New Tesla Model Y gets Cybertruck styling in first major update

• First major update for Tesla Model Y
• New Cybertruck-inspired styling
• Coming to the UK soon

It’s official – the new Tesla Model Y is here. The best-selling electric SUV has been given its first major overhaul, bringing an updated interior and a new design with more than a hint of Cybertruck about it.

It’s an update that’s bound to catch the interest of car buyers in the UK. The Model Y was our best-selling electric car by a country mile in 2024, with sales bolstered by a new long-range model and, finally, a seven-seater option. But this is the first time that the Model Y has been treated to a visual makeover, so we have no doubt demand will remain high when it goes on sale in the UK shortly.

What’s changed for the new Tesla Model Y?

If you hadn’t spotted it in spy shots of the new Model Y earlier, there have been a host of styling changes for this update. While many of us expected it to follow the theme laid out by the latest Model 3 saloon, Tesla has instead used its polarising Cybertruck as inspiration for the new Model Y.

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Take a look at the new front end and you’ll see what we mean. The old model’s pair of curvaceous headlights have been swapped for a slim, sharp light bar. Everything’s a bit more angular, including the front bumper with its new air intakes either side.

Things are different at the rear, too. Most obvious is that new tail-light arrangement, which has grown a light bar between the two main units. This houses the new ‘Tesla’ script, too, replacing the old ‘T’ logo. Below the lights you’ll find a redesigned faux-diffuser, which appears to be a bit taller than before.

What about the new Model Y’s interior?

The new Model Y’s interior revamp might be a bit less obvious than the exterior at first glance, but there are a few important changes.

There’s a new centre console with a sliding cover for the cupholders, plus some new trim and ambient lighting for the doors. The central touchscreen has grown from 15 to 15.4 inches and it runs Tesla’s latest infotainment software. Rear seat passengers get a screen of their own, too, just like that found in the Model 3. Those rear seats now fold electrically when you need to maximise boot space.

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Up front, there’s a new steering wheel pinched from the Model 3 but without the controversial new indicator buttons. Instead, Tesla has kept the old indicator stalk for the Model Y, although the gear selector stalk has been ditched in favour of touchscreen buttons. 

Does the new Model Y have a longer range?

Tesla hasn’t confirmed any battery or motor changes for the new Model Y, but we do know that its range has marginally improved. That’s at least partly down to the new front end design, which Tesla claims is more aerodynamic than before.

The entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y has seen a 6-mile range improvement – up to 289 miles in total – but this version was discontinued in the UK last year. The Long Range All-Wheel Drive model is sold over here, and this has seen range increase from 331 to 342 miles. We expect there will be improvements for the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive and Performance models, too, although Tesla hasn’t confirmed this yet.

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The Model Y’s performance should get a bump across the board, too, with the Long Range All-Wheel Drive model now accelerating from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds – 0.5 seconds quicker than before. Performance figures for the rest of the lineup will be confirmed in due course.

What else do we know? Well, Tesla claims that changes to the wheels, tyres and suspension have resulted in a “smoother and quieter” ride with "improved grip”, while it’s said to have “more responsive steering”, too. Charging speeds remain the same at an impressive 250kW and owners will still have access to reduced rates across the Supercharger network.

How much will the new Tesla Model Y cost and when can I buy one?

UK pricing for the new Model Y hasn’t been confirmed yet – the new car has only been officially launched in China and Australian markets so far – but we expect Tesla to provide UK details soon. If the new Model 3 is anything to go by, we could actually see a price reduction for the new Model Y. That could see entry-level models starting from around £42,000 when it goes on sale in the coming months.

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