Tesla has officially launched the new Model Y in North America and Europe after launching it in China earlier this month.
The difference is that Tesla is now taking orders for both the old and new versions of its best-selling electric SUV.
That's Tesla's unique launch. I don't remember an automaker doing that before.
After launching the new Model Y refresh in China two weeks ago, Tesla is now starting to take orders for the refresh in North America and Europe.
But it looks like the design refresh is still a change in Tesla's production as the automaker is still taking orders for the previous version:
For its launch in North America and Europe, Tesla has added a new “trim” only to the Model Y's online edition of the 'Launch Series New Model Y', a version that was unveiled in China earlier this month.
But in China, only this new version has been available for sale since two weeks ago.
Tesla estimates that the new version will have 320 miles of EPA range. Compared to the previous Model Y Long Range AWD's 311 miles, it's the only version of the new Model Y Launch Series available.
Here are all the other changes with the new Model Y compared to the previous version:
| A feature | Model Y | New Model Y |
|---|---|---|
| Price Starting After Est. To save | $31,490 Available Now | $46,490 Available From March |
| To decide | Long Range RWD Long Range AWD AWD Performance | Introduces a long-range AWD series |
| Distance | 277-337 miles (EPA est.) | 303-320 miles (est.) |
| The seats | First line: reverse power and heat Second line: hand roll and heat | First line: energy reversal, heating and ventilation Second line: bidirectional energy and heating |
| Exhibitions | 15.4″ front-facing touchscreen | 15.4″ front touchscreen 8″ second row touchscreen |
| Ride Comfort | A first-generation configuration of noise reduction hardware | Second generation noise reduction hardware |
| Cameras | 7 external cameras | 8 external cameras (including a new front-facing camera) |
| The sound | Long Range RWD: 7 speakers Long Range AWD: 13 speakers, one subwoofer Performance AWD: 13 speakers, one subwoofer | Introduces a long series of AWD: 15 speakers, 1 subwoofer |
| Communication | First generation hardware | Second generation hardware |
| Title | Power on | Handsfree power turns on when you get close |
| Inside | Footwell and door pocket ambient light Wood paneling with black interior details | Footwell and door pocket ambient light Wrap around light Aluminum details and premium fabrics |
| The weather | Tinted and lined safety glass Electrically operated first row air vents Manually operated second row air vents | Tinted and laminated safety glass with metallic infrared reflective coating Power is installed in the first and second line of air |
In the Launch Series, Tesla is pricing the new Model Y Long Range AWD at $59,999 USD. That's $12,000 more than the previous Model Y Long Range AWD, which is still available to order.
Exclusive to the Launch Series, buyers get a number of special badges surrounding the car:
But they also get things called “Premium Textil Trim” and “Vegan Suede Black Interior”:
Currently, Tesla only offers the new Model Y in Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multi-Coat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver, but all are included in the Launch Series price.
Glacier Blue offered in China is not currently offered in North America or Europe.
Tesla is talking about the first delivery of this new version of the Model Y coming in March in North America.
Electrek's Take
This came sooner than expected, as most expected the launch to be closer to March based on how Tesla launched the Model 3 refresh last year.
But this is also different as Tesla continues to take orders for the previous version.
Tesla may have been worried about the effect of Osborne and this first strategy with the most expensive version of the Model Y, the Launch Series, will help the sale of the previous version that is cheaper.
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