Tesla introduced a new look Model Y in China

Tesla has unveiled a new-look Model Y aimed at China and other Asia-Pacific markets, marking the SUV’s first major update since its 2020 launch.

The redesign comes as Tesla ends its 2024 delivery year Fewer cars than in 2023. It was the first annual decline since the company began selling mass-market cars in 2012.

The new Model Y is scheduled to be delivered to China and some surrounding countries from March. It is not yet clear when Tesla will bring this version to Europe and the US, although it should take about four months. It’s happening with the updated Model 3 last year.

The changes made to the new Model Y, internally codenamed Juniper, are very close to the Tesla models. Designed for the 2023 Model 3 sedanat the same time, it borrows some design elements from the company’s other projects.

Like the new Model 3, the front end is less bumpy and has a sharper edge. The new Model Y also eschews the faux-eye headlights for a continuous light bar across the front – a design seen on the Cybertruck and prototype. Cybercab. Tesla also ditched traditional taillights in favor of a single light running across the back of the car under a small overhang in the sunroof. Tesla claims this “taillight” is “the first indirect reflective body panel taillight of its kind.”

Inside, the Model Y update features the same ambient lighting found in the new Model 3 that covers most of the cabin and can be changed to different colors. There are power rear seats and a new touchscreen display for rear passengers, and Tesla says the suspension has been improved and road noise has been reduced. The SUV is a few pounds lighter than its predecessor and gets a few more miles, but it doesn’t offer a drastic jump in range or efficiency.

Overall, the new design is more in line with the look of many Chinese EVs – the ones that have inspired price wars and rivaled rivals. Tesla’s market share despite record sales in the country.

Tesla has now updated all four of its main EVs – Model Y, Model 3, Model S and Model Xi – in the past few years. The only truly new product since the Model Y has been the Cybertruck, which has struggled to reach the mass buyer market.

Tesla teased the launch mysterious new model (or models) later this year. But while this model is expected to be cheaper than the Model 3 and Model Y, it won’t start at $25,000. It’s an idea that CEO Elon Musk once embraced has since left.