Tesla Model Y "Juniper" update: here are the official photos and specs
Enough of unofficial renders and guessing from low-quality photos of supposed prototypes. Tesla has finally revealed the redesigned Model Y crossover, also known as the Model Y "Juniper", on its official Chinese website. Deliveries will start in China in March, and then the model will appear in markets such as Australia, Thailand and Hong Kong.
Here's What We Know
The updated Tesla Model Y has a new nose with an angular light bar, reminiscent of both the Tesla Cybertruck pickup truck and the Cybercab robotaxi. It also has a massive light bar running across the rear. Otherwise, the exterior styling doesn't differ much from the current version of the Model Y.
The updated crossover has changed a lot on the inside along the lines of the recently updated Model 3 "Highland" sedan. There's a strip of ambient lighting running throughout the cabin and a screen for rear passengers. Unlike the Model 3, however, the updated Model Y appears to have a conventional turn signal indicator switch. Recall that in the Model 3, this feature was moved to the steering wheel buttons, which annoys many.
Tesla's Chinese website says that the Model Y is tuned for better efficiency and has received an updated suspension that provides a smoother ride. This is indeed a relevant decision, as Model Y owners have been complaining about the overly stiff suspension, which is especially noticeable on bad roads.
Features
The Model Y Long-Range AWD promises a range of 719 kilometres (446 miles) according to the Chinese test procedure (more optimistic than the US EPA cycle and European WLTP). The gain was a modest 4.5 per cent compared to the pre-reform version of the crossover in a similar variant. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) is 4.3 seconds.
Tesla also offers a cheaper rear-wheel drive (RWD) version with a 593 kilometres (368 miles) of range, a 7 per cent increase on the Model Y before the update.
Prices
Both versions of the Tesla Model Y "Juniper" were about 5 per cent more expensive than their predecessors in China. The Long-Range AWD costs RMB 303,500 (about US$41,400). The rear-wheel-drive Model Y is offered for 263,500 RMB, or about $35,900.
