Tesla has unveiled a redesigned Model Y specifically for the Chinese and other Asian-Pacific markets, marking the first significant update to the SUV since its 2020 launch.
The new Model Y, the world’s most popular electric vehicle, is slated to start deliveries as early as March in China and some surrounding countries.
The new Model has price range between 263,500 – 303,500 yuan (35,950 – 41,400 USD), the U.S. automaker said on Friday.
The refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” boasts a striking new look with a prominent Cybertruck-inspired LED lightbar. The headlights have been repositioned to the front bumper, and the vehicle features redesigned 19-inch and 20-inch wheels, flush door handles, and a fresh coat of blue paint.
Dimensions have slightly increased, with the Juniper now measuring 4797mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1624mm tall, with a 2890mm wheelbase. These subtle changes contribute to a more aerodynamic profile, resulting in an improved drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd compared to the previous model’s 0.23 Cd.
The new Model Y interior mirrors the new Model 3 with an ambient light bar encircling most of the cabin, customizable in various colors. Enhanced features include powered rear seats, a dedicated touchscreen for rear passengers, and improved suspension and noise reduction.
Maintaining Tesla’s minimalist aesthetic, the 15-inch center touchscreen, powered by AMD Ryzen, replaces a traditional instrument cluster. This display integrates vital vehicle information like speed, gear, and ADAS status. The center console eschews buttons for a wireless charging pad and concealed storage compartments.
The Tesla Model Y Juniper is available in China with both Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) and All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configurations. Both models utilize a 400V architecture.
RWD Model Y Juniper:
– Powered by a single rear-mounted e-motor producing 220 kW (295 hp).
– Equipped with a 62.5 kWh LFP battery pack from CATL.
– Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds.
– Offers a CLTC range of 593 km, an increase of 39 km due to improved energy consumption of 11.9 kWh/100 km.
AWD Model Y Juniper:
– Features dual motors: 194 kW (260 hp) in the rear and 137 kW (184 hp) in the front, delivering a combined output of 331 kW (444 hp).
– Powered by a 78.4 kWh NMC battery pack from LG.
– Accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds.
– Offers a CLTC range of 719 km, an increase of 31 km due to improved energy consumption of 13.4 kWh/100 km.
The redesigned Model Y comes as Tesla finished 2024 having delivered fewer vehicles than it did in 2023. It was the first year-over-year drop since the company started selling mass market cars in 2012.
