The new Tesla Model Y looks a little too much like Cybertruck

The Tesla Model Y has been revamped, bringing forth new front and rear styling that echoes that of the Cybertruck. Unfortunately, the new-look Model Y is also more expensive than the former design. 

The new model, codenamed “Juniper,” was announced in China a day after images were leaked online.

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What’s new for the Tesla Model Y?

The front end has been slightly tweaked, with a “Cybertruck-esque” light bar spanning the width of the front fascia, just beneath the hood line. The headlights are also slimmer, helping make the new Model Y look more aggressive and stylish. ‘Round back, there’s a thicker bar across the entire rear of the vehicle. 

There’s also a new camera on the front of the new Model Y, embedded at the top of the air intake on the front bumper. This should help with parking and could play a role in Tesla Autopilot’s autonomous driving. Tesla claims the suspension has been tweaked, too, for a smoother ride, and the “acoustic glass” found in the Model 3 has been installed, which helps reduce interior noise. 

A new light strip adorns the front of the interior dash and ventilated, electric rear seats, have a button in the trunk to raise and lower them, which has been included for increased storage space. A small touchscreen at the back of the centre console allows rear passengers to watch media or play games.

Tesla says the new Model Y can achieve 446 miles of range in its Long-Range AWD specification with 19-inch wheels – a 20-mile boost from the previous generation. Acceleration is also improved, with the new all-wheel drive Model Y achieving zero to sixty miles per hour in just 4.3 seconds. The previous generation did 0-60 in 4.9 seconds, for reference. Rear-drive versions hit 60 miles per hour in 5.9 seconds.

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How much does the new Model Y cost?

The new Model Y is significantly more expensive than its predecessor. Here’s how it breaks down:

• New AWD Model Y (Juniper) Launch Edition: $61,630 before estimated gas savings.

• Current AWD Long Range Model Y: $49,630 before estimated gas savings.

• Current RWD Long Range Model Y: $44,990 before estimated gas savings.

Final thoughts

Tesla made all the right upgrades to the Model Y without compromising what is one of the better EV SUVs around. Everything people love about Model Y – its long range, minimalist interior, and classic styling – has been improved upon.

A 20-percent price hike is a big problem, however. This price bump may dissipate as the new-look Model Y becomes the only Model Y available; Tesla has a propensity to launch vehicles at higher price points before introducing lower-cost options later.

Our concern is that the Model Y will no longer be the $40,000 EV SUV that dominates the market. At roughly $60,000, Tesla’s updates won’t cut it in a profoundly competitive EV market for crossovers and SUVs, particularly one that is now edging into the premium segment.

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Related: Cybertruck sees discount as demand wanes for Elon’s gaudy monstrosity