After months of leaks and camouflaged photos of Tesla’s Model Y update, codenamed Juniper, the wait is finally over. Tesla has officially unveiled the refreshed version of its best-selling car, the Model Y.
For now, the new Model Y is only available in China and Australia. Deliveries in China are expected to begin in March, while Australian deliveries are slated for May. Unfortunately, there’s no official word yet on availability in Europe or North America.
Exterior Upgrades
The updated Model Y boasts several exciting design changes to its exterior. At the front, a continuous light bar spans end-to-end, seamlessly incorporating the turn signals. This angular design lends the Model Y a bold, futuristic appearance, reminiscent of the Cybertruck, and moves away from the curvier design of the current Model Y.
At the rear, the updates are equally striking. A sleek light bar emits a foggy red glow across the Tesla text, which now replaces the traditional Tesla logo, as seen in the Model 3 refresh. This light bar effortlessly integrates with the turn signals and charging port, giving the vehicle a clean, modern, and minimalistic aesthetic.
Tesla has also redesigned the wheels, giving them a fresh, aerodynamic look. The new design features smooth, angular patterns with a matte black finish, enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and efficiency of the vehicle. These wheels not only complement the car’s angular design language but are also engineered to reduce drag, further boosting its overall performance and range.
Tesla has also introduced a fresh color option: Glacier Blue, replacing the previous Deep Blue. Other color options include Pearl White, Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red.
Interior Enhancements
Inside, the redesigned Model Y takes inspiration from the refreshed Model 3. Notable upgrades include a second screen for rear-seat passengers, improved material quality throughout the cabin, and enhanced sound insulation for a quieter ride—all while maintaining Tesla’s signature minimalistic aesthetic.
Another standout interior feature is the completely redesigned steering wheel. The new steering wheel aligns with the look introduced in the Model 3 Highland refresh and incorporates updated inputs for a more seamless and futuristic user experience. This upgrade not only enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality.
Range Updates
Despite much anticipation, the updated Model Y does not deliver the long-hoped-for 400-mile range. On Tesla’s Chinese website, the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model is listed with a range of 719 km (446 miles) according to the CLTC standard, which is known for its leniency. However, the Australian website reports a range of 551 km (342 miles), a modest 10% improvement over the current U.S. Long Range model’s 311 miles.
While the range increase may feel underwhelming, we’ll have to wait for the U.S. launch to confirm exact figures. If history is any guide, the U.S. announcement may not be far off. When Tesla launched the Model 3 Highland refresh in late 2023, it debuted in Europe before arriving in the U.S. just a few months later in January 2024.
Pricing
The launch edition of the updated Model Y appears to come with an approximate 5% price increase compared to the current model. However, this could simply reflect the premium pricing associated with the launch edition. Once the standard models are released, pricing may align more closely with the current Model Y, making it a more accessible upgrade for Tesla enthusiasts.
What’s Next?
With its bold new design, updated features, and incremental range improvements, the refreshed Model Y is set to continue its dominance in the electric vehicle market. As Tesla enthusiasts, we’ll eagerly await more details, especially on U.S. availability and official specifications.
