Tesla has unveiled its refreshed Model Y, internally named Project Juniper, specifically for the Chinese market. With deliveries slated to kick off in March across China and Southeast Asia, there’s no official word yet on when other regions, including the U.S., will see it. However, North American availability is widely speculated to begin sometime during spring.
In China, the updated Model Y starts at 263,500 renminbi (around $35,900), reflecting a 5.4% bump over its predecessor. This marks the first significant redesign since the crossover’s debut in 2019. Highlights include sharper front-end styling, complete with a sleek light bar that echoes Tesla’s futuristic Cybercab design language.
A continuous rear light bar now replaces the previous separated brake lights, creating a more unified aesthetic. Inside, updates mirror those seen in the Model 3 refresh from late 2023. Upgrades include improved cabin insulation, customizable ambient lighting, and a revised steering wheel, though the China-spec version retains traditional stalk controls.
Comfort takes center stage with heated and ventilated seats, ensuring year-round usability, and a dedicated second-row touchscreen adds to passenger convenience. Tesla’s focus on ride quality also extends here, with suspension improvements similar to those seen in the revamped Model 3, delivering better handling and a smoother driving experience.
For Chinese buyers, the updated Model Y brings both more power and range. The base rear-wheel-drive version now produces 295 hp, accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in 5.3 seconds—faster than the previous 5.9 seconds. Its 62.5-kWh battery delivers a range of 368 miles (Chinese test cycle), up from 344 miles.
The dual-motor all-wheel-drive variant pairs a 184-hp front motor with a 260-hp rear motor, cutting its 0-62 mph time from 5.0 to 4.3 seconds. A 78.4-kWh battery extends its range to 446 miles (Chinese test cycle), up from 428 miles. In the U.S., the Model Y lineup includes single-motor Long Range and dual-motor AWD configurations, with 0-60 mph times spanning 6.5 to 3.5 seconds.
