The new 2025 Tesla Model Y has been officially revealed as sales of the updated crossover begin in China.
Codenamed Project Juniper and spotted testing in Europe earlier this month, the facelifted Model Y arrives as Tesla faces intense competition in all global markets.
Broadly, the upgrades match those made to the Tesla Model 3 last year and are focused around improving the Model Y's efficiency, refinement and quality.
The headline change for the world's best-selling electric car is its freshly redesigned exterior, differentiated from the current car by wraparound light bars at the front and rear and subtly reshaped bumpers.
The SUV’s immense commercial success makes it Tesla’s most important asset and the American EV maker will look to leverage it in an attempt to move out of a prolonged dip in sales.
Because the car has not been updated in almost five years, it no longer offers such an obvious usability and performance advantage over its rivals. The SUV’s maximum 331-mile range, for example – seen as a headline attribute at its launch – has now been surpassed by cheaper rivals such as the Skoda Enyaq and Peugeot e-3008.
Tesla says the new look has been conceived to "maximise efficiency, using every kilowatt-hour more effectively" and claims the new suspension, wheels and tyres will help in this endeavour.
The car's drag coefficient (Cd) is said to have been reduced from 0.23 to 0.22, which should boost range and reduce wind noise.
The revised Model Y is also 47mm longer than the current car, at 4797mm, but a scant 1mm narrower, at 1624mm wide.
Inside, the crossover follows its saloon sibling in being treated to a subtle refresh of its materials and technology, rather than a wide-reaching overhaul.
There is now a touchscreen in the rear, for example, and the back seats fold electrically to increase boot space. The fronts are now ventilated too and can be upholstered in new fabrics that "make you relax as if you are floating in space", according to Tesla.
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Lightbars are us!
No decent person would buy this. It's one of life's easier boycotts. It's rubbish.
Oh, really? Says who, you?
Once again, the only free colour is Supremecist White.
I loved my Model 3, but I'm very glad it went back when it did. I'd rather get the bus than show any support for that arsewipe.
Lol! I was on a bus yesterday and noted how the fit and finish of the interior was far superior to the Tesla taxi I was last in.