The new Tesla Model Y builds on a model that has seen more than 3.5 million units produced across three continents since it began shipping nearly five years ago. In 2023, it was the first electric vehicle to rank as the world’s best-selling car overall, regardless of powertrain. In Europe, production has been taking place at the Gigafactory in Berlin-Brandenburg since 2022, contributing to a rapid transition to more sustainable transportation.
The updated Model Y features a lowered nose and a three-piece, full-width light bar. Inspired by the recent Cybertruck and Cybercab models, the light bar is designed to optimize aerodynamic efficiency. Below the light bar, the front fascia is completely redesigned, with a horizontal line that emphasizes the width of the vehicle and features external ducts to improve airflow.
At the rear, the new light bar and redesigned tailgate use a lighting system that projects light onto a custom applique. The rear bar, which extends 1.6 meters, makes this solution one of the widest in the industry. The spoiler, diffuser and the entire fascia have also been reworked to maximize efficiency and stability at high speeds. The extended rear diffuser helps improve downforce and provides additional protection in low-speed impacts.
To increase efficiency, Tesla has revised several energy-consuming subsystems. The exterior design includes a spoiler made of advanced thermoplastic materials and new wheels designed to reduce aerodynamic drag. The previous version of Model Y was already among the most efficient electric SUVs in its class, and in this update those values are improved without impacting the final price.
Among the new features is a front-mounted forward-facing camera, equipped with a fluid washer system and integrated heater, designed to prevent fogging and facilitate defrosting in adverse weather conditions. Inside, the choice of materials focuses on durability and better sound insulation. Specially designed glass, increased use of sound-absorbing materials and new manufacturing processes reduce road, wind and impact noise, as well as reflect solar radiation more effectively.
The chassis and suspension adopt a revised configuration, with improved geometry and new damping technology borrowed from the latest Model 3, for a more comfortable and quiet ride. The interior includes redesigned front seats, now ventilated, and a center console with smoother sliding doors. The aluminum trim also extends to the steering wheel, doors and dashboard. Both haptic controls and physical buttons remain, with two customizable switches on the steering wheel and a new direction indicator.
The second row features an 8” touchscreen that controls the climate and entertainment: audio, video streaming, games and Bluetooth options, including multi-connectivity. Two 65W USB ports are included to charge high-power devices. The rear seats offer deeper padding, easily accessible buckles and the ability to recline or fold the seats. The entire audio system has been redesigned with speakers integrated behind a transparent textile material, while improved microphones ensure clearer calls.
Connectivity introduces a new hardware that increases download speed (up to 50% faster on cellular networks and 300% via Wi-Fi), extending the signal range. Ultra-wideband technology improves the reliability of the Phone Key system tenfold, adding the possibility of automatic opening of the trunk. As usual for Tesla, over-the-air software updates will enable future additional features at no extra cost to owners.
The new Model Y can already be ordered in a limited edition “Launch Series” with Long Range all-wheel drive, WLTP autonomy of 568 km and 20” Helix 2.0 wheels. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h occurs in 4.3 seconds and the top speed reaches 201 km/h. In Italy, the Launch Series has a price of €60,990. Deliveries will begin in March 2025, with additional trim levels of the new Model Y to be introduced in the future.