Tesla Model Y: Designers and developers explain changes

The facelifted Tesla Model Y went on sale in China on 10 January and in the UK on 24 January. Now chief designer Franz von Holzhausen and other responsible parties explain in a video what they have changed on the model. Their information goes beyond the press release published by Tesla.

The main changes to the Model Y are to the design, which now looks a little like the Cybertruck. Consumption and range have also been improved. The only model currently available in Germany (Long Range AWD) now has a WLTP range of 353 miles instead of 331 miles. There is also a more comfortable chassis, a forward-facing camera in the front skirt, improved noise insulation, aluminium details in the interior, ambient lighting and a monitor for rear-seat passengers.

In its latest quarterly report, Tesla also published a list of changes to the Model Y. It shows that the rear seat now folds electrically, that the tailgate now opens on approach and that the number of cameras for observing the surroundings has been increased by one (which faces forwards):

List of changes to the Model Y (from the 4th quarter report)

Photo by: Tesla

The video shows the rear seats folding electrically: At the touch of a button, the seats can be lowered and raised from the rear. The video also shows the all-round visibility system made possible by the new front camera.

Images of the all-round view system with the new front camera in the Model Y 'Juniper'

Photo by: Tesla

A new feature is that the tailgate swings further open. There is also a drain plug in the frunk. You can now wash dirty rubber boots or cool drinks on ice, as the video suggests. Both will probably only be really practical with a box that fits perfectly into the frunk, which Tesla plans to offer as an accessory. The tyres should also have lower rolling resistance.

Almost like the afterburner of a fighter jet: the Model Y trails a red light trail behind it

Photo by: Tesla

Franz von Holzhausen, head of design, reveals his favourite detail: the red light that the new rear light strip casts onto the ground: "Almost like an afterburner," enthuses the designer. The red light itself is also generated in an unusual way: it is reflected light.

More about the Tesla Model Y:

Tesla Model Y (2025): The Juniper interior in detail

New Tesla Model Y: Booming orders in China, criticism in the US

Refreshed Tesla Model Y arrives in the UK with £60,990 launch edition

Tesla Model Y 2025 Juniper: Walkaround video shows what's new inside and out

The bottom line

The new Model Y, codenamed Juniper, is very important for Tesla as it is the brand's undisputed bestseller. With global sales declining for the first time last year, the Model Y is expected to turn things around.

There are few other glimmers of hope. The Cybertruck is likely to remain a US-only model, and the small Model 2 has apparently been cancelled. And the planned robot taxi service will need at least a little more time to make money. The only other hope is the "more affordable models" based on existing platforms that Tesla has announced.