The NEW Tesla Model Y has arrived: Britain’s best-selling EV gets a comprehensive makeover – here’s every update and how much it costs

Britain’s best-selling electric car has been given a comprehensive makeover for 2025 as the updated Model Y adopts styling features from the contentious Cybertruck, boasts improved aerodynamics and more range than ever before.

It’s been five years since the electric SUV – which is both Tesla’s best-selling model and the world’s best-selling car of 2023 – first landed on our shores and it hasn’t been refreshed since.

Recent industry figures confirmed it was yet again the UK’s favourite EV in 2024 and was the only battery-powered car to make it into the top 10 best-selling new models of last year. 

Despite its success, an update to the Model Y is long overdue.

The manufacturer on Friday confirmed it will enter the UK market with a fresh design, ride upgrades and better efficiency.

But what exactly should the British wing of ‘Teslarati’ expect when from the new Model Y ‘Juniper’ when it arrives around May time?

Here’s a look at everything the new Model Y promises, including how much it will cost.

Initially, the new Model Y will be delivered in a Launch Series specification, which is based on the Long-Range All Wheel Drive variant.

With the new Model Y already revealed for the Pacific-Asia markets a few weeks ago, we had a glimpse of what it would look like, but now the UK model is here we can confirm the fully-redesigned exterior does indeed draw inspiration from the Cybertruck and Cybercab.

While Tesla says the exterior has been beautified for ‘exceptional aerodynamic efficiency’ with less drag and low-resistance tyres to enhance range, it also gives the Model Y much-needed modernisation and fits in with the aesthetic of Tesla’s self-driving future.

The upgraded Model Y will be delivered to the UK in a Launch Series specification from May, which is based on the Long-Range All Wheel Drive variant

While Tesla says the exterior has been beautified for ‘exceptional aerodynamic efficiency’ with less drag and low-resistance tyres to enhance range

The styling updates also give the Model Y a much-needed modernisation to bring it in line with the recently facelifted Model 3

Tesla says the rear light bar is one of the largest in the industry – and it’s pretty clever, too

The front and rear lightbars that support the adaptive headlights are the most obvious styling cues lifted from the Cybertruck and Cybercab and give the new Y a bold look. 

Tesla says the rear light bar is one of the largest in the industry – an odd boast to make, but one worth referencing nonetheless.

But it’s also has a world-first feature.

The application of an indirect, externally reflecting lighting system projects the rear lamp function rather than illuminating the light bar, which subtly reflects down to where the ‘TESLA’ lettering is set into the panel.

Because a Tesla launch wouldn’t ever be complete without at least one world-first feature Elon Musk can swoon over on X.

The new Model Y takes major design cues from the Tesla Cybertruck (pictured), especially the wrap-around light clusters front and back

The front and rear lightbars that support the adaptive headlights are the most obvious styling cues lifted from the Cybertruck and Cybercab and give the new Y a bold look

The application of an indirect, externally reflecting lighting system projects the rear lamp function rather than illuminating the light bar, which subtly reflects down to where the ‘TESLA’ lettering is set into the panel

It might not sound like a huge difference, but the lightbars and shaping tweaks combine to give a sharper, more chiseled look to the previously bulbous Model Y. 

The back of the car has a noticeably changed look to the old Model Y, as the new C-shaped LED taillights and lightbar blend together in a really tasteful way that’s uses reflective light to great effect.

Proportions have slightly changed too, with the Y now 4,790mm in length against the old’s 4,751mm measument. 

Height and width remain the same but the updated Y’s nose is a little closer to the ground due to the extra length on the front of the car.

Fear not though because ground clearance is still what you’d expect from the elevated SUV.

Proportions have slightly changed too, with the new Y now 4,790mm in length vs the old 4,751mm to improve efficiency but height and width remain the same

The back of the car has a noticeably changed look to the old Model Y, as the new C-shaped LED taillights and lightbar blend together in a tasteful way

The promised efficiency of the svelte new bodywork means that the Launch Series will come with 22 extra miles of range over what customers have seen up until now

Launch Series examples of the facelifted Model Y will boast a total of 353 miles of zero emissions driving on a full charge

The promised efficiency of the svelte new bodywork means that the Launch Series will come with 22 extra miles of range over what customers have seen up until now – with a total of 353 miles of zero emissions driving at your disposal.

