Launch of Tesla Model Y with extended range, equipped with a blinker lever and front camera, set in Asian markets
Tesla Unveils Refreshed Model Y in Asia
Tesla has officially launched the refreshed Model Y in Asia, marking a significant update to the popular electric SUV. Known as the Juniper refresh, the 2025 Model Y boasts design, range, and production location improvements.
Key Features and Changes
The refreshed Model Y offers enhanced range, thanks to hardware and battery management refinements. While exact figures vary by variant, the Model Y Long Range (Model Y L), debuting in China, boasts a longer wheelbase and increased interior space, potentially improving overall efficiency.
The exterior design of the refreshed Model Y showcases a new light bar above the headlights, along with sharper, more aggressive lines on the hood and fascia. New wheels without full aero covers are introduced, featuring a contrasting black hubcap. The interior reintroduces a turn signal stalk and offers ventilated seats in some editions. More affordable versions simplify the Model Y by moving the headlight assembly upwards and removing the horizontal front light bar.
A notable change is the introduction of a six-seat version (Model Y L) with a lengthened wheelbase (+150 mm), longer and slightly taller body, enhancing third-row legroom and cabin space. This version is positioned as a mid-size between the standard Model Y and Model X and will be sold initially in China.
Production of the refreshed Model Y begins at Giga Shanghai, with initial vehicles arriving in Asia-Pacific showrooms. A broader international release is planned later in 2025.
Technology and Hardware
Rumours suggest that Tesla may implement Hardware 5 in newer vehicles, offering upgraded compute power and improved camera systems. Tesla also offers interior upgrade kits for existing Model Y cars to improve materials and finishes inside the cabin.
Availability and Pricing
Orders for the new Model Y in the special launch edition are possible on the Chinese website. Delivery is expected to begin in March, but is conditional on obtaining regulatory approval. The prices for the new Model Y in China have increased by about 5 percent compared to the previous version.
The Model Y will be delivered in Taiwan within 5-6 months. The refreshed Model Y is available in two variants, with all-wheel drive and the larger battery starting at 303,500 Renminbi (around 40,000 euros), and the smaller battery and rear-wheel drive costing 263,500 Renminbi (around 35,000 euros).
The new Model Y's range has increased by 31 kilometers to 719 kilometers according to the China standard. The drag coefficient of the refreshed Model Y has improved slightly to 0.22. The Model Y will be produced in the Tesla Gigafactory in German Grünheide soon.
The previous blue color for the Model Y has been replaced by a lighter, more metallic-looking paint. At the rear of the refreshed Model Y, there is a Tesla logo and the lights have been united into a band. The number of speakers in the new Model Y has increased to 16. Notably, the refreshed Model Y features a continuous light bar similar to the Cybertruck and Cybercab. The Model Y reintroduces the turn signal lever, which had been missing since the refresh of Model S and Model X.
In China, the Launch Series of the new Model Y offers slightly higher prices and more range. The front trunk lid of the refreshed Model Y is pulled down lower, making it more streamlined.
- The refreshed Model Y, unveiled in Asia, is part of the automotive industry's transition towards electric vehicles, particularly in the transportation sector.
- The finance sector will be impacted as the refreshed Model Y's prices in China have increased by about 5 percent compared to the previous version.
- The technology incorporated in the refreshed Model Y, such as the continuous light bar and potential implementation of Hardware 5, aligns it with the broader trends in the tech industry.
- The revamped Model Y's enhanced range, design, and increased interior space are aspects that could influence lifestyle choices, particularly for those interested in sustainable transportation.
