Tesla Unveils New Model Y in North America and Europe: Key Differences From Asia-Pacific Version
Tesla has officially launched the refreshed Model Y in North America and Europe, just 13 days after the launch for the Asia-Pacific Markets.
Just like the other markets, Tesla will be starting with the Launch Edition, which will include FSD and Acceleration Boost. It will also include other smaller details such as Launch Edition badging, puddle lights, special wordmark logos on the door sill plates, and wireless charging pads, as well as an exclusive textile trim and black vegan suede interior.
The new Model Y is available for pre-order immediately but will only begin shipping in March, which is surprisingly sooner than the market where it was initially unveiled. Due to the new model, Tesla has also begun to offer some compelling inventory discounts for the now, last-gen Model Y.
Pricing
Pricing for the new Model Y includes the Launch Edition package - similar to the Foundation Series Cybertruck pricing - a premium launch bundle that will give you a fair amount of additional features and get you earlier access to the new Model Y.
What’s unique with this launch is that color and wheel selection are included in the price - so you can choose from Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multicoat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver in North America and Black/Quicksilver in Europe without any additional fees. You can also pick from the 19” Crossflow wheels or the 20” Helix 2.0 wheels in North America, while Europe is limited to the 20” Helix 2.0 wheels.
Tesla did not announce the price for the non-Launch Edition versions of the vehicle. This includes the RWD, Long Range AWD, and Performance variants. We’ll likely see these launch in the coming months but expect Tesla to continue to sell the Launch Edition as long as there’s demand. Given that the Model Y is the world’s best-selling vehicle, it could be a while before we see a non-bundle version.
Tesla’s site currently only lists the new Model Y with its Long-Range All-Wheel Drive variant. The Long-Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant is currently unavailable in North America and Europe, but the specs are listed on the “Compare Models” page.
Model | Price (USD) | Price (CAD) | Price (EU)** |
|---|---|---|---|
New Model Y LR AWD | $59,990 | $84,990 | €49,990 |
2024 Model Y Performance | $51,490 | $73,990 | €52,990 |
2024 Model Y LR AWD | $47,990 | $68,990 | €58,990 |
2024 Model Y LR RWD | $44,990 | $64,990 | €61,990 |
*Canadian Prices include the recent price increase.
**EU prices may vary by ordering nation.
The new Model Y comes in well above the price for the Performance variant of the previous Model Y. However, remember that this includes the $2,000 Acceleration Boost package, the $8,000 FSD package, and all of the other smaller add-ons. If you were already planning to buy the FSD and Acceleration Boost packages, it ends up being a decent deal, but the biggest attraction is the ability to get your Model Y much sooner.
— Tesla (@Tesla) January 24, 2025
What’s New
We dived into what’s new on the New Model Y here, and also looked at all the little updates here, but here’s a summary of all the changes.
The first-row seats are now ventilated as well as heated.
The second-row seats are now powered for two-way folding
8” touchscreen for the second row
New suspension
New noise reduction hardware, including acoustic glass on all windows
Front bumper camera with washer
Frunk is not powered, but includes a drain hole
Three 65W USB-C ports for charging larger devices like laptops
Fog lights have been removed
The car is 1.6” longer
2 additional speakers over the previous LR AWD, for a total of 15 speakers + 1 subwoofer.
New connectivity hardware, likely featuring 5G and Bluetooth LE support.
Wrap-around ambient interior lighting
Aluminum and textile detailing (Launch Edition)
Metallic infrared reflective coating on all glass for better heat reflection
Power-actuated second-row vents
One stalk for signaling. Shifting is now on the main screen.
Asia-Pacific Differences
RWD Variant: There are three key differences for the North American and European launches, versus the Asia-Pacific launch. First off, the Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive variant isn’t available for ordering at this time. That’s a pretty big hit - because it was the far more affordable version of the refreshed Model Y. With the new pricing forcing buyers to buy FSD and Acceleration Boost, making it more expensive than the Performance model, it could lead some buyers to hold off until the Launch Edition is over.
Glacial Blue: Second, the new color - glacial blue - isn’t making its way to North America or Europe at this time. In fact, the color palette for the Model Y appears to be limited to Stealth Grey, Pearl White Multicoat, Ultra Red, and Quicksilver in North America and just black and Quicksilver in Europe.
Tow Hitch: Third - and honestly the most exciting - a class II tow hitch, capable of towing the same 3,500 lbs of weight, is available in North America and Europe, and it is included as part of the features for the Launch Edition.
Mobile Charger: In North America, Tesla is bringing back the bundled mobile charger with the new Model Y. However, this is expected to be unique to the Launch Edition. Unfortunately, it’s not included in Europe.
With deliveries slated for March, we’re excited to see the first few arrive in North America and Europe arrive in the next 5-10 weeks. We’re sure the refreshed Model Y will be making its way to Tesla showrooms, as well as Auto Shows in both markets sometime soon - so stay tuned.
