New Model Y has arrived at Tesla stores in China, as shown in the pictures of the updated SUV shared on Chinese social media. The updated EV was seen on car carriers throughout China, suggesting that deliveries are imminent.
The latest images of the refreshed Model Y, codenamed “Juniper,” provide the best real-world views we have gathered. They display the Model Y in Flame Red and Glacier Blue in the parking area outside the Tesla store. The Glacier Blue variant is positioned next to the “classic” Model Y, highlighting the significant design changes.
When comparing the rear of the two Model Y generations, aside from the LED light bar, the most prominent alteration is the relocation of the license plate from the boot lid to the bumper.
The new Tesla Model Y was launched on January 10 in China, ahead of its release in Europe and the US. The starting price was approximately 5% greater than the “classic” model, set at 263,500 yuan (35,950 USD), and the new SUV reportedly garnered 50,000 orders within a single day.
On the same date, the Chinese regulatory body disclosed Tesla’s core specifications as the vehicle sought a sales license. Tesla provided details about two trims: RWD and AWD long-range.
The base-level RWD starts at 263,500 yuan (35,950 USD), which is 13,600 yuan (1900 USD) more than the earlier version. It offers a range of 593 km under CLTC conditions, which is 39 km more than the previous model. It is also 10 kg (22 lbs) heavier, with a curb weight of 1921 kg.
It features the same 62.5 kWh LFP battery from CATL and a 220 kW motor on the rear axle.
The Tesla Model Y became the top-selling car in China in 2024, with sales reaching 480,309 units, marking a 5.24% increase from 456,394 vehicles in 2023. The Model Y accounted for 73% of Tesla’s sales in China last year.
The Tesla Model Y achieved the status of the best-selling car in China in 2024, selling 480,309 units over twelve months, according to China EV DataTracker. Unlike the trends in many other markets, sales of the Model Y increased in China. In 2025, the recently introduced Tesla Model Y “Juniper” may attract even more customers.
Globally, the demand for the Tesla Model Y has fallen. For instance, Automotive Analyst Felipe Munoz (Carindustryanalysis) reports a 27% decrease in Norway, an 87% drop in Iceland, and a 31% decline in Luxembourg. This trend may be attributed to the Model Y aging, as it was first introduced in 2019. However, sales of this model surged in China right before the launch of the updated “Juniper” variant.
The Tesla Model Y is a top seller in China. Tesla recorded 480,309 units sold in twelve months of 2024, reflecting a 5.24% increase from 456,394 vehicles in 2023. Notably, by the end of November 2024, the Tesla Model Y ranked just behind the BYD Qin Plus sedan.
However, the American manufacturer had a strong end to the year by selling 61,881 units in December. This was the third-highest total after 69,098 units in November 2022 and 62,169 cars in August 2022. It’s important to note that Tesla China sold 93,766 cars in December, marking its third-highest total ever.
The increase in sales may be attributed to the company’s marketing initiatives in China at the end of 2024. For instance, Tesla VP Grace Tao highlighted that the company has not issued any recalls in the last six years, demonstrating safety. Additional factors contributing to the sales growth include the introduction of the smart summon feature and the final price reduction for the Model Y in China.
The Model Y achieved the top position in sales in China in 2024. Nevertheless, the BYD Qin Plus sedan followed closely with a sales figure of 480,025 vehicles, just 284 cars behind. In 2024, the starting price for the Tesla Model Y was set at 249,900 yuan (34,100 USD).
On January 10, the new Tesla Model Y “Juniper” debuted in China with a price range of 263,500 – 303,500 yuan (39,950 – 41,400 USD). The updated model features a refreshed exterior design, a lower drag coefficient of 0.22 Cd, a trunk that is 100 liters more spacious (with rear seats folded), and improved specifications. Deliveries of this vehicle are set to commence in March 2025 in China, and the new Tesla Model Y received 50,000 orders on its launch day, indicating a strong beginning.
