Tesla’s best-selling model receives a significant update as it starts its fifth year of sales. According to our colleagues at InsideEVs, the new Model Y will go on sale in China in March after making its debut on the company’s Chinese website yesterday. Other Asia-Pacific markets will follow shortly after. Although this new model’s arrival date in America is unknown, it shouldn’t be too long.
Exterior Changes
With a full-width light bar that draws inspiration from the Cybertruck and Cybercab, the Model Y’s front end undergoes significant visual alterations. The headlamps themselves descend into the bumper. Additionally, it appears that Tesla altered the front hood’s design, thus this facelift goes a little beyond the standard practice in the auto industry of replacing the bumpers and other inexpensive plastic components but leaving the more costly metal ones intact.
Another full-width light bar with the Tesla script underneath is located at the rear. Additionally, there are new wheel styles and colour options. In terms of appearance, it differs from the original Model Y but is not much different overall.
Interior Updates
The upgraded Model 3 from last year, which featured redesigned seats, a new steering wheel, and an ambient light bar, set the precedent for the Model Y’s simpler interior design. For passengers in the backseat, there is an additional screen. Interestingly, the vehicle still has its turn signal stalk.
Mechanical Upgrades
This model’s mechanical upgrades are comparable to those of the Model 3. The largest flaw in the previous model was fixed when Tesla adjusted the suspension for a more comfortable ride. The new Model Y seems to be a little more efficient, as InsideEVs notes, reporting higher range numbers throughout the Chinese testing cycle.
Arriving at a Crucial Time
Tesla reported its first drop in sales in ten years at the time of this update. Despite being the best-selling EV and one of the best-selling cars globally, the Model Y faces increased competition from established automakers and Chinese startups. To put it another way, this Model Y is coming just in time.
