Tesla has officially launched the revamped version of its popular Model Y in the United States, marking a significant update to the electric SUV since its debut in 2020. The new Model Y, dubbed the “Launch Series,” comes with a starting price of $59,990 and boasts a range of enhancements, both in its design and performance. This article delves into the details of the updated Model Y, exploring its new features, pricing, and availability, while also comparing it to the previous model.
Release and Availability
The revamped Tesla Model Y is now available for order in the U.S., with deliveries scheduled to begin in March 2025. This launch follows the vehicle’s debut in China earlier in January 2025, where it is also slated for deliveries in March, pending regulatory approvals. Interestingly, Tesla is adopting a unique launch strategy, offering both the older and the new versions of the Model Y for sale in North America and Europe. This contrasts with the Chinese market, where only the new version is currently available. The simultaneous release in the US, Canada, and Mexico signifies a change from Tesla’s previous staggered launch approach.
Pricing and Trims
The 2025 Tesla Model Y is launching with a single trim, the “Launch Series,” which is based on the Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) configuration. The starting price is $59,990, which represents a $12,000 increase compared to the previous Model Y Long Range AWD. However, this price includes several standard features that were previously offered as optional upgrades.
Key pricing points:
- Launch Series Price: $59,990
- Previous Model Y Long Range AWD Price: $47,990
- Federal EV Tax Credit: Eligible for a $7,500 credit, potentially reducing the price to $52,490.
It’s important to note that the price increase also includes Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package as a standard feature, which was previously an $8,000 option.
Price Changes Over Time
The Tesla Model Y has seen several price fluctuations since its initial launch. Here’s a look at the price history:
| Year | Model Variant | Price |
|——|————————————–|————-|
| 2019 | Long Range (Launch) | $47,000 |
| 2019 | Dual Motor | $51,000 |
| 2019 | Performance | $60,000 |
| 2022 | Long Range | $59,990 |
| 2022 | Performance | $63,990 |
| 2022 | Standard Range (Dual Motor) | $59,990 |
| 2023 | Standard Range (Dual Motor) | $49,990 |
| 2023 | Long Range | $52,990 |
| 2023 | Performance | $56,990 |
By 2022, the Model Y Long Range and Performance versions reached their most expensive iterations, with the introduction of a standard range option at $59,990. Towards the end of 2022, price cuts were implemented due to the Inflation Reduction Act. The prices continued to fluctuate, with price cuts and increases throughout 2023.
Exterior and Interior Enhancements
The 2025 Model Y has undergone a range of cosmetic and functional changes to enhance its appeal and user experience.
Exterior Updates:
- Redesigned Front and Rear Light Bars: The new Model Y features a full-width light bar at the front, connecting the redesigned headlamps, and a chunky light bar at the rear, contributing to a more modern and sleeker appearance.
- Sleeker Design: The overall design has been refined for a more streamlined look, removing the Tesla emblem from the hood for a minimalist touch.
- Color Options: The Launch Series is offered in four colors: Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver. These colors are included in the price, whereas previously they commanded $1,000 to $2,000 premiums on the older model.
- Wheels: Both 19-inch and 20-inch wheels are standard features, unlike the old model, where 20-inch wheels were a $2,000 option.
- Tow Bar: A steel tow bar is offered as a no-cost option, enabling the vehicle to tow up to 3,500 lbs (1,587 kg).
- Special Badging: The Launch Series includes special badging on the tailgate, puddle lights, and unique door sills.
Interior Updates:
- Premium Materials: The interior features higher quality materials, including premium textile trim and vegan suede, enhancing the overall feel and luxury of the cabin.
- Ambient Lighting: The dashboard and door trims now include ambient lighting, adding a touch of sophistication.
- Heated and Ventilated Seats: Both front and rear seats now come with heating and ventilation, providing added comfort for passengers.
- Rear Touchscreen: The new Model Y has an 8.0-inch rear touchscreen behind the center console, providing entertainment and control options for back-seat passengers.
- Powered Second-Row Seats: The rear seats now have an electronic folding mechanism, increasing the car’s practicality.
- Improved Sound System: The sound system has been revamped for superior audio quality.
- Quieter Cabin: The updated Model Y has enhanced insulation, acoustic glass (likely in the windshield), and revised aerodynamics for a quieter and smoother ride.
- Revised Suspension: The suspension has been revised, offering smoother handling, more comfort, more responsive steering, and a quieter ride, achieved through frequency selective dampers that can adjust damping force based on the severity of bumps.
Performance and Range
The 2025 Model Y Launch Series offers improved performance and range compared to the previous version.
Key Performance and Range Details:
- Range: The new Model Y has an estimated EPA range of 320 miles (515 km), a slight increase from the previous model’s 311 miles (500 km). The WLTP range is estimated at 353 miles.
- Acceleration: The Model Y Launch Series can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.1 seconds, a significant improvement over the previous model’s 4.8 seconds.
- Top Speed: The top speed is electronically limited to 125 mph (201 km/h), a decrease from the previous model’s 217 km/h, likely due to the lower rolling resistance tires, which improve efficiency.
- Charging: The new Model Y can add up to 165 miles of range in 15 minutes with DC fast charging at a peak of 250kW.
- Battery: The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive uses a lithium ferrous phosphate (LFP) battery, while the Long Range version uses a nickel manganese cobalt (NMC or NCM) battery.
- Power Consumption: The official power consumption is 15.3 kWh/100km with CO2 emissions of 0 g/km.
The standard Acceleration Boost, previously an optional software update, is included in the Launch Series, enhancing the vehicle’s performance.
Additional Features
Along with the significant changes, the new Model Y also offers several additional features:
- Full Self-Driving (Supervised): Included as standard in the Launch Series, this package was previously an $8,000 option.
- Launch Series Branding: The Launch Series includes special branding on the wireless phone chargers.
Impact on the Market
The release of the revamped Model Y comes at a time when Tesla is facing increased competition in the electric vehicle market. These updates reflect the company’s strategy to stay ahead by offering improved features and performance. The launch of the “Launch Series” Model Y is expected to further solidify Tesla’s position in the electric SUV market.
Conclusion
The 2025 Tesla Model Y Launch Series brings significant enhancements, including a sleeker design, improved range and performance, a more luxurious interior, and the inclusion of Full Self-Driving as a standard feature. While the price of the new model is higher than its predecessor, the added features and upgrades may justify the increase for many customers. The unique strategy of offering both old and new versions of the Model Y for sale marks a new approach for Tesla, potentially serving different customer needs and preferences. As deliveries are set to begin in March, the 2025 Model Y is poised to continue its reign as one of the most popular electric SUVs on the market.
