Tesla has quietly updated the Model Y electric SUV in China with minor exterior and interior changes, as well as range and acceleration boosts to certain variants.
This update to the Model Y isn’t as drastic as the one recently applied to the Model 3 electric sedan. It’s expected a similar update to the Model Y, codenamed Project Juniper internally, is due during 2024.
At this stage this minor update to the Model Y has only been detailed for Tesla China.
We’ve reached out to Tesla Australia in regard to local prospects, given Australian Model Ys are built in Shanghai, and will update this story if we hear back.
The entry level Tesla Model Y RWD now has a claimed range of 544km according to lenient CLTC testing, which is 9km more than previously. It’s also claimed to go from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds previously.
For context, the Australian-specification Model Y RWD has 455km of range according to WLTP testing, and can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds.
The Model Y Long Range now has 688km of range according to lenient CLTC testing, which is 28km more than previously. It still does the 0-100km/h sprint in a claimed 5.0 seconds.
For context, the Australian-specification Model Y Long Range has 533km of range according to WLTP testing.
The flagship Model Y Performance hasn’t received any changes to range or performance with the update. It still has 615km of CLTC range and can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 3.7 seconds.
On the outside the Model Y RWD’s 19-inch Gemini wheels are now finished in black instead of the previous silver finish.
A number of outlets have reported this updated Model Y received the Hardware 4.0 (HW4) self-driving computer, however Car News China has confirmed it retains the existing HW3 unit.
Inside the Model Y now receives strips of RGB interior ambient lighting on the dashboard, as well as a new textile dashboard material which replaces the wooden trim.
These interior changes are similar to what was recently introduced to the Model 3. Examples of these updated electric sedans are due in Australia between January and March 2024.
MORE: Tesla Model Y
MORE: Tesla Model Y Performance review
