Tesla’s Model Y facelift is now available to order

Following on from news late last year that Tesla’s facelifted Model Y was about to go into production, the new ‘Juniper’ model has now appeared on the company’s website. Two models are currently available, one RWD and one AWD. There’s no word yet on the Performance variant. Deliveries begin in May. You can order it here.

There are two models listed, one a rear-driver, the other a long-range all-wheel drive variant. Pricing for the former starts from $73,100 (driveaway $77,054). Both models are offered in five colours (white, blue, black, silver or red). There’s no price premium on these. Model Y comes standard with a black interior, although white leather trim is available as a $1700 option.

The base model comes fitted with 20-inch Helix 2 wheels. It has an estimated WLTP range of 466km, a claimed 0-100 time of 5.9sec and a top speed of just over 200km/h.

The long-range AWD version costs $83,100 (driveaway $87,045) and has the same top speed as the base model but extends range to 550km while its sprint to 100 takes 4.3sec.

Both versions come with basic autopilot included (ACC) but full self-driving capability is on offer ($11,400). You can also go half way with Enhanced Autopilot ($5700). This comprises Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, and Lane Departure Avoidance. ACC matches your speed to the vehicle ahead and keeps you in your lane. With autosteer engaged, it assists in lane changes. And self parking, parallel or perpendicular, is part of this package.

A wall charger costs $850 plus installation, while an emergency charger is yours for $600.

As to what’s new about the new Model Y, Tesla says in a nutshell ‘more range, an all-new design, premium interior and a quieter ride.’ Front and rear lightbars are redesigned to boost aerodynamics, energy efficiency and overall range. Inside, there’s wrap-around interior lighting, soft-touch finishes, a 15.4-inch touchscreen and ventilated seats. Power reclining second-row seats fold flat, and feature an eight-inch touchscreen that’s Bluetooth enabled.

Improved connectivity offers more range for the Phone Key, clearer calls and faster cellular and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Retuned suspension results in smoother handling, added ride comfort, more responsive steering and a quieter cabin. That’s enhanced by acoustic glass, which Tesla says negates the need for noise-cancelling tech. Hidden speakers create a minimalist aesthetic and are said to deliver improved audio performance.