One of Tesla’s best design/driving features is the cameras and the new Y comes with a new front camera that offers drivers an expanded view of the surroundings on the centre screen. 

And smartly, especially in the current stormy weather, the camera has fluid washer and integrated heating to prevent fogging and so it can defrost in cold weather.

The new Model Y interior looks pretty identical if you hop in the front. But there are subtle differences…

Although the Model 3 caused a big stir by going stalkless last year the Model Y has only followed suit by halves, ditching just one stalk 

We think that could be even more confusing but Tesla says it’s listened to customers who’ve found it difficult to use indicator buttons instead of an indicator stalk, so the indicator stays in the new Y

Seats have been redesigned to be even more comfortable and the front seats are now ventilated as well as heated 

What about the new Model Y interior?

While the exterior is noticeably different, the cabin in more of a spot the difference situation with only minor tweaks from the pre-facelift Model Y.

Although the Model 3 caused a big stir by going stalkless last year the Model Y has only followed suit by halves, ditching just one stalk. 

We think that could be even more confusing but Tesla says it’s listened to customers who’ve found it difficult to use indicator buttons instead of an indicator stalk, so the indicator stays in the new Y.

Just the gear selector stalk has gone – which also controls autopilot – and is now integrated into the main touchscreen now like it is in the Model 3.

The touchscreen stays at 15.4 inches but is joined by an eight-inch touchscreen for rear passengers so kids (and adults) in the back can make use of Tesla’s famous gaming offerings and Theatre modes.

The back screen also has its own Bluetooth, and the Wifi connection throughout the car has been improved. There are new microphones for voice control and phone calls too.

Rear passengers now get their own touchscreen as well as more comfortable and heated seats

Interior space has actually shrunk by 20 litres but that’s hard to tell because there’s still 2,130 litres between the frunk and boot, and the boot now opens automatically when you approach which is very handy

A pre-Christmas Tesla software update means you can use your Apple Watch and model as car keys if you wish as well.

Seats have been redesigned to be even more comfortable (we thought they were already extremely comfortable especially on long journeys) and the front seats are now ventilated as well as heated.

The rear seats are heated now too and also fold at the touch of a button located on the side of the seat. Use the extra button in the boot and they fold completely flat.

Interior space has actually shrunk by 20 litres but that’s hard to tell because there’s still 2,130 litres between the frunk and boot, and the boot now opens automatically when you approach which is very handy.

But one of the best improvements for gliding down the road and enjoying all the quietness an EV offers is the 20 per cent claimed noise reduction thanks to acoustic glazing and softer fabrics on the dash and doors.

The ambient lighting from the Model 3 has transferred across to the new Y for a bit of extra plushness.

The Launch Series Model Y 2025 will cost £60,990 and is likely to arrive in May. You can place a UK order now

When’s it arriving and what’s the pricing for the new Model Y? Everything you need to know

The Launch Series is on sale now in the UK, and these deliveries are expected to arrive around about May time.

European deliveries are confirmed for March.

Other models will then follow including the seven-seater version launched last year. A performance version is expected to arrive later in 2025.

The Model Y Launch Series will only be available Black or Quicksilver, both coming with an all-black interior but you’ll be able to get white and black interiors later on. 

As said the claimed range on the Launch Series Long Range All-Wheel Drive Model Y is 353 miles and it has a top speed of 125mph and can do 0-to-60mph in 4.1 seconds – shaving 0.7s off the previous car’s time.

The Pacific region’s already offer two Launch Versions with customers able to buy a standard range RWD car now too with a 290-mile range.

Charging speeds are just as lightning fast as Tesla owners are accustomed to with the new Model Y Launch Series able to charge up to 250kW, which will give you 172 miles in 15 minutes on a Supercharger.

The Launch Series costs £60,990 but this has a premium whacked on for it being the first car to come off the production line.

Future pricing has yet to be revealed but expect to pay under £45k for the RWD drive car and a circa extra £10k for a Long-Range RWD version.