2025 Tesla Model Y Refresh: Officially Announced!
Tesla has officially announced its refreshed Model Y, codenamed 'Juniper', marking a significant milestone for the world's best-selling EV (electric vehicle). The new Model Y, first unveiled on Tesla's Chinese market website, showcases significant design refinements over its predecessor. Deliveries are confirmed to begin in May 2025!
The announced Model Y update reinforces Tesla's commitment to maintaining its position in sustainable transportation, following the rollout of the refreshed Model 3 Highland. The new Model Y incorporates design elements from its smaller sibling while promising enhanced safety features, refined aerodynamics, and improved handling characteristics. Tesla announces that the updated model will include advanced Autopilot capabilities and receive regular over-the-air software updates, aiming to build upon the company's track record of technological innovation. While the specifications look promising on paper, real-world performance and capabilities will become clearer once the vehicle reaches customers.
Compare Model Y: Juniper Vs Standard Model
So, let’s cut to the chase. The overview you probably have been waiting for - what’s the real difference between the current model Y and the refreshed model? Here's an overview of the key differences:
| Key Differences | Current Model Y | Refreshed Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | £46,990 | £60,990 |
| Available Trims | Long Range AWD, Long Range RWD, Performance AWD | Launch Series Long Range AWD |
| Range | 319-373 miles (WTLP) | 353 miles (WTLP) |
| Seating | First row: power recline and heated seats, Second row: manually folds down and heated seats | First row: power recline, heated and ventilated seats, Second row: power-two way fold down and heated seats! |
| Displays | 15.4" front-row touchscreen | 15.4" front-row touchscreen, 8" second-row touchscreen |
| Driving Comforts | First generation suspension, first-generation noise reduction hardware | Second-generation suspension and second-generation reduction hardware |
| Cameras | 7 exterior cameras | 8 exterior cameras with a new front-facing camera |
| Audio | All models have 13 speakers and 1 subwoofer | 15 speakers and 1 subwoofer |
| Boot | Power open | Hands-free power open on approach |
| Interior | Footwell and door pocket ambient lighting and wooden detailing with black interior | Wrap-around ambient lighting, aluminum detailing and premium textiles |
| Climate Control | Tinted and laminated safety glass, power-actuated first-row air vents, manual second-row air vents | Tinted and laminated safety glass with metallic infrared reflective coating, power-actuated first- and second-row air vents |
As you can tell, the refreshed Model Y is just that bit better than the previous models, with more cameras, different interior lighting, improved suspension and more. The two coolest features (in my opinion) is the boot opening on approach and the addition of the 8” second-row touchscreen - both of these additions may seem minor, but make the car feel more premium and improves the experience for passengers as well as the driver.
Exterior: A Fresh Take On Tesla's Popular SUV
The new Model Y's exterior refresh appears to be Tesla's most comprehensive update, featuring streamlined design aesthetics and optimised aerodynamics. After lots of speculation, early production reports and leaked images, the refreshed Model Y has a completely redesigned exterior. This is to maximise efficiency as well as to make your ride smoother and quieter due to an updated suspension, wheels and tyres.
Striking New Light Signature
The front and rear light bars of the Model Y have been re-designed to increase aerodynamics, efficiency and range. Tesla has implemented a full-width light bar that connects the taillights, creating a more premium and modern appearance. This design element, combined with sleeker headlights at the front, gives the Model Y a more sophisticated presence on the road while improving nighttime visibility.
Updated Wheels And Tyres
One thing that wasn’t as highly anticipated was an updated wheels and tyre package. This has been implemented to offer a smoother driving experience. The structural body casting of the tyres has been reduced from 70 to 1 for fewer gaps to create a quieter driving experience!
More Efficient: The Expected Aerodynamic Improvements
The refreshed Model Y claims to be more efficient due to a redesign which will ultimately improve the range, performance and longevity of the vehicle.
