The Chinese market Tesla Model Y has just received a minor update this past Sunday (October 1, 2023). But before you get overly excited, this update isn’t a major one like the Tesla Model 3’s “Highland” facelift. However, it is said that the Model Y will be getting its own major update known as the “Juniper” facelift, and should be making its debut around next year (2024).
Changes made to the Tesla Model Y in this minor update include black 19-inch Gemini wheels, which are the standard wheels of the Malaysian market RWD and Longe Range AWD models. Previously finished in silver, the Gemini wheels are now painted in black.
Inside, the updated all-electric SUV in China now gets a new RGB ambient lighting, which is integrated into a new textile dashboard material (replacing the previous wood trim). Owners can also change the ambient lighting colours. Another change made to the Model Y’s interior is a more efficient heat pump system.
With the new update, the Chinese market Tesla Model Y RWD now gets 554 km of CLTC range. This is 9 km or 1.7% more than the previous model. The Longe Range AWD model now gets 688 km of CLTC range, which is 28 km or 4.2% more than before. The Performance model is the only one whose electric range has been kept untouched at 615 km (CLTC).
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Besides the extra range, the RWD model can now accelerate faster too. Its century sprint time is now rated at 5.9 seconds, as compared to the previous claim of 6.9 seconds.
Despite these upgrades, the Tesla Model Y’s starting price in China is unchanged at CNY263,900 (approx. RM173,021). Considering the fact that the Tesla Model Y sold in Malaysia is fully imported from China, will these changes make it to the Malaysia market Tesla Model Y when it reaches owners’ hands in 2024? Only time can tell.
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