Just a couple weeks after launching the refreshed “Juniper” Model Y in China and other Asia-Pacific markets, Tesla has started taking orders in the Americas (US, Canada, Mexico, and Chile) and Europe. The Launch Series is the only trim level currently available to order in the US, offering a “fully loaded” setup with special badging, the Full Self-Driving (Supervised) driver assist, and Acceleration Boost for $59,990 before discounts and estimated savings.
The refreshed version of Tesla’s top-selling vehicle brings a new design for the front and rear lights, an updated interior with an 8-inch touchscreen for the backseat, acoustic glass treatment, a new sound system with more speakers, and a retuned suspension. There’s no mention of it, but in a few of the pictures (included in our gallery below), it looks like there’s also a turn signal stalk poking out to the left of the steering wheel instead of dropping it for on-wheel buttons like other recent Teslas.
Meanwhile, there are other issues affecting Tesla’s brand reputation among buyers, and it recently reported its first year-over-year drop in sales that a new lighting setup might not be enough to address.
It also has the same new front-facing camera that Tesla says adds “Enhanced visibility for Autopilot and Actually Smart Summon capabilities.”
Just like the previously announced markets, it is scheduled to start deliveries in March. It’s all similar to last year’s Model 3 update, promising better efficiency and performance, with added power-folding rear seats and a hands-free trunk that auto unlocks on approach.
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Screenshot: Tesla.com
One difference between this and most Tesla launches we’ve seen is that the older version is still available to order, with the website inviting buyers to take advantage of reduced pricing while it’s still available. From the configurations available online, the price difference between similarly-specced Long Range dual-motor AWD Model Ys new and old was only about $4,000.
The current edition is, of course, available right away, and with choices for additional options, like the performance package., additional colors, or a seven-seat configuration. The New Model Y advertises a 320-mile range with no EPA stamp compared to the old version’s 311 EPA estimate (until last year, the advertised range was 330 miles before Tesla suddenly lowered it) for a similar model. The advertised 0-60 mph time is also improved, at 4.1 seconds instead of 4.8, but the top speed allowed has dropped from 135 mph to 125, which probably won’t be much of an issue in a family hauler.