Launched in 2019, the Tesla Model Y has become a leading electric SUV, selling over 3.5 million units and ranking as the best-selling car worldwide in 2023. Facing increased competition and a sales decline in 2024, Tesla introduced an updated version for Europe, featuring a refreshed design, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced comfort. The interior boasts modern materials and technology, while new design elements enhance efficiency. Orders for the updated Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant start at €60,990, reflecting a notable price increase.
Tesla Model Y: A Game-Changer in the Electric SUV Market
Launched in 2019, the Tesla Model Y marked the completion of Tesla’s S3XY lineup as the fourth electric vehicle in their range. It quickly gained immense popularity, selling over 3.5 million units and becoming the best-selling car worldwide across all fuel types in 2023.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically over the past five years. With intensifying competition, Tesla faced a slight decline in sales for the first time in its history in 2024. In response, the automaker has unveiled an updated version of the Model Y tailored for the European market, shortly after showcasing a new variant in China.
Stunning Design and Enhanced Aerodynamics
The updated Tesla Model Y is being touted as a “New Model Y,” although it primarily features a comprehensive facelift rather than a complete redesign. The exterior maintains its recognizable SUV shape with a sleek, sloping roofline, but significant changes are evident at the front. The Model Y moves away from its familial resemblance to the Model 3, aligning more closely with the brand’s latest vehicles like the Cybertruck and Cybercab.
A prominent light strip now spans the front, while the bumper adopts a flatter, horizontal design, replacing the previous “rabbit ear” style. A long-awaited front camera has been introduced, providing improved visibility during parking and maneuvers.
The rear design also receives a refresh with a light strip featuring indirect lighting, reminiscent of the now-discontinued Audi Q8 e-tron. Although the shape of the rear lights remains largely unchanged, the bumper has become more substantial and includes a new license plate holder. Overall, the Model Y has grown slightly, measuring 4.79 meters in length, an increase of 4 cm. Width and height see minor adjustments, measuring 1.98 meters and 1.62 meters, respectively.
These design enhancements serve a crucial purpose for an electric vehicle: improved aerodynamics. With a lower hood, redesigned rear spoiler, optimized diffuser, and reshaped wheels, the new Model Y is designed to enhance efficiency, reducing energy consumption to 15.3 kWh/100 km on the Long Range All-Wheel Drive variant, which translates to an impressive range of 568 km according to the WLTP cycle.
Comfort and Practicality Redefined
Inside, the Model Y “2.0” showcases a more subtle evolution, drawing inspiration from the refreshed Model 3. The new dashboard features an ambient RGB LED strip, adding a modern touch. The interior materials have shifted from wood veneer to fabric inserts, enhancing the upscale feel.
While the 15.4-inch display remains, slimmer bezels create a more streamlined appearance. The connectivity has also seen improvements, making software updates faster and easier, while the inclusion of ultra-wideband technology facilitates the use of digital keys stored on smartphones and smartwatches.
Comfort has been a major focus, with the redesigned front seats now featuring standard ventilation. Sound insulation has been enhanced with acoustic glass, and a revised suspension aims to provide a more enjoyable ride. In the rear, while seats maintain their heating function, an 8-inch screen has been added, allowing passengers to control climate settings, watch videos, or play games with a Bluetooth controller.
Additionally, the rear bench seat now boasts motorized adjustments, allowing for easy folding from multiple locations, including the front screen or trunk. Although the total cargo capacity is slightly reduced to 2,138 liters, the loss is minimal considering the overall space. The front trunk, known as the frunk, now features a drain for easier cleaning.
Unlike the Model 3, which eliminated stalks for controls, the Model Y reintroduces the turn signal stalk based on user feedback, showcasing Tesla’s commitment to customer preferences.
Currently, Tesla is accepting orders for the revamped Model Y exclusively in the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version, priced at €60,990. This represents a significant increase of €9,000 compared to the previous model, or up to €13,000 with current promotions. While Tesla justifies the higher cost with enhanced features and comfort, the price hike is notable.
Additional versions are expected to follow, with the Propulsion variant likely maintaining eligibility for ecological bonuses if it stays under the €47,000 threshold. Competing models such as the Volkswagen ID.4, Skoda Enyaq, Renault Scénic E-Tech, and Peugeot E-3008 present formidable challenges in the market. Whether this comprehensive update will restore the Model Y to its former glory remains to be seen in the coming months.