I’m ordering Tesla’s refreshed Model Y now that it’s launched
The long-rumoured Tesla Model Y refresh has just landed in the Asia Pacific region, giving us a look at what to expect for a global release
Last year, I reviewed the refreshed Tesla Model 3 and declared it the new standard for electric cars. Now, Tesla’s long-rumoured Model Y refresh has landed, and it looks even better. The vehicle is available to pre-order everywhere, and will
While the new Model Y might slightly change before it starts arriving on driveways, we now know what we’re getting. The updated electric crossover, brings a long list of tweaks aimed at keeping the world’s best-selling EV ahead of its rapidly improving competition. I’ve been to see it, and the car is an impressive machine.
The 2025 Model Y ushers in a sleek new look, with front and rear lightbars giving it a modern, Cybertruck-inspired flair. The rear light bar actually reflects down on the ground, which is something I’ve never seen before. Subtly reshaped bumpers and a drag coefficient of just 0.22 keep things slippery. It’s an improvement that promises better range and efficiency. And while it’s grown slightly longer (by 47mm), it remains a compact and aerodynamic SUV.
Inside, Tesla has polished things up a bit. Think ventilated front seats, an upgraded 15.4-inch touchscreen, and the addition of an 8-inch rear screen for backseat passengers. The rear seats are power folding, so will drop down at the touch of a button. The car is even smart enough to move the front seats forward, if necessary. If you’ve ever dreamed of dumping ice into your frunk for drinks or soggy beach gear, Tesla’s added a drain hole to make that dream a reality.
Efficiency remains the headline. Tesla claims the updated Model Y can now achieve up to 447 miles of range for the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model under China’s optimistic test cycle – 73 miles more than the outgoing model. Don’t expect those figures to survive Europe’s stricter WLTP tests, but it’s still an improvement. The Rear-Wheel Drive version also sees a bump, now offering up to 368 miles.
Performance has been tweaked too. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive model shaves half a second off its 0–60 mph time, down to 4.3 seconds. The Rear-Wheel Drive takes 5.8 seconds – a touch slower than before but still respectably quick. Handling and ride comfort have received attention, with new suspension components promising a smoother and quieter experience. A quieter experience it really is, more so than the Model 3. Even the doors have been adjusted to close less loudly (trust me, I compared them).
The new Model Y is available to pre-order, starting at £44990 in the UK for the RWD model. £48990 gets you a longer range RWD model, while £51990 gets you a long range AWD spec. Just over £60000 gets you a limited Launch edition, with a higher trim and top performance. Expect a Performance model to launch soon (likely in the coming months). It’s an almost identical price to the outgoing design, which is nice to see these days. It comes in Ultra Red, Stealth Grey, Quicksilver, and Solid black. You can pick from a black or white interior.
Connor Jewiss
