The updated Tesla Model Y, presented in China under the code name Project Juniper, immediately attracted the attention of buyers, causing a stir in the market. On the first day after the premiere, the company received about 50,000 orders, which indicates the consistently high demand for the model even after several years of dominating the electric car market. For now, buyers will have to wait until April or May for their car.
China became the launching pad for the Model Y facelift due to the stunning sales results in the region: in 2024, more than 480,000 cars were sold here, which is 5% more than the previous year. In the updated version, the electric car received a number of improvements: a new front design with a block of daytime running lights similar to the Cybertruck, the so-called monolight at the rear, improved wheels and a new blue shade of the body. The interior was supplemented with a 15-inch multimedia system display, improved cameras and sensors.
The model is available in two versions: single-axle drive with a power of 299 horsepower and four-wheel drive Long-Range with a power of 450 horsepower. The maximum range is up to 719 kilometers according to the Chinese CLTC cycle, and acceleration to 100 km/h in the all-wheel drive version takes 4.3 seconds. The price of the single-drive version starts at 263,500 yuan (about $36,000), and the Long-Range starts at 303,500 yuan (about $41,000).
The launch of the innovation first in China emphasizes the strategic importance of this market for Tesla, as here the company demonstrates leadership in the electric vehicle segment. The success of the updated Model Y confirms its status as a bestseller and further strengthens Tesla's position in the global competition.
