Similar design, revised details and an indicator lever
After months of rumours and prototype photos, the new Tesla Model Y has made its debut, first in China and then in Europe. It features a redesigned front end and a rear end with a new light signature. All new elements stand out, just like the latest and more than questionable escapades of the company boss.
It’s a different story when it comes to the interior. Inside, the Tesla Model Y 2025 (project name Juniper) looks identical to the previous version, with the classic Tesla décor, extremely minimalist. But there are innovations. And quite a few. Here they are in detail.
A central monitor and nothing else. All functions are controlled from there. The first new feature is the size: previously the diagonal was 15 inches, now it has increased to 15.4 inches. The software retains the same graphics as always, but is even faster and more responsive, with improvements in connectivity too: 300% more download speed to better enjoy streaming content and download OTA updates faster.
The most important detail: In contrast to the revised Model 3, the Model Y still has a classic indicator lever on the steering wheel.
As usual, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing: Spotify or Apple Music, which are integrated into the software, can be used for music streaming. When it comes to maps, however, there is nothing better than the Google Maps based maps with the locations of all Superchargers.
The gear selector has also remained, a thin vertical line on the left-hand side. Below the monitor are the two induction plates for wireless smartphone charging. They are not ventilated, but the materials – according to Tesla – prevent overheating. The steering wheel has a new design, which has also been adopted from the new Model 3.
Tesla Model Y, the 8-inch monitor for rear passengers
At the rear is a new 8-inch monitor. A high-resolution touchscreen with the precision of a high-end smartphone to control the climate and multimedia content: music, videos or games. The only pity is that the position is not ergonomic if you want to play a video game.
Here too, the innovations in the interior of the new Model Y are not immediately obvious. The dashboard now has a fabric strip. There is also a light strip that extends across almost the entire passenger compartment and runs through the door panels and the dashboard. It not only brings a touch of colour to an otherwise overly sober environment, but also provides pleasant diffused light.
The redesigned seats, both front and rear, are moulded to hug the body without constricting. In addition, the front seats are ventilated, a feature long requested by Tesla customers.
At 4.79 metres, Model Y is four centimetres longer. So no matter where you sit, you will always be comfortable. Even the tallest of people will have no problem in the back. So if you’re not a professional basketball player, don’t worry. The glass roof doesn’t actually rob you of any height.
New Tesla Model Y, electrically folding rear seat backrests
The extra length also means an increase in load capacity, which reaches 2,138 litres with the rear seats folded down (electrically). There is no official information on the minimum volume, but it could be higher than the 854 litres of the current generation.
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