New 2025 Tesla Model Y revealed and priced

The refreshed Tesla Model Y has been unveiled – and detailed – for Australia, following leaked images that surfaced overnight, revealing a sleeker, smarter new look for the mid-size electric SUV.

The fresh new look extends to the interior and the new Y will be drive further on a single battery charge than before, but you’ll have to fork out at least $63K for the new-look 2025 Tesla Model Y, a good $7500 more than the current Model Y.

First deliveries are expected in May and the range kicks off at $63,400 plus ORCs for the entry-level Rear-wheel drive model grade, which is good for a claimed 466km (WLTP) between charges.

You can add another $10,000 to that figure for the flagship Model Y Long Range ($73,400 plus ORCs), which brings a dual-motor drivetrain with all-wheel drive and a claimed range of 551km (WLTP).

Compared to the current model, the new Y represents range increases of 11km and 18km, courtesy of improved aerodynamics.

Meanwhile the addition of acoustic glass will make for a quieter experience inside the cabin, and updated (softer) suspension will bring smoother handling, more comfort, and improvements to steering response, according to Tesla.

Both variants in what Tesla has dubbed the “Launch Series” will ride on new 20-inch Helix wheels and feature special touches including a a Launch Series badge on the tail gate, puddle lamps, and door sill plates.

The Long Range AWD Launch Series will also include Tesla’s Acceleration Boost upgrade as standard, however, a more potent Performance variant is yet to be confirmed.

Either way, both the RWD and AWD variants will be more athletic than the models they replace, with 5.9 and 4.3 second sprints from zero to 100km/h, respectively. That's a one second improvement for the entry RWD Model Y, while the Acceleration Boost added to the Launch Series Long Range AWD brings a 0.7 second improvement compared to its predecessor.

Retaining its signature bulbous body, the front end now has a less rounded aesthetic - said to be inspired by the brand's controversial Cybertruck - thanks to narrow LED headlights with a full-width LED light bar wedged in the middle.

At the rump, another LED light bar featuring TESLA lettering connects the tail-lights, which retain a similar angle to the current Model Y. Interestingly, the rear light bar is a 'world-first' application of an indirect, externally-reflected lighting system, according to Tesla, projecting the rear lamp onto a custom applique.

Both the front and rear bumpers have also been revised to optimise aero.

Inside the electric SUV, the gear selector has been deleted and is now located on the central touchscreen like its Tesla Model 3 sibling.

The central touchscreen is now slightly larger at 15.4-inches, up from 15, is claimed to deliver improved refresh rates and data transfer thanks to an upgraded CPU or computing power.

However, unlike the Model 3's steering-wheel indicator buttons, the 2025 Tesla Model Y keeps a steering wheel-mounted indicator stalk.

Elsewhere, a 'self-cleaning' camera has been added under the front bumper to aid parking and low-speed manoeuvres, with a small water jet that squirts the camera lens to keep it clean.

The slick new mid-size SUV's softer suspension comes after customer feedback the ride in the current model was too firm, while the interior glow-up is headlined by new front seats (now with ventilation), new dashboard, and door panel designs.

Rear seat passengers get an 8.0-inch touchscreen like the latest Tesla Model 3 and the rear seats now offer a powered reclining backrest.

A light Glacier blue paint option joins the mix, alongside standard options of Ultra Red, Quicksilver, Stealth Grey, and Pearl White.

Inside the cabin, black leather-appointed trim comes standard, while the lighter white/black interior option adds $1500 to the price.

The Tesla Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle globally, so the facelift is one the US car-maker will want to get right, and while you can have your say on our Facebook channel, we reckon the new Y represents a big visual improvement over its predecessor.

How much does the 2025 Tesla Model Y cost?
Model Y Rear-wheel drive -- $63,400
Model Y Long Range AWD -- $73,400
*Prices exclude on-road costs

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