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The popular Tesla Model Y has finally been given a new look, five years since its American debut and three years after it first touched down in Australia.
The Model Y SUV’s facelift follows the Model 3’s makeover back in 2023, and while it was believed the Y would be given the same look, Tesla has instead invested in a more distinctive design at both ends.
Known online – but never announced – by the codename ‘Juniper’, the Model Y takes a small cue from its wedgerific Cybertruck brother with a slender new light bar up front, flanked by tightly hooked lights.
The actual driving lights, however, are likely to be the more conventional units tucked into the outboard intakes below.
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At the rear, the 2025 Model Y wears the same hooked tail lamps as the updated Model 3, but with a large light bar and frame connecting the two corner lights.
Interestingly, the Model Y in these official images wears no Tesla badge at the front, which could mean a ‘debadged’ look will be in for 2025.
The updated Y’s centre section is unchanged, but moving inside reveals changes more in line with the Model 3.
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As with the 3, the Y shifts its gear shifter to the touchscreen. However, Tesla appears to have responded to owner feedback by keeping the physical indicator stalk – rather than following the 3 by moving its function to the steering-mounted buttons.
The Model Y’s core drive system is unchanged, which means the regular RWD model gets a 60kWh LFP battery pack while the Long Range packs a 79kWh NMC unit.
Despite this, WLTP-tested driving range in the RWD is improved to 466km (up from 455km) and to 551km for the Long Range (up from 531km).
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In Launch Series form – the only models available for now – the Y includes the Acceleration Boost upgrade that delivers 0-100km/h times of 5.9 (RWD) and 4.3 (LR) seconds.
Ride comfort has also been tweaked, again, with Tesla promising a 51% improvement in bump absorption on rough roads.
As for panel gaps – a common point of criticism for Tesla – the company says it has significantly reduced the number of body parts through new casting methods, which should result in more consistent lines.
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When will the 2025 Tesla Model Y come to Australia?
The updated electric SUV is available to order in Australia now as a ‘Launch Series’ offering, priced from $63,400 and $73,400 respectively – before on-road costs.
Buyers who opt for the Launch Series are expected to receive their vehicles in May, with metallic paint and 20-inch wheels included in the price.
