New Tesla Model Y: A first glance at the facelifted electric SUV

The Tesla Model Y has had a glow-up. It’s sleeker, comfier, and—brace yourself—£9,000 pricier.

Tesla has given its best-selling electric SUV a major facelift. Unofficially dubbed 'Juniper' by the Teslarati, it borrows some edgy styling cues from the Cybertruck, tweaking the interior for extra comfort, and even squeezing out a few more miles of range.

But with a higher price tag and no Apple CarPlay in sight, is it still the go-to mid-size SUV for EV lovers?

Or is Tesla pushing its luck?

While we don’t have this fresh-faced Model Y in stock just yet, that won’t stop us from taking a sneak peek at what’s coming.

Let’s dive in.

Sleeker, Sharper, and a Dash of Cybertruck

The front end is sharper, the bonnet sits lower, and there's a fancy full-width headlight bar straight out of the Cybertruck’s playbook.

But with the Cybertruck often considered as one of the ugliest cars, is this the right move?

It's giving sci-fi vibes.

Down the side? Not much has changed—except for new 19-inch aero wheels or 20-inch alloys if you're feeling fancy.

Things get a bit funky at the back.

The new light bar doesn’t just glow—it projects red light onto the tailgate, like a trendy cocktail bar on wheels.

Looks ace in a showroom, but we’ll see how it holds up against British road grime.

A Familiar Interior—With Some Nice Upgrades

It still looks like a Model Y inside, but with a few tweaks.

Softer materials for that plush feeling, a new ambient lighting strip, and a cover for the massive storage bins all add a touch of class.

Speaking of storage, it's still huge. The boot is a cavernous 854 litres, and yes, that’s 269 litres more than a SKODA Enyaq—Tesla is flexing.

The 15-inch touchscreen is as slick as ever, but still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Oh, and guess what? The indicator stalk is back.

After the Model 3's button fiasco, this is a small win worth celebrating.

Rear passengers get some love too. Electrically reclining seats now make long drives comfier, and there's a new 8-inch rear screen for climate controls and gaming.

Because, well, why not?

Same Power, More Range

Tesla’s stuck with the 75kWh battery, but thanks to aerodynamic wizardry (or science, I guess), it now boasts 353 miles per charge—20 miles more than before.

Not bad if you ask us.

Charging speed? Still a rapid 250kW, meaning you can go from 10-80% in under 30 minutes.

And, of course, you get access to the Tesla Supercharger network, which is still the best in the game.

Safety, Comfort, and the Seven-Seat Dilemma

Tesla has worked on ride comfort, with better seats and improved suspension for a smoother experience. Plus, the glass roof now reflects 26% more sunlight, keeping things cool inside.

Euro NCAP safety? Expect another five-star rating.

But if you're hoping for a seven-seat option, bad news—Tesla hasn't confirmed it for this facelift.

Is It Worth the Price Hike?

Here’s the catch: the new Model Y starts at £60,990, a whopping £9,000 increase.

Right now, only the Long Range AWD version is available, with deliveries starting from March 2025. Cheaper options should follow—fingers crossed.

So, is it worth it? If you’re already a Model Y owner, you might want to wait. And, of course, you can still get your mitts on our current Tesla Model Y lease deals, with the old style model - and the old pricing.

If you're new to Tesla, its range, tech, and charging perks still make it a top mid-size SUV.

Would you fork out the extra cash for this facelifted Model Y?