demonstrates efficient scaling: prioritizing service and infrastructure first, then direct sales in high-potential niches. In Europe, it fills Baltic gaps; in Latin America, it counters Chinese dominance while leveraging renewables.
This dual move signals Tesla’s ambition to accelerate global EV adoption amid varying regional paces. By addressing local needs, like subsidies in Latvia or incentives and green grids in Uruguay, Tesla not only boosts volumes but advances its mission of sustainable energy.
For investors and consumers, it highlights resilience and opportunity in diverse markets, potentially paving the way for further growth in underserved regions. With strong fundamentals in both, these entries could yield long-term gains as EV transitions mature worldwide.
SpaceX has announced a new target date for the thirteenth test flight of Starship: Monday, July 20, with the launch window opening at 6:45 p.m ET/5:45 p.m. CT.
This is the first rescheduling attempt of Starship’s 13th test flight. It was set to launch last night, but SpaceX scrubbed the launch attempt.
🚨 SpaceX is now looking at Monday, July 20th at 6:45 p.m ET/5:45 p.m. CT for the 13th test flight of Starship pic.twitter.com/7s8aMJV5Ge
— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) July 17, 2026
CEO Elon Musk revealed that some of the engines on Starship did not start, which automatically triggers a launch abort. Two of the Raptor engines will be removed and replaced.
To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 17, 2026
SpaceX officially announced the new launch window this morning.
Starship’s 13th test launch comes with a few new objectives, but SpaceX does not plan to attempt a catch of the booster, which it has done several times in the past.
For Starship’s Upper Stage, there are some adjustments to ensure engine reusability that will be assessed during the ascent, and 20 operational Starlink V3 satellites are also set to make their way into space. SpaceX also plans to attempt an in-space relight of a single Raptor engine, which is a critical demonstration for future orbital deorbit, refueling, and deep space maneuvers.
Ultimately, it will splash down in the Indian Ocean.
The continuous tests help SpaceX advance the Starship program toward eventual full reusability, operational Starlink V3 deployment, and future missions, which include NASA’s Artemis program.
Elon Musk
SpaceX Starship Flight 13 aborted at Zero and Musk just told us what broke
Four Raptor engines failed to ignite at T-zero, forcing SpaceX to scrub Starship Flight 13 Thursday.
SpaceX scrubbed the Starship Flight 13 launch attempt Thursday evening at the last possible moment, after four of the Super Heavy booster’s 33 Raptor 3 engines failed to ignite during the startup sequence. The 90-minute window had opened at 6:45 p.m. EDT from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, and the countdown had proceeded without issue all day, with more than 11.5 million pounds of liquid methane and liquid oxygen being fully loaded into the rocket before the automated abort triggered. SpaceX’s launch directors posted on X, “Standing down from today’s flight test attempt,” and shut down the livestream shortly after.
Musk confirmed the root cause within hours. “Some of the engines didn’t start, triggering an automatic launch abort,” he wrote on X. “To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed and replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week.” SpaceX engineers began draining propellant tanks immediately and Booster 20 was rolled back to its hangar for inspection.
The timing adds a layer of significance that did not exist during any of the previous 12 Starship flights. This is the first time SpaceX has attempted to launch Starship since the company made its stock market debut in June, listing under ticker SPCX at $135 per share. Public investors are now watching every Starship outcome in real time, and a last-second abort carries more visibility than it would have six months ago.
Flight 13 was designed to be one of the most consequential tests in the program’s history. It was set to carry 20 Starlink V3 satellites, the first operational payload Starship has ever attempted to deploy. Six of those satellites carried external cameras to photograph Starship’s heat shield from the outside during flight, which would act as a self-inspection approach SpaceX has never attempted before. The mission also needed to complete a Raptor engine relight in space, a step SpaceX skipped on Flight 12 in May after losing an engine during ascent. That Flight 12 booster also flipped 90 degrees off course during its boostback burn when five engines failed to reignite.
SpaceX has not announced an official next launch date. Musk’s “early next week” window points to July 21 or 22 at the earliest, pending the engine swap and a return to the pad.
Tesla enters two new markets on two different continents in one week
SpaceX announces new Starship 13 test flight target date
