Tesla has officially launched the highly anticipated facelifted Model Y in China, featuring design tweaks and a price increase compared to its predecessor. The US electric vehicle (EV) manufacturer’s Chinese website recently listed the upgraded Model Y and introduced two variants under the “Launch Series,” with deliveries set to commence in March.
The two variants include a rear-wheel-drive version starting at RMB 263,500 yuan ($35,940) and a long-range all-wheel-drive version starting at RMB 303,500 yuan. These prices represent a 5.44 percent increase for the entry-level version and a 4.33 percent increase for the long-range version over the previous Model Y offerings in China.
Customers who order the facelifted Model Y before the sales deadline of February 28 can enjoy an additional 2 years or 40,000 kilometers of extended warranty. The most notable changes to the revamped Model Y are in its exterior design, drawing inspiration from the Cybertruck and Cybercab robotaxi.
The facelifted Model Y boasts longer range, a new design, a higher-quality interior, and a quieter ride. The rear-wheel-drive variant is equipped with a 62.5 kWh battery pack, offering a CLTC range of 593 kilometers, an improvement over its predecessor’s 554 kilometers. It is powered by a rear electric motor producing a peak power of 220 kW and can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 5.3 seconds, better than the previous model’s 5.9 seconds.
On the other hand, the long-range all-wheel-drive version features a 78.4 kWh battery pack, providing a CLTC range of 719 kilometers, making it the longest-range Model Y in history. This variant can accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4.3 seconds and supports a top speed of 201 kilometers per hour.
Both variants offer fast charging capabilities, with the rear-wheel drive version supporting up to 170 kW and the long-range version up to 250 kW. The Model Y comes with Tesla’s advanced Hardware 4.0 (AI4) Autopilot hardware as standard.
In terms of color options, the facelifted Model Y includes a free grey exterior color, with white and blue colors requiring an additional fee of RMB 8,000 and red and silver costing RMB 12,000. This updated version of the Model Y is crucial for Tesla to maintain its position in the competitive Chinese EV market.
With its factory in Shanghai, Tesla has been able to produce and deliver the Model 3 sedan and the Model Y crossover, both popular five-seat models, to Chinese consumers. The Model Y has become one of the best-selling EVs in China, setting the benchmark for pricing in the electric SUV segment.
In 2024, Tesla delivered 61,881 Model Y units in China, contributing significantly to its total deliveries of 480,309 vehicles in the country. Despite a global decline in deliveries in 2024, Tesla’s performance in China remained strong, with Model Y deliveries increasing by 5.24 percent compared to the previous year.
The facelifted Model Y represents Tesla’s commitment to innovation and improvement, ensuring that it remains a leader in the rapidly evolving EV market. With its enhanced features and performance, the facelifted Model Y is poised to attract a new wave of consumers looking for a premium electric SUV experience.
