Lambo Blogging: Tesla Model Y’s Panel Gaps are Inconsistent, but Better Than Early-Build Model 3’s

After his thorough teardown of the Tesla Model 3, auto engineering veteran Sandy Munro is back to examine the latest product to roll out of the electric automaker’s stable: the 2020 Model Y. Tesla fans fear not, because his assessment is generally positive. That said, he found many inconsistent panel gaps around the vehicle—typically a key measure of build quality.

In his video walkaround of the new compact crossover, Munro points out that some of the crossover’s panel gaps are bigger on one side than the other. The discrepancies can be found around the body; from the front door sills to the rear liftgate. One of the most significant gap discrepancies is between the taillamps and the body. This gap measured 3.5 millimeters on one side and a whopping 6.0 millimeters on the other.

Tesla began Model Y deliveries in March, well ahead of the vehicle’s original launch date of fall 2020. This change in schedule came as quite a surprise from a manufacturer known for missing its self-imposed deadlines.

These are early days for the Model Y, and Tesla is expected to fix these panel problems, as Munro was quick to point out in the video. “For an early-stage product, this is pretty good,” Munro concluded, adding this was “a vast difference” in build quality from early-build Model 3 units he examined. “Still not as good as I’d like to see. We would normally ding a North American car, but for an early stage car, this is pretty good. They’ll start tuning things in, just as that I was sure the Model 3 would start tuning things in.”

Other videos on Munro’s website reveal his findings on the Model Y’s suspension and frunk, as well as his initial first impressions. Overall, he seems to think Tesla is moving in the right direction. “It’s much better than the Model 3 when we got it,” he said about the Model Y in an interview with Bloomberg. “We found problems, but the average car buyer won’t even see these things.”

Munro is a go-to automotive expert with 30 years of experience building and designing components. He worked high up the chain at Ford during his decade-long tenure there before starting Munro and Associates, which has completed extensive teardowns of hundreds of cars. Earlier this year, Munro gave insights on how much the Tesla Cybertruck might cost to build.

Before you read his thoughts on the Cybertruck, though, check out Munro’s complete panel gas assessment on the 2020 Tesla Model Y in the video below.