Whilst waiting for the release, many Tesla enthusiasts looked to the Model 3 Highland refresh. Here we saw significant aerodynamic enhancements and expected the same with the new Model Y. The Model 3's recent update achieved an impressive drag coefficient of 0.219, down from 0.225. While we don't have any official figures for the Model Y Juniper yet, Tesla's focus on efficiency suggests we might see similar improvements.
Inside the New Model Y: Premium Comfort Meets Advanced Tech
The new Model Y elevates comfort and convenience with a refined interior featuring wrap-around ambient lighting, ventilated seats, and a 15.4-inch touchscreen. Invisible speakers and acoustic glass create a premium audio experience, while power-recline second-row seats and an 8-inch rear entertainment screen enhance passenger comfort. Enhanced connectivity ensures seamless integration with Phone Key, calls, and wireless networks.
Advanced Comfort Features
The new Model Y introduces significant interior refinements, featuring perforated leather/leatherette upholstery with ventilated seats - a long-requested addition to the model lineup. Unlike its sibling the Model 3 Highland, the Model Y retains its traditional turning stalk, maintaining familiar driver controls while upgrading comfort features. The Performance variant includes sports seats with enhanced side bolsters designed for dynamic driving support.
Ambient Lighting Takes Centre Stage
The cabin showcases Tesla's new wrap-around ambient lighting system offering customisable color options. The lighting integration, paired with suede-look trim on the doors, elevates the interior's premium feel. Invisible speakers maintain the minimalist aesthetic while delivering enhanced audio performance, complemented by acoustic glass that improves cabin isolation.
Rear Passenger Experience
The new Model Y incorporates an 8-inch touchscreen for rear passengers, providing control over climate settings and entertainment options, from playing games to watching movies! Power-recline second-row seats that fold flat enhance versatility, while Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless device integration. The passenger experience just improved by a tenfold!
Refined Centre Console
The redesigned centre console features:
Two wireless phone chargers,
A revised armrest design,
Updated storage solutions,
New interface controls reflect the removal of steering column stalks.
Flexible Space
The Model Y maintains its versatility with both five and seven-seat configurations, supported by improved connectivity that offers extended Phone Key range, clearer calls, and faster cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Focus On Sound
The new Model Y demonstrates Tesla's commitment to audio excellence through innovative design choices. The integration of invisible speakers maintains the cabin's clean aesthetic while promising premium sound quality. Combined with acoustic glass technology, the setup aims to create an optimal listening environment by minimising road noise intrusion while keeping the audio experience crisp and immersive within the cabin.
Loads More Storage!
Everyone is always looking for more storage, whether it’s simply to fit more stuff into your car or to transport larger items, you’ll be glad to know the refreshed Model Y has lots of boot space. The power-recline second-row seats can fold flat to expand your boot space to 2,130+ litres of storage. The boot also automatically unlocks as you approach, so you can easily load the car!
Other Cool Interior Features
It wouldn’t be a Tesla without additional interesting features, here’s what that looks like!
Live weather map,
Detour estimates,
Tesla arcade,
Comfort and safety modes - from dog mode to camp mode.
Performance Improvements
Initial reports suggested significant advancements for Tesla's upcoming SUV, with industry sources initially speculating a potential 500-mile range variant and enhanced efficiency through improved aerodynamics and battery technology. The Performance model was also reported to receive notable upgrades, including exclusive aerodynamic features, adaptive dampers, and an enhanced suspension system paired with sport seats.
The combination of aerodynamic improvements and tyre updates hints at potential gains in real-world performance and range.
| Performance Overview | Refreshed Tesla Model Y |
|---|---|
| Battery | Long Range |
| Range (WTLP) | 353 miles |
| Acceleration | 4.1 seconds (0-60mph) |
| Drive | Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive |
| Maximum Supercharging | 250kW |
| Charging Speed | Up to 165 miles in 15 mins |
| Official Power Consumption | 15.3 kWh/100km |
Performance And Precision
The new Model Y's re-tuned suspension system represents a comprehensive approach to ride quality. Tesla has refined the vehicle's handling dynamics to deliver smoother response and enhanced comfort, while the improved steering calibration promises more engaging driver feedback. These suspension updates, combined with reduced road noise, aim to create a more refined and controlled driving experience.
