The long-anticipated Tesla Model Y Juniper with Cybertruck face launched in China ahead of the US release. The new SUV will start deliveries in March 2025 with two trim levels and a price range of 263,500 – 303,500 yuan (35,950 – 41,400 USD). Model Y Juniper is seemingly more expensive than its predecessor.
The Tesla Model Y became the bestselling car in China in 2023 (and worldwide). However, in the first 11 months of 2024, it became a runner-up, losing first place to the BYD Qin Plus sedan. According to the China EV DataTracker, Tesla sold 418,428 units in China in January-November. So, Tesla hurried to launch a new variant of its bestseller in China.
New Tesla Model Y exterior & dimensions
The new Tesla Model Y adopts the latest front-end design with a thin LED running light unit that reminds us of a Cybertruck. Headlights of the new model sit on the front bumper. These adjustments in the front enhance the drag coefficient of the new Tesla Model Y to 0.22 Cd. The previous Tesla mainstream crossover offered a number of 0.23 Cd. Lower drag means longer range and quieter ride.
The new Tesla Model Y retained its distinguishing raindrop body shape. From the back, the car adopts a single taillight unit and a ducktail spoiler. It also adds a sportier rear bumper. Other features of the car exterior include a new wheel design (19-inch and 20-inch), flush door handles, and a new blue paint. The exact dimensions of the new Tesla Model Y Juniper are 4797/1920/1624 mm with a wheelbase of 2890 mm. It became 47 mm longer and 1 mm thinner.
New Tesla Model interior
Inside, the Model Y Juniper aligns with the new Tesla Model 3. It retains the minimalistic styling with a 15-inch gloating touchscreen powered by AMD Ryzen. The new SUV has no instrument cluster, which is a common pit for Tesla. Instead, the center screen integrates the relevant information about the car’s speed, gear, ADAS, etc. There are no buttons in the center tunnel. Instead, it has a wireless charging pad and hidden compartments.
Interestingly, the new Model Y adopts enhanced seats. Its rear seat was elongated by 15 mm. Moreover, the headrests were widened by 17 mm. The second-row seats were upgraded with one-button power adjustment. The new Model Y also offers a sunroof with a silver-plated coating and 16 speakers. It is worth mentioning that the new Model Y adopts Tesla’s latest AI4 assisted driving hardware. It is expected that Tesla’s FSD system will be implemented in China this year.
New Tesla Model Y powertrain
The Tesla Model Y Juniper offers RWD and 4WD variants in China. They both stand on the 400V architecture. The entry-level model has a single e-motor in the rear axle for 220 kW (295 hp, 299 ps), suitable for a zero-to-hundred acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. The 62.5-kWh CATL-made LFP battery pack powers that electric motor. As a result, the new car can drive up to 593 km in CLTC conditions. The range of the entry-level Model Y is boosted by 39 km, thanks to the 1.1 kWh/100 km lower energy consumption of 11.9 kWh/100km.
The 4WD variant of the Tesla Model Y Juniper has a 194-kW (260 hp, 264 ps) electric motor in the rear axle paired with a 137-kW (184 hp, 186 ps) motor in the front. The combined power output of this electric crossover reaches 331 kW (444 hp, 450 ps). This drivetrain is powered by a 78.4 kWh ternary NMC battery from LG. The 4WD Model Y Juniper speeds up to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. Its range reaches 719 km CLTC (a 31 km increase, compared to the old Model Y), thanks to the energy consumption of 13.4 kWh/100km.
New Tesla Model Y prices
As mentioned, the new Tesla Model Y is offered in two trim levels. The prices for the launch edition of the vehicle are as follows:
- Model Y RWD Launch Edition: 263,500 yuan (39,950 USD)
- Model Y 4WD Long-Range Launch Edition: 303,500 yuan (41,400 USD)
The entry-level Model Y price has risen by 13,600 yuan (1,855 USD), or 5.44%. The 4WD Long-Range variant became 12,600 yuan (1,720 USD), or 4.33%, more expensive. The Tesla Model Y Juniper’s sales deadline is February 28, and deliveries will start in March.
