New look Tesla Model Y revealed – and it packs a few Cybertruck features

A facelifted version of the world’s best-selling electric car, the Tesla Model Y, has been unveiled, with the update bringing a fresh look for 2025, inspired by the controversial Cybertruck.

Photos released for the Pacific regions – where the new Model Y will go on sale first – show exterior and interior upgrades.

It’s an exciting announcement for the EV sector, as the Model Y is the most popular new model in Britain, across Europe and in the global market – and because it has remained relatively unchanged since its debut five years ago.

The Model Y became the first electric car to become the world’s best-selling model in 2023 – and was also the only electric car to enter the top 10 best-selling cars in Britain last year.

A fresh face, with one feature borrowed from Britain’s Cybertruck – and improved performance figures for 2025 should help Tesla fight off stiff competition from Chinese EV rivals such as BYD and SAIC, and revive declining sales of late to blow.

Although the British branch of the electric car company does not want to reveal much information to us upon request, we can expect the improved Model Y on our roads within a few months.

This is how much we expect it to cost…

Probably the main draw for aesthetically minded buyers will be the sleek new look, which has been a long time coming.

The exterior is more stylish with a wraparound light bar front and rear (the same as the one on the Cybertruck) and redesigned bumpers.

Although subtle, changes make the car more modern and refined, which Tesla says is also intended to “maximize efficiency and use every kilowatt hour more effectively.”

To achieve this efficiency, Tesla explains that the new tire design, wheels and suspension have also been modified.

Tesla now puts the car’s drag coefficient (Cd) at 0.22, down from 0.23, putting the car at the very top of the list of most aerodynamic EVs.

In addition to the changing appearance, the Y has also grown and is now 47mm longer (4,797mm), but it is 1mm narrower – to 1,624mm wide.

The new Model Y is larger than before. It is now 47mm longer (4,797mm), but 1mm narrower and 1,624mm wide

Tesla says the exterior changes ‘maximize efficiency, using each kilowatt hour more effectively’

The rear light bar is the main update to the rear, which is a bit boxier but otherwise very similar to before

The updated look of the Model Y is very much a reflection of the Tesla Cybertruck (pictured), especially the wraparound light clusters front and rear

Thanks to the better drag coefficient (which also reduces wind noise), the all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive variants will have a range of 700 kilometers and 600 kilometers on a single charge.

Although this is 73 and 60 kilometers more than the old version respectively, the tougher European WLTP test figures are expected to be lower than the Chinese vehicle test cycle results when the European cars arrive.

Other improved performance metrics include the All-Wheel Drive’s 0 to 60 mph time, which now takes just 4.3 seconds (0.5 faster than before).

However, the single-motor option is set to be 0.3 seconds slower than before – not that many people will notice the change.

Ultra-fast charging remains at 250kW across the board – which is market leading – and you can travel 170 miles in just 15 minutes with the new Superchargers.

All 2025 Model Ys can charge ultra-fast at 250 kW, allowing you to travel 270 kilometers in just 15 minutes when connected to a Supercharger

New screen upgrades – available in all Ys via OTA updates – including precipitation overlay feature added to maps – which tracks live weather data

Inside, Tesla designers have given the Model Y only a mild upgrade to keep it consistent with the latest Model 3. This includes new materials, with ventilated front seats and electronically folding rear seats.

As usual, the 15.4-inch touchscreen is the central control hub, and it has updated software for better quality and responsiveness.

The big news for passengers is that for the first time there is a touchscreen in the back.

As mentioned, the Y – which recently became a seven-seater SUV – has only been released for the Asia-Pacific region, with first deliveries starting in China at the end of February.

Full UK specs are expected to be released soon, but as the price has risen in China it’s likely the UK market will reflect this and buyers will pay a base price of around £50,000.