Tesla Model Y Juniper facelift caught undisguised – front and rear light bar, split headlamps, new bumpers

After months of waiting we finally have a first proper look at the facelifted Tesla Model Y. Images of the refreshed electric SUV, codenamed Project Juniper, were posted by X user @xiaoteshushu – crucially without any camouflage, hinting at an impending reveal.

Despite being covered by a heavy dusting of snow, this Model Y shows off all its design changes – which line up remarkably well with @DominicBRNKMN’s previous renders – for everyone to see. At the front, there’s a new light bar that runs the entire width of the vehicle, with the main headlamps being split off and mounted lower down, similar to the Cybertruck. The bumper design with its corner air inlets, meanwhile, is very similar to the new Model 3 Performance’s.

Around the back sits another light bar shown in a previous leak, bookended by C-shaped taillights – another cue taken from the faelifted Model 3, codenamed Project Highland. This cleans up the look of the tailgate significantly, while lower down you’ll find a large rear diffuser. As yet it is unclear if the rear number plate remains up top or has been moved down into the bumper – our money is on the latter. There are also new turbine-style five-spoke wheels that likely mark this out as the Performance model.

Also expected is a revamped interior that takes a page from the Model 3 Highland, such as a new three-spoke steering wheel, no indicator and wiper stalks, customisable ambient lighting, a larger 15-inch infotainment touchscreen and an eight-inch rear touchscreen.

You can also look forward to several improvements to increase aerodynamic efficiency (which should lead to greater range figures) and reduce noise, vibration and harshness. Many of these changes have already been quietly implemented into the current 2024 model, including all-round double glazing.

Last but not least, you can expect a spicier Performance model than the last, featuring more powerful motors, adaptive dampers, more aggressive styling and bucket seats for the first time. Extra practicality is also purportedly to be had with a new six-seater variant, but that’s only coming in late 2025.

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