Following the upgrade of the Tesla Model 3 back in September last year, many are looking forward to a similar upgrade for Tesla’s most popular model – the Tesla Model Y. The upgraded Tesla Model Y aka “Juniper” is expected to feature similar efficiency upgrades as the current Model 3 along with additional features and “removals” that we’ve seen on the upgraded Model 3.
Quoting some reports from China, it has been speculated that the new Tesla Model Y could be launched as early as next month. Obviously, such news would cause potential buyers to hold off on their orders until the new version is out.
If you want a clear answer, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has posted on X about the potential new Model Y release.
No Model Y “refresh” is coming out this year.
I should note that Tesla continuously improves its cars, so even a car that is 6 months newer will be a little better.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) June 9, 2024
Responding to a tweet, Elon Musk said there will be no Tesla Model Y “refresh” coming this year. However, he did add that Tesla will continuously improves its cars, so even a car that’s 6 months newer will be a little better.
He didn’t mention what the improvements are but it could be new features unlocked via a software update. It is also worth highlighting that the Tesla Model Y in China has gotten some light enhancements last year which are not offered anywhere else. This includes ambient lighting, all-black 19″ Gemini wheels and a quicker 0-100km/h time of 5.9 seconds for the Model Y RWD.
For now, if you want the most spacious Tesla with the official local warranty in Malaysia, the current Model Y is your only option. On the bright side, this “pre-updated” model still comes with physical stalks for the signal indicator and gear selector.
If you compare the Model Y with the newly upgraded Model 3, you do lose out on having ventilated front seats, ambient lighting and an extra screen for rear passengers. For the higher-end Long Range and Performance variants, the Model 3 has more speakers and subwoofers than the Model Y.
With the recent price reduction, the Tesla Model Y now starts from RM191,000 for the base RWD model with 455km range and the Long Range AWD model with 533km range is going for RM238,000. Meanwhile, the range-topping Tesla Model Y Performance with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.7 seconds is now going for RM280,000.
Tesla Malaysia is also offering a special financing promo where you can get a Tesla Model Y with a lower 0.78% interest rate. However, this promo is only for the Tesla Model Y RWD units from their current inventory and you must get it via Tesla’s preferred financiers.
The 0.78% rate is offered with either a 60-month or 84-month term loan but you’ll need to fork out 20% and 25% downpayment respectively.
In case you missed it, you can check out our Tesla Model Y RWD first drive or watch our video below:
