After the latest version of the Model Y crossover was unveiled in China on January 10, the car is now available to buy from Tesla showrooms in the country. And on Thursday, the EV launched in the US, Canada and Europe, according to reports.
The new model, code-named “the Juniper refresh”, will cost $59,990 in the US, which is 25 per cent higher than its predecessor. It is about 10kg heavier than the previous model, with a curb weight of 1.9 tonnes.
It also comes with design tweaks and a series of upgraded features – and is the manufacturer’s bestselling vehicle and, arguably, the most popular EV in the world. Tesla will begin deliveries in select markets in March, according to reports.
Looks-wise, the Y has a noticeably new nose with narrower headlights. It has also been fitted with light bars at the front and rear, mirroring the stylings of the Cybertruck, and the range has been upped to 719km from 688km. Tesla says the car also has a new suspension, resulting in a superior ride.
Inside, the Y has been kitted out with an ambient lighting strip running throughout the cabin and passengers in the rear now get their own screen with climate control panels and gaming and viewing functions.
The choice of China as the launch pad for the new Y was no accident – Tesla has been facing tough competition from manufacturers in the region, notably BYD, which is currently the country’s largest seller of EVs.
Another rival comes in the shape of consumer electronics manufacturer Xiaomi, which made a significant impact in 2023 with the launch of its SU7 sedan.
Competitors aside, business analysts cite China as a key market for Tesla in its own right. Deliveries of the Y for China will begin in March, subject to regional approval.
There are no details yet about when the Y will officially launch in the UAE, or the Middle East as a whole, but commentators are hoping, based on previous experiences, that the vehicle will be here before the end of the year.
Rumours remain rife that Tesla will be launching a six-seat version of the Y later in the year.
– Agencies contributed to this report