Here’s an up-close look at the new Tesla Model Y, now in 17 showrooms across US

Last month, Tesla unveiled the new Model Y in the United States, featuring an all-new light bar design, a redesigned rear-end, and a refreshed interior. It’s currently available as a “launch series” model, starting at $59,990 – with deliveries beginning in March.

The new Model Y is currently in 19 Tesla showrooms across North America, 17 in the United States and 2 in Canada. I took the opportunity to head to the one in New York’s Meatpacking District to get some up close photos, as well as share some thoughts.

Design impressions

When the new Model Y was unveiled in China at the start of the year, I wasn’t a huge fan. I was glad that Tesla came up with a unique design language for Model Y, rather than just creating a taller Model 3 once again, but I still wasn’t a fan. The new design felt super busy.

However, as time passed, it’s certainly grown on me. Seeing it in person cemented the fact that this is actually a great design, at least in my book. Could there be some improvements? Sure. Overall though, I welcome all of the improvements and I’m more than happy about the new design.

New Model Y upgrades

The main improvements with the new Model Y include two new light bars, one on the front and one on the rear. Unlike the Cybertruck, the front light bar on the New Model Y isn’t continuous, and instead features a split design. However, that’s for good reason.

On Model Y, the primary headlights are part of the light bar (pieces to the left and right), which isn’t the case on the Cybertruck. The light bar on the Cybertruck is mostly aesthetic, with the actual headlights being near the bumper. Some may think the splits in the front light bar are a design downgrade, but it’s certainly a lot more functional.

Additionally, you have a new rear light-bar that reflects downwards on the road, and gets very bright at night. I didn’t get a photo of this unfortunately, since the showroom is very well lit, but you can see the effect for yourself in videos. It can be pretty cool.

Other than that, the new Model Y has many of the same upgrades from last years refreshed Model 3. You have the ambient LED lighting on the interior, the new dual-pane glass for quieter interiors, new materials on the interior, as well as a display in the back seat for passengers to interact with.

New Model Y also has a front-bumper camera, as well as powered seats in the rear, allowing for customers to fold them down with just the press of a button.

Final thoughts

It’s a nice refresh. For now, Tesla only sells the new Model Y as a “launch series” model, coming in at $59,990 for the Long Range AWD configuration. At this price, you get Full Self-Driving included, the acceleration boost, and the tow package. Launch series models also have a special badge on the rear, alongside a puddle light, a more premium interior, and special “launch” badging around the vehicle.

There’s no word on when RWD or Performance models will be available, but Tesla still sells the old Model Y if you’d like to get one of those trims. There’s some great deals on existing inventory as well.

Gallery

Last but not least, here’s all of the photos I took of the new Model Y! The showroom model was Ultra Red, which is personally one of my favorite colors for this new design. It also comes in Stealth Gray, Pearl White Multi-Coat, and Quicksilver.

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