Tesla's Model Y debuts in Europe, initially offered as the pricier "Launch Series" models
Updated Tesla Model Y Arrives in Europe with New Features and Variants
Tesla has unveiled an updated Model Y for the European market, introducing several new features and variants to broaden the lineup's appeal. The new Model Y is now available for order and will begin deliveries in March.
New Model Y L (Long-Wheelbase 6-seat)
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of the Model Y L, a long-wheelbase 6-seat variant that offers a more premium and spacious segment. This version, previously exclusive to China, has been spotted testing in Germany, indicating a planned European (and likely global) launch. The Model Y L boasts an EPA range of around 320 miles, based on recent Chinese regulatory filings.
Interior and Comfort Features
The standard Model Y now comes with vegan leather seating, ventilated and heated seats, heated steering wheel, rear touchscreen for back-seat passengers, ambient RGB lighting, power reclining rear seats, and oscillating front air vents. Premium materials such as Alcantara trim and coat hooks have also been added.
Exterior Features
The updated Model Y features front and rear lightbars, matrix LED headlights, acoustic and metallic reflective glass, optional tow hitch, and a panoramic glass roof.
Budget E41 Variant
To offer a more affordable option, Tesla plans an E41 trim that removes several premium elements. The E41 variant will feature textile (fabric) seats instead of vegan leather, no ventilated or heated seats and no heated steering wheel, restricted ambient lighting to white only, no rear touchscreen, reduced speaker count, no front or rear lightbars, standard headlights instead of matrix LED, no glass roof, and no tow hitch. Despite these cuts, the E41 retains core Tesla technology such as Autopilot cameras, turn signal stalks, central infotainment touchscreen, and Supercharger access.
Availability and Pricing
The new Model Y is available in Black and Quicksilver colours, which were previously extra costs of €2,200 each. The new Model Y's Launch Series price in Germany is €60,990, an increase of €6,000 from the previous version due to added features. The initial batch of the new Model Y includes a trailer hitch, 20-inch wheels, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, compared to 5.0 seconds in the previous version.
The old Model Y was offered with a €6,000 discount until the end of 2024, but this offer is no longer available for the new Model Y. The old Model Y will continue to be offered for purchase at prices starting from €44,990 for the version with a smaller battery and rear-wheel drive. The old Model Y will still be offered for purchase in the future, with other variants of the new Model Y planned to follow.
The new Model Y can be ordered in the USA, with the Launch Series premium being $12,000. The update to the Model Y for Europe corresponds to what Tesla presented for the Asian market in the second week of January, featuring continuous light strips at the front and rear, a sharpened front like the Model 3 Highland, and a flatter rear. With acoustic glass all around, noise in the new Model Y has been reduced by 20-22 percent.
[1] Regulatory filings [2] Tesla's official website [3] Electrek [4] Teslarati
- The new Model Y L variant has been tested in Germany, suggesting a potential future launch in Europe, following its success in the Chinese market, as revealed in recent regulatory filings.
- The updated Tesla Model Y offers a more affordable option with the E41 variant, which features textile seats, reduced speaker count, and no heated steering wheel or ventilated seats, as detailed on Tesla's official website.
- In addition to the standard Model Y's new features like vegan leather seats, heated steering wheels, and ambient RGB lighting, the long-wheelbase Model Y L variant also includes an electric-vehicle industry-first rear touchscreen for back-seat passengers, enhancing the overall luxury and lifestyle appeal, according to reports from Teslarati.
- As technology continues to advance in the automotive sector, the updated Model Y will come with enhanced features such as front and rear lightbars, matrix LED headlights, and acoustic glass, contributing to a quieter and safer driving experience, as observed by sources like Electrek.
