Cheaper Tesla Model Y spotted: This has changed

A new Tesla Model Y has been sighted – and everything indicates that it is a more cost-effective variant. The new version brings numerous design changes, both outside and inside, and points to Tesla's strategy of bringing an even more affordable electric SUV to the market.

Exterior Design: Less is More

The most striking feature: The new Model Y dispenses with the well-known glass panoramic roof. Instead, a fixed roof is used, which should reduce both production costs and vehicle weight.

Further external changes:

No continuous light strip at the rear – instead, classic taillights.
The gray insert in the rear bumper has been replaced by a painted body area.
The split headlight and light strip are missing at the front – however, the front camera in the bumper remains.

These simplifications clearly indicate a cost reduction in production.

Interior: Functional Instead of Luxurious

Savings were also made in the interior:

Fabric seats instead of vegan leather
No ventilated seats
Less legroom in the rear, presumably due to a shorter wheelbase
No rear entertainment screen, which could reduce suitability as a robotaxi
No storage compartments in front of the cup holders, no parcel shelf, no coat hooks
New, simplified center console design

Tesla's minimalist style remains: A central display with integrated gear lever and a single steering column lever for indicators and controls.

When will the affordable Model Y be released?

The official presentation was originally supposed to take place in June 2025, but it has been postponed. According to the Tesla quarterly report, production already began in June 2025. A market launch is now expected for the third quarter – first deliveries could take place before the end of the year.

With the slimmed-down variant, Tesla could position a new entry-level model in the SUV segment and preempt the planned robotaxi model.