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| 2024 Tesla Model Y Gets Enhanced Range in China, Australian Release Uncertain |
The 2024 Tesla Model Y has undergone significant updates in China, featuring enhancements such as increased claimed driving range, improved acceleration, refreshed interior trims, and new features. However, specific details regarding its Australian launch are still pending.
Currently available in China, the changes made to the Model Y SUV are not as extensive as those seen in the recently unveiled 2024 Model 3 sedan, set to arrive in Australia early next year. Reports suggest that a more substantial 'facelift' for the Tesla Model Y is expected in the coming year, with anticipated modifications including restyled front and rear fascias, a stalk-less steering wheel, and other revisions akin to the latest Model 3.
Despite the updates, prices for the Model Y in China have remained unchanged, indicating that production is likely to commence shortly, with estimated delivery times of two to six weeks for new orders on Tesla's website.
Details for the Australian market are still pending, and the previous model is currently available on Tesla's Australian website. However, given that Australian models are produced in the same Shanghai factory as their Chinese counterparts, it's reasonable to assume that the updates will eventually be available in Australia.
In the Chinese market, these updates have led to quicker acceleration for the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), boasting a zero to 100km/h time of 5.9 seconds (down from 6.9 seconds) and a 9km extended claimed driving range, now at 554km based on Chinese testing standards. The all-wheel-drive Long Range model has seen its driving range claim rise by 28km to 688km, with no changes to performance. The Performance all-wheel-drive flagship model remains unchanged.
The improvements in driving range and performance may have been achieved through enhancements to the electric motor in the RWD model and modifications to the battery software rather than the installation of larger battery packs.
In Australia, the three existing models – RWD, Long Range, and Performance – currently claim ranges of 455km, 533km, and 517km, respectively, under more realistic WLTP testing conditions.
Exterior updates include a darker finish for the standard 19-inch 'Gemini' wheel caps and new 'Model Y' badging on the tailgate, with Performance models featuring a red underline in place of the previous 'Dual Motor' script.
Inside the Model Y, it follows the Model 3's lead by adding a strip of multi-color ambient lighting to the dashboard and introducing grey fabric dashboard trim to replace the previous faux wood or satin white finishes. However, the interior changes are not as extensive as those seen in the Model 3, with the existing steering wheel retained, along with stalks for the indicator and gear selector. These features differ from the sedan's touch-sensitive indicator buttons on the steering wheel and gear selector on the touchscreen. The touchscreen itself remains unchanged and retains the same bezels as before, in contrast to the updated Model 3.
Based on the photos released by Tesla, it appears that there have been no alterations to the Model Y's sensors and cameras, and Chinese-built models have not been upgraded to the company's latest 'Hardware 4.0' driver-assistance cameras. Whether traditional ultrasonic parking sensors have been replaced by a camera-based system, as observed in US models, remains uncertain and may depend on whether the driver-assistance cameras have been updated to the latest specifications.
In conclusion, the 2024 Tesla Model Y is currently available for order in China, while specific details regarding its Australian launch are pending confirmation.
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