American electric automaker Tesla has just released the updated Model Y in the world’s largest auto market on October 1, offering new features without any price increase.
The move is apparently part of the company’s efforts to defend its strong position in the local market against Chinese rivals.
New Tesla Model Y details
The revamped Tesla Model Y now has a slightly improved acceleration time with notable changes in its exterior and interior designs.
Technical details
According to Tesla’s WeChat post on Sunday, the Model Y can now accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. It represents a 1-second improvement from just 6.9 seconds previously.
Hindustan Times also noted that the new Model Y RWD offers a competitive driving range of 344 miles (554 km) between charges. It indicates a notable 1.7% increase or 5 miles (9 km) from the prior version. It also boasts a top speed of 217 kmph.
Meanwhile, the dual-motor AWD LR variant has a CLTC-estimated range of 428 miles (688 km), up 4.2% or 17 miles (28 km).
However, the highest trim Performance did not gain any range improvement with the update.
Interior and exterior changes
The new Model Y’s interior now has enhanced RGB ambient lighting through a spanning LED strip in the entire dashboard.
Tesla also changed the electric crossover’s original wood trim on the black dashboard into a more attractive textile material.
As for the exterior, the revamped Model Y features a new Gemini 19″ wheel design in sports black, enabling a more elegant and attractive appearance. For reference, the previous design was silver.
Local reports also suggest that the MIC Model Y features the Hardware 4.0 (HW4) autonomous computer and offers NVH reduction.
Despite the notable changes and upgrades, the starting price of the all-electric SUV remains 263,900 yuan (just over $36,000).
Tesla Model Y variants in China
Presented below are the key specs of the MIC Tesla ModelY variants in China:
| Variants | MIC Tesla Model Y RWD (LFP) | MIC Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD | MIC Tesla Model Y Performance |
| Price | $36,788 (263,900 CNY) | $41,806 (299,900 CNY) | $48,776 (349,900 CNY) |
| Range (CLTC) | 344 miles (554 km) vs. 339 miles (545 km) previously | 428 miles (688 km) vs. 410 miles (660 km) previously | 382 miles (615 km) |
| 0-62 mph (100 km/h) | 5.9 seconds vs. 6.9 seconds previously | 5.0 seconds | 3.7 seconds |
| Top speed | 135 mph (217 km/h) | of 135 mph (217 km/h) | 155 mph (250 km/h) |
See Also:
- Tesla launches Chinese-made Model Y in the South Korean market for about $45,000
- Tesla Model Y continues to lead the European auto market from Jan to Aug 2023
- Ford Mustang Mach-E’s US sales recover in August, trails behind Tesla Model Y
- EV dominates 60% share of the automotive market in Sweden in August, Tesla Model Y leads
- Tesla Model Y dominates the used EV market in the US, study reveals
Launching an upgraded Tesla Model Y without increasing its pricing is crucial for the American automaker to better compete with its local rivals’ cheap offerings. According to Fortune, Chinese NEV giant BYD has set an annual target of selling 3 million units. Moreover, startups NIO and XPeng are now advancing in the local market with their innovative products and cutting-edge vehicle technologies.
It is also worth noting that Tesla recently launched the new Model 3 Highland in the country to further boost its electric vehicle demand.
