Tesla reveals its long-awaited Model Y
Tesla has officially launched the refreshed Model Y in China and Australia, marking a significant update to the world’s best-selling electric vehicle. After months of anticipation, the Model Y’s long-awaited “Juniper” refresh has arrived in the Asia-Pacific market, and customers can now place their pre-orders.
Available for Pre-Order in Multiple Regions
Tesla’s refreshed Model Y, available for pre-order across China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and the Philippines, is set to begin deliveries in May 2025. However, there are currently two variants available: the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD). This model is not only an aesthetic overhaul but also promises improvements in performance and range.
Exterior Changes: A Sharper Look
Tesla has kept the overall shape and size of the Model Y similar to the original, but the updated vehicle sports several notable design changes. The most obvious update is the sleek, super-thin headlights connected by a light strip along the hood, evoking a modern and streamlined appearance. The back now features new Model 3-inspired taillights, enhanced with a red light bar.
Other exterior tweaks include updated air vents in the front bumper, side mirror turn signals, and the addition of a front camera. In terms of wheels, buyers in China can choose between 19-inch “Interactive Storm” wheels and 20-inch “Spiral Storm” wheels. In Australia, the 20-inch “Helix 2.0” wheels are standard.
Color Options: A Fresh Palette
Tesla has introduced a new Glacier Blue color option for the Model Y, which replaces the previous Deep Blue Metallic. The updated car also comes in Pearl White Multi-Coat, Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, and Ultra Red. While all colors are included with the car’s price in Australia, buyers in China will need to pay extra for colors other than the “Starry Grey.”
Interior Design: Small Tweaks with Big Impact
Inside, the Tesla Model Y features ambient light strips and a more refined cabin with quieter acoustics, thanks to new acoustic glass. Although the layout remains largely unchanged, there are several noteworthy updates. The seats are now ventilated, and the rear seats are electrically adjustable, with the option to recline with the press of a button.
However, there is still only a five-seat configuration available. Tesla plans to offer six or seven-seat versions in the future, but those models are not available yet. Additionally, the gear-shifting stalk has been removed, with the indicator stalk remaining in place.
Performance: Range and Speed Upgrades
Tesla offers two trims for the refreshed Model Y:
- Rear-Wheel Drive: 466 km (WLTP range), a top speed of 201 km/h, and a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. This version starts at 63,400 AUD (approximately $39,275).
- Long Range All-Wheel Drive: 551 km (WLTP range), 201 km/h top speed, and a 0-100 km/h time of 4.3 seconds.
While the performance upgrades are relatively modest, Tesla’s improvements in efficiency have increased the range for both variants, with the RWD model now reaching 466 km (up from 455 km) and the Long Range AWD model reaching 551 km (up from 533 km).
Pricing and Launch Dates
The price of the new Model Y is higher than the previous version. In Australia, the starting price for the updated Model Y is 68,770 AUD (approximately $42,596), a 12% increase from the previous model’s starting price of 60,872 AUD (around $37,693).
In China, deliveries are set to begin in March 2025, while customers in Australia can expect their Model Y deliveries in May 2025. The increased pricing might be a factor for some buyers considering the older version of the Model Y, which will remain available until Tesla’s inventory is depleted.
When Will It Arrive in the U.S. and Europe?
As of now, there is no official word on when the refreshed Model Y will make its way to the U.S. or Europe. While the model is expected to hit global markets eventually, Tesla likely does not have sufficient inventory for a full-scale rollout in these regions in the immediate future.
The updated Model Y has already caused a stir with its bold new look, improved performance, and enhanced features. With deliveries expected to start soon, the anticipation surrounding the refreshed Model Y is sure to continue to grow, especially as Tesla expands its reach into new international markets.
