Photo – Tesla
It has been a while since the Tesla Model Y received a major overhaul. The Model 3 received a major update with its code name ‘Highlander’ about a year ago, which makes it even more surprising as the Model Y has been the brand’s best-selling model for a while, even though it costs more than the Model 3.
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But finally, here we have an official look at the new Model Y, codenamed ‘Juniper’, which is available for order but only in the Launch Series variant as of now, with deliveries expected around March this year.
What Has Changed in The New Model Y ‘Juniper’?
Well, for starters, according to Tesla, the car has been completely ‘redesigned from end to end.’ The exterior design has been completely changed; however, the car’s shape remains somewhat the same. The distinctive features include the new Cybertruck-style front fascia with the LED bar and the taillights being connected, following the current industry trend, of course. Although, the taillights are not your usual LED strip. According to Tesla, it is ‘the first indirect reflective body panel taillight of its kind.’
Apart from the visual changes, Tesla claims that the car is quieter than the outgoing model, thanks to the updated body castings and the wheel and tire package. The Launch Series on the US website claims a range of 320 miles and a 0-60 time of 4.1 seconds. Only the Launch Series variant is up for order on the US website as of now. This is your usual Dual Motor AWD Long Range variant.
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Compared to the outgoing model, the new Model Y ‘Juniper’ is about 30 lbs heavier but still offers faster acceleration (4.8 seconds vs. 4.1 seconds) and an increased range of 10 miles in the same dual motor AWD configuration.
Pricing of The New Tesla Model Y Launch Series
The current Model Y lineup includes a single motor, rear-wheel-drive version with a range of 337 miles priced at $46,630; a dual motor all-wheel-drive version with a range of 311 miles priced at $49,630; and a high-performance version with a range of about 277 miles priced at $53,130.
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The ‘Juniper’ generation Launch Series starts at $61,630, featuring Full Self-Driving, unique badges, puddle lights, and enhanced wheels. While it’s expected that the entire range of variants will be available in the Juniper lineup eventually, the Performance model might roll out a bit later, following the pattern seen with the Model 3 Highland. Initially, you can look forward to the single motor Long Range and Dual Motor Long Range versions.
The Launch Series Edition of the Model Y has been listed on the US website as of late January 2025, and the deliveries are expected around March 2025.
