Tesla has launched the long-awaited "Juniper" refresh of the Model Y in China and Australia. This new model, which has been seen in camouflaged prototypes during global road tests, is now officially available. While there's still no word on when it will be released in the U.S. or Europe, it is currently available across much of Asia, including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Korea, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
Although no official announcement has been made by Tesla, Tesla Asia, or CEO Elon Musk, we can dive into the official specifications and images to give you most of the details.
What’s New with the Tesla Model Y?
This is the first major facelift of the Tesla Model Y since its debut in 2019. The "Juniper" name was merely an internal codename and isn’t being used officially anywhere on Tesla's website. The new version is still called the Tesla Model Y, but Tesla has labeled it as a "Launch Series," referring to a limited release as the company ramps up production. There are some perks for opting for the Launch Series version, though more on that later.
Exterior Design Changes
While the new Model Y isn't a complete redesign, there are some notable updates that represent a significant overhaul. Considering the Model Y was once the world’s most popular car (electric or otherwise), there’s a large user base eager to see what changes Tesla has made to its best-selling electric vehicle.
Key design changes include:
- Headlights: New, ultra-thin headlights with a light strip connecting them across the front of the car’s hood. These resemble the lighting design seen on Tesla's upcoming Cybertruck and Cybercab.
- Tail Lights: A design similar to the Model 3’s tail lights, now linked with a red light bar across the back.
- Front Bumper: Updated with new air vents for improved airflow.
- Other Design Details: Minor updates, such as turn signal lights on the side mirrors and a front camera embedded in the bumper. Overall, while the design remains familiar, it does look a bit more aggressive.
As for wheels, the options vary by region. In China, you can choose between 19-inch black "Interactive Storm" wheels or 20-inch silver "Spiral Storm" wheels. In Australia, there’s only one option: the 20-inch "Helix 2.0" wheels, which appear to be the same as the "Spiral Storm" variant in China.
Tesla Model Y: Color Options
In Australia, buyers can choose from five colors: Pearl White, Glacier Blue (new), Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red. In China, the colors are similar, though the names may differ slightly. Glacier Blue is a new color, replacing the previous Deep Blue Metallic. It’s a softer, lighter blue, but you’ll need to see it in person to truly appreciate the shade.
An interesting note: In Australia, all color options are included in the car's price. In China, however, some colors can cost up to 12,000 yuan ($1,636) as an extra charge, with "Starry Grey" being the base option.
New Tesla Model Y: Interior
The interior design hasn’t undergone any radical changes either, but there are some new features to note. The color choices are simple: either all-black or a black-and-white combination. For seating, the car currently only offers the five-seat configuration, though Tesla has hinted that six- or seven-seat versions could be available in the future.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Steering Wheel: The traditional round steering wheel, not the yoke.
- Display: The large, landscape-oriented touchscreen remains, with minimal other controls.
- Other Features: Ambient light strips, an additional rear display, and the removal of the gear-shifting stalk behind the steering wheel (although the turn signal stalk remains).
Tesla claims that the cabin is quieter, thanks to new acoustic glass, and the seats are now ventilated. Additionally, the rear seats are electrically adjustable and can be reclined with the push of a button.
New Tesla Model Y: Trims, Range, and Acceleration
The Model Y now comes in two trims: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD). The performance version is not available in this update.
- Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): This version offers a 466 km range (WLTP estimate in Australia), a top speed of 201 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds.
- Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD): The AWD version adds a second motor and all-wheel drive, offering a 551 km range (WLTP estimate), the same top speed of 201 km/h, but faster acceleration at 4.3 seconds from 0-100 km/h.
The range has seen a slight improvement. In Australia, the previous range for the RWD version was 455 km, and 533 km for the Long Range AWD version, meaning the new models offer a modest increase in range.
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