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<\/p>\nOn October 1, 2023, Tesla surprisingly updated the Model Y in China, applying changes to the exterior, interior, and a few select specs.<\/p>\n
The move is surprising because we are not talking about a major refresh, like in the case of the Model 3 (code name Highland), but a relatively limited update. A much more significant update (previously associated with a code name Juniper) is expected at some point in 2024.<\/p>\n
Let’s start with the exterior. Tesla introduced a new, black 19-inch wheel design, which replaces the previous silver Gemini ones. We are not sure, but the new wheels potentially might be more aerodynamic, because the CLTC range ratings increased a bit for the 19-inch wheels versions.<\/p>\n
In the case of the rear-wheel-drive Model Y, the range is estimated at 344 miles (554 km), five miles (9 km) or almost 1.7 percent more than previously. The dual-motor, all-wheel drive, Long Range version has a CLTC range of 428 miles (688 km), which is about 17 more miles (28 km) or 4.2 percent more than before – that’s an increase too high to associate it solely with the wheels. The range rating of the top-of-the-line Performance version remains unchanged.<\/p>\n
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An interesting thing is that the entry-level Tesla Model Y RWD is also quicker with a 0-62 miles per hour time of 5.9 seconds, compared to 6.9 seconds previously. We don’t know what caused a full second (14.5 percent) improvement but it could be the drive unit, battery output, or a software change. Other major specs for the Made-in-China (MIC) Tesla Model Y are the same.<\/p>\n
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Inside, the Tesla Model Y now is equipped with an RGB ambient light on the dash and a new textile dashboard material (replacing the wood trim). This is a small step in the direction of the Tesla Model 3 Highland but not a full-fledged refresh.<\/p>\n
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According to reports from China, the new MIC Model Y is also equipped with the Hardware 4.0 (HW4) self-driving computer and brings some other improvements (NVH reduction).<\/p>\n
The pricing of the three MIC Tesla Model Y versions in China remains unchanged and starts at $36,788 (263,900 CNY).<\/p>\n
Similarly, estimated wait times on the Tesla online configurator indicate the same time of 2-6 weeks (RWD and Performance versions) or 6-8 weeks (Long Range AWD). We guess, that depending on the market feedback, this might change later this month.<\/p>\n
Other than that, we don’t know whether other Tesla plants in California, Texas, or Germany will also apply similar changes in the near future. The slightly updated Model Y might soon appear in other markets than China via export, and this includes Canada.<\/p>\n