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

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.

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

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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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Autodriver on Jan 09, 2025 at 6:19 pm

    If it is real then the Model Y is really look like Xpeng G6 on the front size.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 4
    • XiaoMao on Jan 09, 2025 at 9:17 pm

      This. Looks like a Chinese EV.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 10 Thumb down 0
      • Pee pew on Jan 10, 2025 at 9:03 am

        Coz the Chinese (China, not chinese in general) EV’s copy Tesla and everything else under the sun

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 9
        • XiaoMao on Jan 10, 2025 at 12:10 pm

          I don’t think cina copy tesla. More like they copy European design. Original Tesla designs has Lotus Elise DNA.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
        • i fully agree with you pal, copycat xpeng travels to the future to copy tesla’s design and comes out with it first back in time.

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • alldisc on Jan 10, 2025 at 8:27 am

    This needs to come quick to fully enjoy the import tax exemptions on EVs ending 2025. Or else, expect starting price of somewhere between 330-400k.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 7
 

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