Pricing, Production, and Availability: When Can You Get One?
The Tesla Model Y Juniper is expected to be announced in Q4 2024 and go on sale shortly afterwards as a 2025 model year car.
Recent reports from Electrek indicate that production of the new Model Y Juniper has already begun as of October 2024, despite earlier suggestions from Elon Musk that we wouldn't see the refresh until 2025. Initial production appears to be starting conservatively, with sources reporting approximately 12 vehicles being produced per day.
Production Timeline
The new Model Y is set to begin deliveries in the UK in May 2025, marking the first market to receive the updated model! You can pre-order the refreshed Model Y now, on their official website.
Announced Variants
In China, the refreshed Model Y maintains its versatility with both five and seven-seat configurations, catering to different family needs. The lineup includes:
Rear-Wheel Drive model: offering a 290-mile range, 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds, and a top speed of 125mph, priced at £31,800 (HK$306,650)
Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant: delivering an extended 342-mile range, priced at £36,000 (HK$347,520)
However, in the UK, the refreshed Model Y is only available in the 5-seat configuration as a Long Range All-Wheel Drive model. You can choose between two colours: solid black and quick silver! It has a £60,990 starting price, but you can pay more for two advanced autopilot packages:
Full-self driving capability: includes Enhanced Autopilot, traffic light and stop sign control. In future updates, the vehicle will be able to drive itself anywhere with minimal driver intervention. This will set you back an additional £6,800.
Enhanced autopilot: this includes Basic Autopilot, and driver-assisted driving from motorway lane changes and overtaking. This also includes dumb summon, smart summon and auto park! This autopilot package will set you back £3.400.
What the Model Y Refresh Means for Tesla and the EV Market
The Industry Impact
The timing of the Model Y Juniper refresh appears strategically significant. As the world's best-selling car (not just EV), any updates to the Model Y have substantial market implications. This refresh comes as traditional manufacturers like Hyundai, Kia, and Volkswagen are closing the gap with competitive offerings in the electric SUV segment.
Expert Perspectives
“The Model Y has consistently been one of our most popular vehicles through salary sacrifice, and this refresh arrives just months after the successful Model 3 Highland update," says Gaurav Ahluwalia, Marketing Director at The Electric Car Scheme.
"The announced premium features including ventilated seats and rear entertainment screens, combined with enhanced efficiency, show Tesla's understanding of what UK families want in an electric SUV. With confirmed improvements in range and interior refinement, we anticipate the new Model Y will further strengthen its position as a top choice for our customers. It’s not available on salary sacrifice yet, as it’s a limited edition release. So keep an eye on our quote tool for more…”
Competitive Landscape
The refreshed Model Y will compete with:
Larger size, premium positioning,
More traditional SUV styling,
Newer to market but gaining traction.
Lower price point,
Strong tech focus,
Distinctive design approach.
Premium badge appeal,
Traditional BMW quality,
Higher price point.
The Model Y's updates, particularly the interior refinements and potential range improvements appear carefully chosen to maintain its competitive edge against these rivals.
Future Implications
This refresh could signal several important trends for the EV market:
Premium Features Becoming Standard The addition of cooled seats and ambient lighting suggests features once reserved for luxury vehicles are becoming expected in this segment.
Focus on Efficiency Rather than simply adding bigger batteries, Tesla's continued focus on aerodynamics and efficiency improvements might influence other manufacturers' approaches.
Interior Technology Arms Race The rear screen addition suggests that in-car entertainment and passenger comfort are becoming key battlegrounds in the electric SUV segment.
The images above were added to r/TeslaMotors on Reddit on the 25th of October 2024 by AviationPhu and seememi and show the exterior of the Juniper from three different angles.
Image on the left has been taken from @TslaChan on X and the right image has been taken from @SERobinsonJr on X
Images have been sourced from Not a Tesla App and Notebook Check
Last updated: 29/01/25
Note: As specific pricing details become available, we'll update this article with detailed cost breakdowns and potential savings through salary sacrifice schemes.
