A Reddit user appears to have gotten up close with an updated Tesla Model Y ahead of its reveal.
Images shared to r/teslamotors show some interior and exterior details of the much-anticipated ‘Juniper’ update of the world’s best-selling electric vehicle (EV).
For the exterior snap, the photographer appears to have pulled up a sheet covering the car, revealing what appears to be a full-width light bar with a passing resemblance to those used on Rivian products.
A single interior photo shows what appears to be perforated leather or leatherette upholstery on the seats, suede-look trim on the door, and a thin strip of ambient lighting.
Beyond these images, we don’t yet know what the Model Y update will bring, though a restyled front-end – as with the Model 3’s ‘Highland’ update – seems likely as Tesla tries to keep its vehicles fresh amid an onslaught of competition.
Another image shared to Reddit earlier in July gave us a less zoomed-in look at a prototype… but it was covered in camouflage.
Late last year, Tesla in China added RGB interior ambient lighting on the Model Y’s dashboard and replaced wood inlays with new textile trim.
We expect additional changes to be made with the Juniper update, including the removal of an indicator stalk in favour of buttons on the steering wheel as with the updated Model 3.
The Model Y’s sedan sibling also received an 8.0-inch rear passenger display, as well as revised suspension for a more comfortable ride.
Chinese-market Model Y
If recent comments made by Elon Musk prove to be true, we won’t be seeing the Model Y Juniper until 2025, after the Tesla CEO posted on X in May that the refresh isn’t coming in 2024.
His clarification came after reports from China – where Australian-delivered Model Y and Model 3 are produced – claimed journalists had been told not to expect a facelift during 2024.
While this left the door open for US- and German-built models to receive a facelift, Mr Musk promptly shut down these ideas.
Current Model Y
Mr Musk claimed “Tesla continuously improves its cars, so even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better”, however it has been known to make running changes to reduce costs, such as removing the Model Y’s standard Brembo brakes for smaller calipers.
Tesla sold 12,516 Model Ys in the first half of 2024 in Australia, making it the best-selling EV in the market. In second place was the Model 3 with 10,600 sales.
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