Skip advert
Advertisement

Tesla Model Y refreshed to fight the Porsche Macan EV

Tesla’s extensive facelift sees styling revisions as well as improvements in refinement

Tesla has announced a long-anticipated refresh for its Model Y, the UK’s best-selling EV. It will make its sales debut in March and will initially be offered in just one variant, the £60,990 Launch Edition, based on the current Model Y Dual Motor model. 

The new Model Y features the same powertrain and battery pack as before but will offer a 22-mile increase in range – now rated at 353 miles on the WLTP test. Performance remains as before with a 4.3sec 0-62mph time and a top speed of 125mph. For the time being the Launch Edition will be the only version available with the single motor and Performance models to join in due course.

At first glance the most obvious changes are the styling updates which give the Model Y a clearer identity and don't, as some expected, follow in the footsteps of the updated Model 3. If anything, there's more Cybercab and Cybertruck, most obviously in the full width light bar at the front, with the headlights and indicators dropping lower down into the front valance. There's another at rear that's more bespoke to the new Model Y. The car’s flanks remain largely as before although there is a new set of 20-inch wheels that have been added to the options list.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

Under the skin Tesla has concentrated on making the Model Y more refined without losing its dynamic ability. It's stiffened the body and improved the aerodynamics along with drawing on experience gained from the recently upgraded Model 3’s suspension.

> Rimac Nevera review – an astonishingly capable electric hypercar

According to Tesla new acoustic glass and improvements to sound deadening have reduced road noise by 22 per cent while impact noise and road noise have improved by 20 per cent.

Inside there’s the familiar minimalist cabin but the Model Y hasn’t followed the Model 3’s controversial dropping of the indicator stalk, which is alive and well here off the left side of the steering column. While a quick look might suggest it’s business as usual in the cabin, there are a few detail changes. 

Both the front and rear seats have been redesigned for improved comfort while those in the back have longer cushions and deeper bolsters too. All seats are heated while those in the front are also ventilated, too.

There are detail changes to the centre console along with smatterings of aluminium trim, while the 15.4-inch infotainment screen features the latest Tesla system. Those in the back also get a screen – an eight-inch item – that can control HVAC functions and can be used as a gaming console.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 2025 review – an electric crossover with hot hatch credentials
Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce
Reviews

Alfa Romeo Junior Veloce 2025 review – an electric crossover with hot hatch credentials

The Junior is Alfa Romeo’s first ever pure-electric model, but don’t let that put you off. The Veloce is a practical offering with a real performance …
27 Mar 2025
Best electric cars 2025 – great EVs from hot hatches to supercars
Best electric cars 2025
Best cars

Best electric cars 2025 – great EVs from hot hatches to supercars

There's a huge variety of electric cars on sale in 2025 – here are the best examples the breed
21 Mar 2025
Abarth 600e 2025 review – Italy gives the Alpine A290 something to worry about
Abarth 600e
In-depth reviews

Abarth 600e 2025 review – Italy gives the Alpine A290 something to worry about

The Abarth 600e packs 276bhp and a fiery character, making it both the marque’s most powerful road-legal model and a genuinely entertaining driver’s c…
19 Mar 2025
ZEV mandate explained: What is it and how does it affect performance cars?
EV charging
Advice

ZEV mandate explained: What is it and how does it affect performance cars?

In 2025 28 per cent of a manufacturer’s sales will need to be all-electric, so will exciting ICE cars survive?
18 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k
Audi RS6 – front
In-depth reviews

Used Audi RS6 Avant (C7, 2013 - 2019) review, specs and buying guide – family-friendly supercar slayer from £20k

Audi’s C7-generation RS6 may lack ultimate involvement, but it’s still a crushingly effective and desirable super-estate
27 Mar 2025
Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Features

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses

Its lineage contains some hot hatch greats, but the late-noughties Civic wasn’t one of them
26 Mar 2025
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power
Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 – front
Reviews

Performance Link Mazda MX-5 R300 review – an MX-5 with Honda VTEC power

A screaming 296bhp Honda VTEC engine and a full chassis upgrade package turn the NC-generation Mazda MX-5 into something altogether more thrilling
25 Mar 2025