The latest Tesla Model Y, known as “Juniper,” features dimensions of 4797 mm in length, 1920 mm in width, and 1624 mm in height, along with a wheelbase measuring 2890 mm. It is 47 mm longer and 1 mm narrower than the previous model. Both the front and rear tracks of the Juniper measure 1636 mm. The front and rear overhangs are 896 mm and 1011 mm, respectively. This vehicle has approach and departure angles of 16 degrees and 18 degrees.
The new Tesla Model Y is equipped with either 255/45 R19 or 255/40 R20 wheels. Inside, it accommodates five passengers. The curb weight for the Tesla Model Y Juniper varies between 1,921 kg and 1,992 kg, based on the selected powertrain option. Its gross weight ranges from 2,432 kg to 2,503 kg. The MIIT announcement states that the latest Model Y can come with optional tinted windows for the rear.
The rear-wheel-drive version of the Tesla Model Y utilizes the 3D6 electric motor, generating 220 kW (295 hp). This variant is coupled with CATL’s LFP battery pack that has a capacity of 62.5 kWh. The CLTC range for this option is 593 km, which is an increase of 39 km from the previous model. The all-wheel-drive variant of the Juniper employs 3D3 and 3D7 electric motors with outputs of 137 kW (184 hp) and 194 kW (260 hp), respectively. The combined output of these motors reaches 331 kW (444 hp). This version utilizes CATL’s ternary NMC battery, providing a range of 719 km.
The new Tesla Model Y features the Bosch ESP10 system. It also comes with an onboard event data recorder (EDR).
Light Bar Close-Up
We have our first detailed look at the updated front design of the Model Y. This vehicle seems to be heading to a showroom ahead of Tesla’s major sales campaign for the Chinese Lunar New Year, and this captures one of the closest and clearest views of the new front.
The updated front light bar is prominently visible, even when it’s not illuminated. It’s more than just a narrow strip; the headlights are located just below the light bar at either side. You can also observe the new sharply-defined lines that extend from the gaps in the light bar up the hood. The redesigned look appears significantly more aggressive and angular when viewed from this perspective.
Wheels
The newly designed wheels are quite intriguing; notably, they lack full aero covers. This raises the question of whether Tesla plans to add aero covers to these wheels in the future or if they will remain uncovered. They look appealing, but the black hubcap in the center is quite noticeable against the rest of the wheel. Only time will tell if the sleek black finish will endure after use.
Regardless, they’re visually appealing, but an all-black version would be preferable—similar to the currently available Shadow Gemini wheels. We hope that when the Model Y refresh makes its way to North America and Europe, this option, along with the Crossflow wheels, will be offered.
Interior
The revised Model Y introduces numerous updates to the interior. Alongside the exclusive dash for the Launch Edition, we also get a good look at the new ventilated seats and the reintroduction of the turn signal stalk.
The updated Model Y features the same redesigned center console as the Model 3 Highland, complete with a dual-part slider. For now, it appears that the Launch Edition will include rubber pedal covers, which are less extravagant compared to the metallic ones found in the Performance variants.
Rear End Close-Up
At the back of the vehicle, we have a close-up view of the new reflective light bar. Tesla claims this is a first in the industry, and it indeed looks impressive. The actual light is positioned at the inner edge of the part that extends over the reflective section. The reflective part itself is painted to match the car and has a matte finish rather than a glossy one.
In a subsequent image, we can observe that the rear camera has been repositioned. Unlike the camera lip found on the 2024 Model Y, the camera is now located at the very edge of the newly elevated bumper. This adjustment elevates the camera’s position compared to before. This change likely means the new Y will require extra training time for both Full Self-Driving and Actually Smart Summon, along with the new camera on the front bumper.
This alteration is going to be fascinating; we’re uncertain how this new camera placement will cope with snow, rain, and road grime, but it seems to be primarily why it has been moved higher and away from the road.
We are looking forward to seeing the new Model Y in person. This refresh has been eagerly awaited, and there are numerous details still to be unveiled.
