Tesla delivered almost 1.8 million cars across the globe in 2024 with the bulk of them being the Model Y electric SUV. This very important car in Tesla’s lineup is approaching 5 years since production first started in January 2020 but it’s finally about to get a refresh.

What are the latest developments on the refreshed Model Y, which has been Australia’s best selling EV over the last two years – despite a 26 per cent plunge in sales in 2024 at least partly credited to the fact that many consumers held off for the upgraded version.

In recent months, sightings of covered Tesla Model Ys have been popping up in many parts of the world. Covered Tesla vehicles have been spotted in the US, China and Spain with sightings becoming far more frequent in the first week of 2025.

Some of the key changes spotted over the current generation model include a major update to the frontend styling and an inclusion of a light bar that runs across the width of the car.
Image: Billyxxxy
One recently spotted Model Y with the covered front showed indicators illuminating at the same level as the light bar, which could hint at indicator’s integration into the lightbar itself.

There have also been a sighting in Spain which appears to show a front bumper camera which isn’t available even on the refreshed Model 3.

If the front of the vehicle is to be sleeker like the recently unveiled Robotaxi from Tesla, it’ll be smoother at the front compared to the outgoing model.

This will mean an even lower coefficient of drag than the current model’s 0.23 coefficient. This would increase the efficiency of the car which is already one of the most efficient on the market.

On the inside, a recent photo shows the steering wheel to be similar to that on the current Model 3, likely to not include indicator or gear shift stalks.

 

Leaked photos from last year also showed similar ventilated front seats to the Model 3 heading to the new Model Y, which would be welcomed by many in summer.

On the rear, an entertainment screen like that on the Model 3 will also make it’s way to the new Y.

Tesla also will be adding a lightbar to the rear of the car, giving the new model a unique futuristic look, taking inspiration from the Robotaxi again.
Image: abomb1997 via reddit
Along with that, some images show a different location for the number plate, although that’s to be confirmed when the car is revealed in the coming months.

On when we could expect the refreshed Model Y, reports from China suggest that production is underway with unveiling of the car after the Chinese new year which starts in late January.

Other reports from Europe suggest that the new Model Y orders in the configurator will have a 5-6 months lead time, hinting that Giga Berlin in the next 3 months.

 

With all Australian-bound Teslas arriving from China, it’s highly likely that Australia will be one of the first markets to see the new Model Y after its unveiled foran imminent official launch.