Seres 5 Outshines Tesla Model Y in Comfort but Falls Short in Key Areas | Carscoops

      The ultimate challenge for any electric vehicle is competing against the best-selling car of 2024, which is also electric.

      by Thanos Pappas

      If you have been following the electric vehicle market recently, you would know that the competition is intensifying with new entrants aiming to take the lead from established names. We spent some time driving the Seres 5, a fully electric SUV from China that aims for a premium feel. In addition to our main review, we wanted to compare it with its main rival, the Tesla Model Y, so we set up a brief head-to-head comparison.

      The Seres 5 may have debuted in Europe in 2024, but the Chinese version has been available since 2019. Unfortunately, when we tested the Seres, Tesla was not offering drives of the new Juniper model in Greece, only the pre-facelift Model Y version. Nevertheless, it makes for an interesting comparison, keeping in mind the updates introduced with the revised Tesla.

      More: We Compare The 2026 Tesla Model Y Side-By-Side With Its Predecessor

      Both electric vehicles have similar dimensions and are equipped with dual electric motors, all-wheel drive, and sizable battery packs. The Tesla has a WLTP range advantage of 51 kilometers (32 miles), while the Seres counters with 193 hp more power. Detailed specifications can be found in the table below.

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      Design: The Seres 5 Is More Visually Appealing

      While opinions on design can vary, a fair comparison wouldn't be complete without considering aesthetics. Beyond just external design, we also looked at the interior, where the Seres takes a slight lead.

      Both models blend crossover and coupe elements, striking a balance between aerodynamics and functionality. Side by side, the Tesla Model Y appears less captivating. This could partly be due to its resemblance to a larger Model 3, although Tesla did make some adjustments with the recent update. Additionally, the Model Y’s ubiquity is comparable to pigeons in a park.

      That said, the Model Y’s rear design remains cleaner and more cohesive than that of the Seres 5. While the Seres may not be a beauty queen, it attracts more attention and presents a slightly more upscale look. It could certainly benefit from some styling enhancements seen on the related Aito M5, yet it still feels more contemporary than Tesla’s familiar design.

      Inside, many new EVs have adopted Tesla's approach: a large touchscreen, minimal physical buttons, and a focus on modernity by omitting features that people generally appreciate, like buttons. The Seres 5 follows this trend but executes it more effectively, with higher-quality materials, pleasing color schemes, and a stylish center console. Additionally, it includes a digital instrument cluster and a heads-up display, which ease the transition for drivers used to conventional cars.

      However, although the Seres comes with generous standard features, Tesla's technology and interface feel more up-to-date, thanks to continuous over-the-air software updates.

      Practicality: Tesla Model Y Comes Out on Top

      While the Seres 5 features a more luxurious interior, the Tesla excels in terms of space for passengers and cargo. Despite its sloping roofline, the Model Y provides more rear headroom and legroom, making entry and exit easier.

      More: Xiaomi’s Electric SUV Is Larger Than The New Tesla Model Y And Offers More Range

      Cargo capacity also strongly favors Tesla. Officially, the Model Y can accommodate 29 cubic feet (822 liters) in the rear trunk and an additional 4.1 cubic feet (114 liters) in the frunk. Tesla's tendency to measure up to the roof does inflate these numbers slightly, but the advantage is still evident.

      The Seres 5 has a trunk space rating of 13 cubic feet (367 liters), with the frunk adding another 2.4 cubic feet (67 liters). In reality, the difference isn’t massive, yet it remains noticeable. Overall, I found the Model Y to be better suited for family use, particularly when considering its superior driving range and faster DC charging capabilities (250 kW compared to 100 kW).

      Ride Comfort: The Seres 5 Delivers a Grand Tourer Experience

      Driving both the Seres 5 and Model Y side by side highlighted that the Seres offers a more comfortable and refined ride. Its suspension effectively absorbs road imperfections better than the Tesla, which can feel more rigid in comparison.

      The Seres also features smoother power delivery—especially in EV and Comfort modes—enhancing its friendly driving characteristics. Furthermore, the Seres cabin is quieter, though we did not have the opportunity to test both vehicles on extended highway drives.

      Driving Dynamics: Tesla Is Sportier and Feels Quicker (Even If It Isn’t)

      While many EV buyers may not prioritize sporty driving behavior, we decided to include this aspect to highlight the differences in the character of the