One of the most talked about cars of the year, the Tesla Cybertruck, is as impressive as it is distinctive. The highly anticipated stainless steel pickup truck has finally reached Dublin, where we give you an exclusive first look at the exterior and interior.

Performance

The Cybertruck is set to launch with three distinct powertrain configurations. Initially, dual- and tri-motor models will debut, both offering all-wheel drive functionality. By the 2025 model year, a rear-wheel-drive single-motor variant will join the lineup. The Cybertruck Dual Motor currently delivers a combined 600 horsepower. For those seeking extra performance, the Cybertruck Beast features three motors that generate a combined 834 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds.

While we've yet to experience the Cybertruck's performance on the road firsthand, expectations are high for its agility and ease of manoeuvrability, thanks to its innovative steer-by-wire system and all-wheel steering. This means there's no traditional steering column or mechanical linkage between the steering wheel and the front wheels. Instead, electric motors control all four wheels, with the steering wheel employing an ultra-responsive variable ratio. This eliminates the need for hand-over-hand manoeuvres, shuffle steering, or guesswork with wheel rotation, resulting in a surprisingly agile driving experience despite its robust appearance.

Range and Charging

Tesla boasts the Cybertruck's impressive capabilities, citing an estimated driving range of up to 547 km with the All-Wheel drive specification. When linked to a Tesla Supercharger, this EV truck taps into an 800-volt architecture, capable of replenishing up to 235 km of range in just 15 minutes.

The electric truck's driving range fluctuates depending on the chosen trim. The rear-wheel-drive model offers an estimated range of 402 km, while the Cyberbeast version extends this to 515 km. Additionally, an optional range-extender battery pack, which neatly fits inside the truck's cargo bed, further enhances the driving range.

Design and Interior

It's hard to discuss the Cybertruck without mentioning its appearance. As the first stainless steel-bodied car since the DeLorean DMC-12, the Cybertruck features a distinctive wedge-shaped body that is curiously unbranded—you won't find a Tesla logo anywhere. Yet, there's no mistaking it for anything else on the road.

Every Cybertruck features a large 18.5-inch touchscreen mounted in the centre of the dashboard. Additionally, there is a 9.4-inch touchscreen on the back of the centre console for rear-seat passengers. The vehicle comes with SiriusXM satellite radio and a Wi-Fi hotspot. However, drivers hoping for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be disappointed, as these features are absent in all Tesla models.

Dual wireless charging pads are conveniently placed within reach of the driver’s seat, and the absence of a transmission tunnel frees up space between the front seats, making it a handy area for storing items like a backpack, purse, or camera bag. Additionally, the rear seat offers ample legroom and headroom, comfortably fitting two six footers.

One slightly annoying feature is the absence of steering column stalks. Instead, you control the wipers, lights, and indicators using touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. While these controls are not too difficult to get used to, they are not as intuitive as simply flicking a stalk.

One of the standout features of the Cybertruck is its impressive functionality. Despite the trick's dramatically sloped roofline, rear-seat headroom is surprisingly generous, comfortably fitting two six-footers. It offers a maximum payload of 1,134 kg, 1,897 litres of lockable storage, a 6x4 bed, additional room in the frunk, and a towing capacity of 4,990 kg, giving you all the practicality you need. As well as that, you also get the option of adding in a “Cybertent” featuring a fully collapsible air-frame design, making it the perfect vehicle for weekend excursions and camping trips.

Cost Considerations

The new Tesla Cybertruck is only available to order in the USA for now, and there’s no word on when or if it will be available in Europe or what price it will come in at. But if we were to base it off the American prices, you’ll be looking at $79,990 (€74,445) for the all-wheel drive variant, rising to $99,990 (€93,060) if you want the tri-motor Cyberbeast version.

If that price tag seems a bit steep, you'll be glad to know that a rear-wheel-drive version will hit the market in 2025, priced at $60,990 (€56,742). However, there's a slight compromise on range, with this model managing 402 km on a single charge compared to the 547 km offered by the dual-motor version.

The Cybertruck stands out by offering a fully-loaded package as standard. There are no optional extras to consider; the only decision you need to make is regarding the desired power output. Every Cybertruck model comes equipped with a generous array of features, including a massive 18.5-inch touchscreen, adaptive cruise control, LED lights, and a full-length glass roof.

Conclusion

The Tesla Cybertruck offers some class-leading features, albeit with an acquired taste. It has more than enough power, competitive battery range, refined technology, and stacks of practicality. But its unconventional exterior styling is sure to attract some stares, pictures, and questions. We’ll reserve our final judgements until we get the chance to take it out on the road ourselves.