A refreshed Tesla Model Y crossover appeared on the automaker’s China website on Thursday, giving the world its first look at the long-awaited, updated version of Tesla’s best-selling vehicle.
The redesigned crossover arrives at a pivotal time for Tesla. Its global deliveries sank in 2024, marking the automaker’s first annual drop in sales in over a decade. The updated crossover could help reignite sales in 2025 and beyond.
Whereas most automakers give their cars mid-cycle refreshes every few years, Tesla hasn’t changed up the look of the Model Y since it went on sale. Auto industry analysts say that decision—and more broadly, Tesla’s limited, stale lineup of cars—may have dragged down demand for Teslas as competition in the EV space has intensified.
The Tesla Model Y refresh.
Photo by: Tesla
The Model Y launched in 2020 and went on to become the world’s most popular electric vehicle.
The updated model features a new nose with an angular light bar reminiscent of Tesla’s Cybertruck pickup as well as the Cybercab robotaxi unveiled late last year. It also has a beefy light bar running across its rear. Otherwise, the exterior styling is largely identical to the current Model Y. Similar to the Model 3 “Highland” refresh that launched in late 2023, the side profile of the updated Model Y looks similar to the outgoing model.
On Tesla’s China website, it says the new Model Y gets an updated suspension and has been tuned for better efficiency. There’s no word yet as to when the new model will go on sale outside of China, or how the details of the U.S.-bound model may differ from the Chinese-market one. China is one of Tesla’s most important markets and by far the largest market for electric vehicles, which may explain why the new model is going on sale there first.
The refreshed crossover also gets a big interior makeover that brings it in line with the recently-updated Model 3 sedan.
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
