Tesla improves the base Model Y, making it faster and more appealing

Tesla has launched an updated version of Tesla’s most popular SUV variant, the Model Y RWD. The new SUV is faster than the current Model Y RWD, and includes a few changes that improve the car’s appearance, both inside and outside.

The upgrade now sees the single motor Model Y RWD variant sprint from 0-100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds, which is a whole second faster than it is today, sitting at 6.9 seconds. These gains are likely due to an upgraded rear drive unit but those details have not yet been confirmed.

On the outside, the standard silver and black aero hubcaps on the 19-inch wheels are now all-black which matches the existing handles and exterior black trims around the side windows.

Moving onto the inside, the interior now features ambient lighting and a new dashboard. The wooden trim is now gone which is replaced with textile fiber-based material. 

This is likely to be similar to the dashboard found in the new 2024 Tesla Model 3 sedan which was revealed just over a month ago. 

As of this latest update, the screen size remains the same as the current Model Y at 15 inches and there are also no ventilated seat options on offer as is the case in the Model 3.

Tesla officially announced this on their weibo social media page in China. In the post, key features are highlighted. The translated version of the post reads:

“Model Y, which continues to evolve, has made another evolutionary debut [longing]

✅Multi-color ambient lights, filling the mood at once🌄 

✅Dashboard trim, the fabric material is more textured

✅19-inch wheels have better appearance and stronger acceleration ability from 100 kilometers to 100 kilometers … 

Starting from 263,900 yuan, take a look at the strength”

All these changes come in at no additional cost to customers and according to Tesla China’s design studio for the Model Y, Chinese customers can receive the updated cars in 2-6 weeks time.

Locally, there have been no other announcements at this stage of the upgraded model but it’s likely to be available in the coming weeks since Tesla’s Shanghai factory produces vehicles for both China and for markets like ours in Australia.

Tesla’s Model Y has taken our market by storm with total sales in the last 14 months exceeding over 28,000 vehicles by the end of August. This has made the Model Y, Australia’s best-selling EV, overtaking the previous best-seller, Tesla’s very own Model 3 sedan.

We will keep an eye on any changes for Australian customers but at an initial glance, Australia’s best-selling EV in 2023 is about to get better.