Tesla revealed the updated version of the Model Ythe electric crossover that represents the best-selling model of the Californian company. The renovation, known internally as the project “Juniper”introduces significant aesthetic and technical changes, with the aim of relaunching the brand’s sales after the first annual decline recorded in 2024.
The launch of the Tesla’s most compact SUV it has currently only happened in China, through Tesla’s Chinese website, a fact which underlines the strategic importance of the Asian market for the American manufacturer. The first deliveries are expected in China starting from March, and then extended to other countries in the Asia-Pacific region such as Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong. The arrival on the European and North American markets is expected in the following months, although precise dates have not yet been communicated.
Tesla Model Y is all new: renewed design and interiors in step with the times
Aesthetically, the new Model Y stands out with a redesigned front that incorporates a corner light barreminiscent of the Cybertruck pick-up and the Cybercab concept presented in late 2024. The rear also sports a robust light bar that runs across the entire tailgate horizontally, giving the vehicle a more modern appearance compared to the previous model. Despite these changes, the side profile remains essentially unchanged compared to the outgoing model, maintaining the recognizable silhouette of the Tesla crossover.
The interior also undergoes a marked restyling, aligning with the “Highland” update of the Model 3 launched in 2023. Highlights include the introduction of a ambient lighting strip running along the passenger compartment and adding a new one screen for rear passengersimproving the on-board entertainment experience for those behind as well. Unlike the new Model 3, the refreshed Model Y retains a conventional lever for the turn signals, avoiding the criticism the sedan received for removing the traditional control.
Tesla says it has worked to improve cabin soundproofing, using “acoustic glass” to significantly reduce interior noise. This improvement, already appreciated on the Model 3, should contribute to superior ride comfort, a particularly important aspect for a family vehicle like the Model Y. Another practical innovation concerns the rear seats, which now fold electrically via a button in the trunk. This feature, called “anti-gravity seats” by Tesla, facilitates access to the cargo space and the configuration of the passenger compartment according to transport needs.
What changes on the performance front
On the technical front, Tesla claims to have optimized powertrain efficiency and updated the suspension to offer a smoother ride. This latest intervention could resolve one of the main criticisms leveled at the Model Y, namely the excessive rigidity of the suspension which compromised comfort on rough roads. The autonomy of the all-wheel drive version Long-Range All-Wheel Drive now reaches i 719 km according to the Chinese CLTC approval cyclean increase of 4.5% compared to the 688 km of the previous version. In terms of performance, it sprint from 0 to 100 km/h is declared in 4.3 secondsimproving the previous figure of 4.9 seconds.
Even the cheapest rear-wheel drive variant benefits from an increase in range, passing from 554 km to 593 kmwith an improvement of 7%. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h for this version is indicated in 5.9 seconds. It is important to note that these data refer to Chinese specifications and may vary slightly in other markets. The improvements in terms of efficiency and performance, however, should remain similar even in the versions intended for other countries.
Prices and availability for the Chinese market
The launch of the Model Y refresh was strategically planned by Tesla leaders: in 2024, the company recorded the first annual decline in deliveries in over a decaderising from 1.81 million units in 2023 to 1.79 million. This result, in contrast to the overall growth of the electric vehicle market, highlighted the need for Tesla to renew its range to maintain leadership in the sector. The choice to present the new model first in China also underlines the strategic importance of this market for Tesla.
The Asian country represents not only the world’s largest market for electric vehicles, but also an increasingly fierce competitive arena, with local manufacturers such as BYD and Geely rapidly gaining share. The Model Y update could prove instrumental in reviving Tesla’s sales in 2025 and beyond, although launching a more affordable model could be critical to sustaining long-term growth. A new vehicle is expected to arrive later this year according to Tesla’s words, but no further details have been revealed. And as for the prices of the new Model Y?
In China, the new model is offered at a slightly higher price than the outgoing model. There versione Long-Range All-Wheel Drive it has a price list of 303,500 RMB (around 40,200 euros), while the rear-wheel drive variant starts from 263,500 RMB (approximately 34,900 euros). The increase is 4% and 5% respectively compared to previous models. Tesla also offers a limited “Launch Series”, a common practice for the company when launching new models, which includes exclusive design elements and special badging. This special edition could attract first-time buyers and fans of the brand.
As for availability in other markets, Tesla has not yet announced specific dates for Europe and North America. Considering previous launches, these markets will likely have to wait a few months after the Asian debut.
Source: greenmove.hwupgrade.it
