Finally, Tesla decided to move past memes and whispers in India as its Model Y with a facelift, internally code-named as Project Juniper, has been spotted testing on Indian roads recently.
Please note here that it isn’t some inventory leftover that is being brought over here but this is the newest iteration of the Model Y which was all wrapped up in camouflage and obviously undergoing local testing.
Its sighting on the Mumbai-Pune Expressway suggests serious intent from the EV giant further indicating a favouring a full-fledged launch instead of testing the waters.
What To Expect With The Tesla Model Y Facelift?
When it comes to Tesla facelifts, they are not your typical bumper-and-headlight work, on the contrary they are more about efficiency and aerodynamics.
The Model Y seems to have drawn design cues from its cousin, the refreshed Model 3 Highland.
As its headlights appear to be much sleeker now, including a split LED design giving the front fascia a sharper and more modern look.
They have restyled the front bumper for improved aerodynamics and the alloy wheels are of an updated design, perhaps helping improve efficiency too.
Goingback of the modal, it’s tail-lamps have become a connected full-width light bar having some added visual drama and a hint of cyberpunk cool.
What About Performance?
It appears that Tesla has quietly tweaked the overall aerodynamic design of the car hence expected to improve its range and efficiency.
The Model Y facelift will be offered in two primary variants including a rear-wheel-drive and a long-range dual-motor all-wheel-drive.
So, it’s RWD model provides a claimed range of up to 719 km (according to China’s CLTC cycle) and its AWD Long Range variant provides approximately 662 km.
The vehicle comes with impressive acceleration figures from 0 to 100 kmph is taken in just 5.9 seconds for the RWD model and a quicker 4.3 seconds for the AWD version.
Both of these models are offered with 250 kW DC fast charging further allowing to charge around 250 km of range in mere 15 minutes with the use of compatible charging points.
We expect these specs to remain largely unchanged for India although we will have to wait for official details to be certain.
The band might open bookings for the Model Y in India by the end of 2024 and the deliveries starting in early 2025, based on the recent development.
When it comes to the pricing, the Model Y will still be priced in the Rs 55 lakh to Rs 70 lakh (ex-showroom) range, based on variant and actual import expenses.
By all means, it won’t be an affordable car but it will definitely appeal to a niche group of tech-literate, green-conscious buyers who’ve been patiently waiting for that Tesla badge to appear on their driveway.
