Tesla Model Y Gets a Face and a Rear End Lift
Image Credit: Tesla.
Tesla has finally decided to give the Model Y a bit of a nip and tuck. I mean, it was about time, wasn't it? The old girl was starting to look a bit droopy around the headlights. This updated version, affectionately known as "Juniper," has just been unveiled on Tesla's Asian and Pacific websites, and it's causing quite a stir on the net.
Let's start with the exterior. They've smoothed out that awkward front bumper and given it a pair of squinty new headlights that flow into a snazzy light bar across the front trunk lid. It's a bit like the Model 3's new look, but with a touch of Cybertruck. The Model Y still has those same quirky proportions. It's like they tried to make a minivan look sporty, but it ended up somewhere in between. At least it's distinctive.
The rear end got some attention, too. Model Y now sports a full-width taillight that's a part of the rear hatch. It's a bold move, but I'm not sure I like it. It's a bit like someone stretched a rubber band across the back of the car. But then again, I'm not a designer. What do I know? Give it time, and I'll probably come around to it.
The interior is where a little bit more magic was sprinkled. Tesla has taken a lot of the good stuff from the Model 3 and crammed it into the Model Y. We're talking ventilated front seats, a fancy new steering wheel with push-button turn signals (because who needs stalks, right?), and even a rear-seat display for the kiddos to watch their favorite cartoons. Or, you know, for adults to… watch their favorite cartoons. No judgment here. The rear screen also doubles as a climate control panel.
Tesla's Chinese website doesn't specifically mention it, but I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that the new Model Y has also received some material quality upgrades and extra sound-deadening. After all, they did it for the Model 3, and it made a world of difference. Nobody wants to listen to the wind whistling through the door seals while they're cruising down the highway. At least not me, that's for sure.
The US specs haven't been announced yet, so we don't know exactly what kind of powertrain and battery we'll be getting. The Asian and Pacific variants are getting two powertrains from the get-go: an RWD single 220 kW motor paired with a 62.5 kWh battery pack and a Long Range version with two motors and a 78.4 kWh battery. That version has a combined output of 331 kW and can sprint to 60 in around four seconds. Not too shabby for an SUV that lugs 4,235 lbs around.
Image Credit: Tesla.
As for pricing, well, since you asked… The Chinese prices are painful to watch. The RWD version starts at a smidgen under $36,000, while the Long Range comes with a sticker price of nearly $41,500. That's China for you. The New Zealand, Australia, and Singapore Tesla websites are already taking orders for the new Model Y, and let me tell you, those prices are… interesting. $56,000 for the entry-level RWD version in Singapore and $42,700 in New Zealand. In the US, the cheapest Model Y starts at $44,900, and the dearest Performance trim goes up to $51,490. There's no sign of a new Performance version yet, but you just know it'll be more expensive this time around.
So, here we are. The Tesla Model Y has finally gotten the update it deserves. It's got a fresh new look, a swanky interior, and some impressive performance specs to boot. For now, it's available to order in Asia and Pacific countries, Europe will be next, and it'll eventually land in the US sometime this summer. Is it worth waiting for? If you want the latest toy - sure. But if you just want a dependable electric SUV, then the next few months are perfect to snag a great deal on the current Model Y.
