The new 2025 Tesla Model Y has been officially revealed as sales of the updated electric 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 had not been substantially updated in almost five years, it no longer offered such an obvious usability and performance advantage over its rivals.
At launch the Model Y’s maximum 331-mile range was seen as a headline attribute, but was eventually matched by cheaper rivals. Last year’s new Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant, with 373 miles of range, slightly plugged that gap but was still not enough to beat the Peugeot e-3008’s 434 miles.
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, keeping it as one of the market's slipperiest cars. This 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.
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The proportions still make it look ugly and ungainly.
Not sure why they didn't use the same headlight design as the Model 3 Highland. Would have looked better.
I suspect they'll go stalkless too and whilst it looks cleaner, it's not safe to use at times. I drove a Model 3 Highland last year and had a couple of moments where I had to take my eyes off the road crossing a busy road due to the wheel not being level. Surprised it's allowed TBH.
@VirtueSignalling101Or are people who struggle with stalkless just incompetent?
For me, the huge screen and lack of physical controls kills it stone dead.