None of the above. I'm not going to buy a Model Y. Elon Musk saw it as an engineering challenge to overcome that would be beneficial both for sales and for usability in autonomous vehicles. They haven't made it work reliably enough yet so _no_ _way_ will it have the falcon-wing doors.
I love the FWDs on my Model X, and my grandkids love them even more. They have perfect fit and finish and operate without issues. That said, I think they should be reserved for Model X. Model Y should be able to accommodate a roof rack.
Even if the falcon wing doors work perfect;y, they operate slowly compared to conventional doors, the mechanism adds weight up at the top of the car, you can't use a roof rack, and it adds cost. They were initially introduced to the Model X in large part to give better access to the third row, which the Model Y won't have. I believe Elon said in a Tweet a week or so back that the Model Y will cost the same as the 3, which probably means there won't be any gimmicks like the FWD to run up the costs.
FWD may look cool, but are incredibly gimmicky. I think I'd prefer normal doors, but having them wouldn't be a deal breaker.
I am encouraged by this as convincing my wife to give up her beloved Rogue will require a Tesla to be done in the under $40k range so if it cost the same as a base Model 3 at $35k starting...where can I sign up...lol. She helped me pay for myModel 3 at over $60k once said and done so when I mention buying a Model Y with trading the Rogue that we optioned out to about $38k for the SL trim AWD etc. she says no fing way. Don't really expect the Model Y with AWD to start there but we'll see when the time comes.
There is also the cheaper cost of ownership. I recently worked out that my Model S is 1/4 the cost per mile to fuel than my SO's Subaru Impreza. (Electricity prices here are very cheap, but even in more expensive markets an EV is going to be cheaper than gas.) We also drive my car any time we're going out together so she has gone from refueling once a week to refueling once a month. In 2 years of ownership the only thing other than electricity I've bought is tire related and car washing stuff. I also bought a couple of minor accessories, but those are one time expenses. Ben Sullins who has a Tesla by the numbers channel on YouTube recently ran the numbers on the cost of ownership for someone who had a 200 mile commute once a week. In that case a Model 3 would save them something like $24K a year. But that's an unusually long commute.
I need roof space for racks. Falcon doors do not permit a roof rack. And I don't like hanging a bunch of bikes and gear off the back - everything gets gritty and dirty back there. Horrible area to put stuff.
I've considered the Model X a number of times over the years, but it is always the falcon wing doors that causes me to give myself a shake and get back to reality. As a number of other posters have noted, the FWDs should stay on the X (though they shouldn't have been the only option on that vehicle in the first place even IMHO) as a differentiator for the high price (where Tesla can also better absorb the higher cost to build and warranty them). Because of those doors on the X (removing option of a roof rack), it has less utility to me than an S. The 3 has even less utility, with no roof rack and a trunk! For goodness sake Tesla, you are going backwards in functionality! I really hope the Y reverses that trend. I'd love for it to be an electrified version of my Subaru Forester actually. Search my blog for my wish list - Model Y at kootenayEVfamily.ca if you're interested. (Our use case: family of 4 hauling BMX and mountain bikes regularly; XC and DH skis & snowboards 3-4 days a week in the winter; launching my sail boat spring and fall [3,800 lbs]; camping road trips where we need a roof box already on our Forester with its 780L of cargo room; and occasional light-off road duty [e.g. waterbars on the way to remote hiking trails]... - we've actually done a lot of this in our Leaf, but of course range is an issue, and no AWD)
If they go with FWD, they could do away with the front normal doors. Potential cost saving. Reckon they will do this for the minibus if it comes.
As is usual, GM was first, yet again [1992 carbon fiber]. Can we claim Falcon wing doors AND roof rack too ? @Vern Padgett - how about electrify this one? 200 MPGe ?
Is there anything wrong with the falcon wing door? Seems to me most people who have it like it and most people who don't dislike it. The only thing is we don't know if the Y will have two rows or three rows seating. Benefits of the falcon wing door diminishes if there is no third row seating. As for comparing it to other similar door designs the Tesla design uses two independently controlled hinges. That's what made it work so much better especially in tight parking spaces. Another thing is the Model X was designed as a luxury people hauler not a stuff hauler. The falcon wing doors, seating arrangement and (lack of) roof rack was pretty much following that design philosophy. Who would want to buy a $100K+ car and use it to haul plywood or manure from Home Depot anyway? Just borrow or rent a truck to do those things if you don't already have another vehicle for that. Model Y could be a little different story though.
I got a two day test drive in Model x with falcon doors. Also it had self closing front doors. I get into cars butt first, and hang on to the roof rails for balance. the self closing doors did just that and slammed my hand and would not let go until I stretched to the release button. ouch. I WAS going to get the door closer mounted on my Model S, but after this hand slam door issue - no way. The FWD are a neat party trick, but have no use to me as I only use the front doors. I cant see this FWD feature as a positive.
That sounds to me like a classic case of learning curve. Not only that I got used to the self open/close door every time I sit in my S I was wondering why the door did not close soon after I put my foot on the brake. Although I still don't understand how the door in the car would literally "self-closing" without you intend it to.
I recall Elon tweeting that the Y will have Falcon doors, and I hope it happens. We love the FWD on the X. The kids love the FWD on the X. Everyone that sees the X comments how great they look, and how cool they are. Definitely makes an impact in car line at school. Haha. I love the functionality of them- even though it appears I am the only one on this thread! I also appreciate how the FWD help artistically and visually give the subtle appearance of a X silhouette; it would be even more of an apparent Y silhouette design if the Y also is awarded FWD.