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At Munro & Associates, we’ve had the unique privilege of stepping behind the curtain of some of the world’s most innovative automotive engineering. But this time, we took it one step further. We sat down with Tesla’s very own Franz von Holzhausen and Lars Moravy to dive into what’s new, what’s different, and what’s quietly revolutionary about the refreshed and upgraded Tesla Model Y.
From the moment we stepped into Tesla’s design studio—a repurposed airplane hangar with enough history and character to rival the machines being created inside—we knew we were in for something special.
A New Look That Speaks Volumes
The new Model Y has undergone a sleek transformation. Right away, you’ll notice a bold styling update: a clean, crisp light bar stretching across the front fascia. But here’s the twist—it’s not the headlight. It’s a sleek, slim DRL (daytime running light) that sets the tone for the entire vehicle. The actual headlights tuck away low in the fascia where fog lights used to be, emphasizing clean lines and an aggressive stance without needing a Tesla logo to tell you what you’re looking at.
Franz explained that this update was more than a facelift. It was about maturity. The Model Y is now distinct from the Model 3 in both looks and feel, emphasizing its identity as Tesla’s global best-seller.
Functional Beauty in the Rear
At the back, one of the most striking features is the new full-width rear light bar. It’s not just visually appealing—it’s a masterclass in optical design. Using reflected light rather than direct LEDs, the result is a smooth, glowing effect that feels both futuristic and elegant.
But there’s more here than meets the eye. Tesla redesigned the liftgate area with a new thermoplastic spoiler that not only enhances aesthetics but also significantly reduces aerodynamic drag. That means better ride comfort, improved efficiency, and range—all from one seemingly small design change.
Aero Covers with a Purpose
Tesla’s commitment to function-driven design also extends to the wheels. Working with Halo Black, Tesla refined its aero covers for real-world aerodynamic performance, offering up to 8% more efficiency in some tests. And for the creative among us, Tesla now offers fully customizable UV-printed designs for the covers. Not just stylish—practical too, as they double as protection against curb rash.
Tesla’s Sound of Silence
One of the most noticeable upgrades? The sound—or rather, the lack of it. The refreshed Model Y is remarkably quiet. This wasn’t achieved by slapping in extra insulation. Tesla engineered the silence from the ground up.
By refining tire design, reinforcing the vehicle body by up to 7% in torsional stiffness, and changing suspension attachment points to reduce NVH (noise, vibration, harshness), the Model Y delivers a serene cabin experience. Suspension kinematics were also completely overhauled for a more compliant ride, softer rear damping, and better road impact absorption.
Even the wing mirrors were tweaked with subtle ridges to reduce wind buffeting—something we especially noticed during a quiet highway cruise.
Inside the Cabin of the Tesla Model Y
Tesla didn’t just update the exterior. Step inside and you’ll find a whole new interior that’s both refined and driver-focused. Materials have been upgraded. There’s ambient lighting with customizable colors, a rethought center console with hidden storage, and improved seat ergonomics. And the Model Y thankfully retains the original geometry that many Tesla owners (including our team) already love.
One major win? Power reclining second-row seats. With just a push of a button, passengers can kick back, and the seats fold quickly to allow access or create cargo space. Tesla even added an automatic front seat movement system to create more room when the rear seats are folded.
Details like moving the second-row seat belts to the C-pillar make loading easier and eliminate tangles—a seemingly small fix that makes a big difference.
Performance and Engineering Upgrades
Under the hood (and under the skin), the new Model Y features significant performance and efficiency tweaks.
Tesla has moved to a partially redesigned rear casting. It’s lighter by about 7kg, has half the machining operations, and improves local point mobility—an engineering feat achieved with new CFD modeling and upgraded die cooling systems.
Tesla is evolving the control system for the upgraded Model Y, too. While the main structure still runs on CAN (Controller Area Network), Tesla is beginning to introduce private CAN loops over Ethernet for critical low-latency functions—another step toward future-ready architecture.
The heat pump has also been refined. An upgraded “Super Manifold V2” improves both thermal efficiency and cooling capacity for climate control systems.
Brake System Breakthrough
Perhaps the most notable innovation lies in the new hydraulic-by-wire brake system. Instead of relying entirely on traditional hydraulic mechanics, Tesla uses a motor-driven brake booster for improved pedal consistency, faster reaction times, and less drag from brake pad friction. This system also allows for more regenerative braking—even when not heavily pressing the accelerator pedal.
Even though there’s still a hydraulic backup (as safety demands), the driving experience is now smoother, more responsive, and more energy-efficient.
Safety and the Bigger Picture
Tesla isn’t just chasing performance and comfort. They’re still laser-focused on safety. Already known for building the safest vehicles on the road, this new Model Y is no exception. From improved roof crush strength to better crash response systems, Tesla continues to raise the bar.
Parental controls are now built into the vehicle, allowing parents to limit speed and manage driving behavior. It’s a small feature with big implications for peace of mind.
Final Thoughts from the Road
After a test drive in not-so-great California weather, it was clear: the newly upgraded Tesla Model Y is smooth, quiet, and composed. It may not launch like a Cybertruck, but it doesn’t need to. It handles beautifully, has better visibility, and retains all the practicality that made it a household name—now polished to near perfection.
Whether you’re a performance junkie, a tech enthusiast, or just someone looking for a safe, efficient family SUV, the new Model Y stands tall.
Big thanks to Franz and Lars for letting us get up close and personal with the future of Tesla.
Stay tuned to Munro Live for our upcoming teardown—we can’t wait to see what other surprises this engineering marvel holds.