10 Jan 2025, 10:45 am Copied Tesla has recently revealed an updated version of its compact Model Y crossover for China and the Asia-Pacific region. This is the first major revamp since the Model Y’s launch in 2020, as the company aims to recover after its first yearly delivery drop since it entered the price territory of mainstream automobiles. It is hoped that deliveries of the new Model Y will commence in March for the former region but the timeline for the latter two markets has not been delineated. Exterior Updates: A Bold New Look The partially redesigned Model Y, known internally as “Juniper,” looks sleeker to align with modern trends. The front end is now sharpened up and angular as opposed to the rounded first-generation look and feel. Carrying features from other Tesla products like the Cybertruck and the newly refreshed Model 3, the new Model Y does not have the usual bug-eye headlights but instead has a continuous light bar. Tesla adds, a ‘cross-car lamp,’ a single lamp spanning the width of the hatch under a slight lip. In Tesla’s description, this is the “first indirect reflective body panel taillight of its kind,” which, in addition to adding a high-tech element to the SUV, reflects some trends visible in Chinese EV design. Interior Enhancements: Luxury Meets Utility Inside, the Model Y has received the configurable light bar on the center console like in the Model 3 where it was added. New features are found in the rear compartment where passengers have access to powered seats and a new touchscreen display. The new Model S also comes out as having better suspension and less road noise, which makes driving even better, according to Tesla. Performance Tweaks This is not a huge step forward because the updated Model Y is a few pounds lighter but offers a few percentage points of increase in its range. These are more evolutionary than revolutionary and help maintain a better position for Model Y within the increasing competition within the Chinese EV market where rivals have started to nib on the Tesla market share. A Strategic Update With all four core Tesla vehicles now updated, the Model Y redesign aims to solidify Tesla’s position in the competitive EV landscape. Meanwhile, Tesla hints at a more affordable model later this year, though it’s unlikely to hit the once-promised $25,000 price point.