Tesla's Model Y begins its European debut, initially offering the "Launch Series" at a higher cost.
Tesla has unveiled the updated Model Y for the European market, bringing several key upgrades to the electric SUV. The new model, available for order now and slated for delivery in March, features a refreshed exterior design, improved interior, and enhanced performance.
A Sleeker Exterior
The updated Model Y sports a more streamlined and modern appearance, with a sleeker front end and a full-width light bar on both the front and rear, replacing the previous lighting designs. The new design is reminiscent of the Model 3 Highland and the Cybertruck and Cybercab robotaxi concept, providing a cohesive look across Tesla's vehicle lineup.
Enhanced Interior
Inside the updated Model Y, passengers will find a cabin that's both more comfortable and technologically advanced. The interior boasts a configurable light strip running along the cabin, a new touchscreen for rear passengers, and powered rear seats. Additionally, the suspension has been improved to provide a smoother ride.
Traditional Turn Signal Lever Returns
Addressing customer feedback, the updated Model Y returns to the traditional turn signal lever on the left side of the steering wheel, unlike the button-operated system in Tesla's other recent electric cars.
Performance Upgrades
The non-performance versions of the updated Model Y have a reduced top speed from 135 mph (217 km/h) to 125 mph (201 km/h). However, the long-range version's driving range has been increased to approximately 719 kilometers (447 miles), up from 688 kilometers (428 miles). The updated Model Y also boasts faster acceleration times than the previous model.
Three-Row Version Coming Soon
Tesla will reintroduce the three-row, seven-seater version of the updated Model Y as of June 2025.
Tesla's 2025 Global Refresh Approach
The updated Model Y aligns with Tesla's 2025 global refresh approach, which emphasizes improved range, comfort, lighting design, and interior technology. However, regional availability of some features and software may vary. For example, the 2025.26 update introduced features such as the Grok AI assistant (initially in the U.S. only), Light Sync lighting effects, and audio presets, but those may not yet be available in Europe.
Pricing and Availability
The new Model Y Launch Series is priced at €60,990 in Germany, €6,000 more than the previous long-range all-wheel-drive (LR AWD) variant due to being a "Launch Series" and including some extras. The updated Model Y costs €6,000 more than the previous LR AWD variant. The previous Model Y variant, with a smaller battery and rear-wheel drive, is still available for purchase, starting from €44,990.
The new Model Y in the USA will follow the same parallel offering as the previous model, with the new Launch Series priced at $12,000 more than the previous model. The new Model Y's colors Black and Quicksilver, which usually cost an additional €2,200, are also available in the updated model.
In addition to the improved interior materials, with acoustic glass all around, noise has been reduced by 20-22 percent in the updated Model Y. The updated Model Y also features improved aerodynamics, allowing for a greater range despite an apparently unchanged battery.
References
[1] Tesla unveils the updated Model Y for the European market. (2025, February 1). Teslarati. Retrieved from https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-europe-2025-update/
[2] Tesla Model Y refreshed for Europe with new design, more range. (2025, February 1). Electrek. Retrieved from https://electrek.co/2025/02/01/tesla-model-y-refreshed-europe-new-design-more-range/
[3] Tesla Model Y in Europe gets a refresh, new features, and a higher price. (2025, February 1). CNET. Retrieved from https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/news/tesla-model-y-europe-2025-refresh-price-features/
- The updated Model Y shares a similar exterior design with the Model 3 Highland, Cybertruck, and Cybercab, giving a cohesive look to Tesla's vehicle lineup, especially in the electric-vehicles segment.
- A significant improvement in the updated Model Y's interior can be seen with the addition of a configurable light strip, a new touchscreen for rear passengers, powered rear seats, and an upgraded suspension for a smoother ride.
- Interestingly, the updated Model Y returns to the traditional turn signal lever, as opposed to the button-operated system in Tesla's other recent electric cars, a notable change aimed at addressing customer feedback.
- Performance enhancements in the updated Model Y are evident, as the non-performance versions have a reduced top speed, but the long-range version boasts an increased driving range and faster acceleration times.
- In a move that caters to a larger passenger capacity, Tesla has announced plans to reintroduce the three-row, seven-seater version of the updated Model Y, starting from June 2025.
- With the 2025 global refresh approach, Tesla aims to improve range, comfort, lighting design, and interior technology in their vehicles, while allowing for regional variations in feature and software availability.
- The updated Model Y is priced comparatively higher than its previous long-range all-wheel-drive variant but includes extras, such as improved interior materials, acoustic glass, and enhanced aerodynamics, which contribute to a greater range despite an apparently unchanged battery.
- The updated Model Y continues to reflect Tesla's commitment to technology, as it features advancements in electric-vehicles, automotive, and technology industries, reshaping the lifestyle preferences of consumers, especially in finance and transportation sectors.
