Tesla Model Y: New model presented with a fresh design

It should be more efficient, more powerful and quieter: Tesla has presented it in Asian markets. The biggest change is immediately noticeable – the “duck beak” of the predecessor gives way to a modernized look that is somewhat reminiscent of both the Cybertruck and the driverless robo-taxi Cybercab. The same picture at the rear: instead of two separate lights, a continuous light strip adorns the car, making it not only a little more elegant, but also significantly futuristic.

According to Tesla, the new optics should also be useful and more efficient. For the all-wheel drive version with 19-inch rims, the manufacturer promises a range of 551 kilometers according to the WLTP standard (previously 533 km), the rear-wheel drive version should have a range of 466 kilometers (previously 455 km). The cheaper Model Y is said to sprint to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, with all-wheel drive it is 4.3 seconds. There are five colors to choose from for both vehicles; the price in China, for example, starts at the equivalent of 34,900 euros. Since Tesla has not yet presented the refreshed Model Y in Europe, there is neither a price nor a market launch for local markets.

Tesla promises that the new Model Y is, above all, quieter. The new chassis should also contribute to this, meaning that the ride, which was previously often described as rough, should also be smoother. New tires and rims should make their contribution to this.

When it comes to driving assistants, Tesla unsurprisingly remains true to itself. There will also be no sensors other than cameras on the new Model Y (codename Juniper). Tesla is the only car manufacturer to believe that this is completely sufficient for extensive autonomous functions. After all: The Model Y gets a front bumper camera that is supposed to support the other cameras.

Tesla has completely redesigned the interior. However, the few pictures leave questions unanswered. For example, it is not clear whether there will still be a turn signal lever. You can see it in the pictures of the right-hand drive cars, but not in the pictures of the more common left-hand drive cars. Tesla focuses more on comfort when introducing the vehicle. According to the manufacturer, the new seats should be significantly more comfortable than they currently are. Soft materials and ventilation should ensure this.

There are no details about the charging performance, nor is there any information about the engines. The model launch will probably take place first in Asia, as the cars are produced in Shanghai and the factory there has already been converted. This step has not yet taken place in the USA and Europe, where Tesla continues to sell the previous model – with no indication that a new car is likely to come soon.