Tesla’s Next Big Thing: Model Y Facelift ‘Jupiter’ Set for Mass Production in Shanghai

Next month, the Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai will begin mass production of the Model Y Jupiter, a facelifted version of the popular electric SUV. This follows a report from German investment bank Deutsche Bank, hinting at the model’s official launch next year.

What Changes Can We Expect in the Model Y Jupiter?

The Model Y Jupiter is expected to undergo changes similar to the facelift of the Model 3, the Highland. For the Model 3, Tesla made alterations to the interior and exterior design, along with updates to battery capacity, motor performance, autonomous driving capabilities, and suspension settings.

So far, camouflaged test vehicles of the Model Y have only covered the bonnet and trunk area, suggesting that the primary changes will be to the front and rear designs. Many industry experts anticipate a family resemblance with the Model 3 facelift, including thinner headlights and removing the bumper grille. However, the camouflaged test car photographed in Spain featured headlights emerging from the bottom of the bumper, indicating further design refinements.

Interior Updates Expected

The interior is also expected to follow the precedent of the facelift version of the Model 3, with the gear knob and turn signal lever attached to the steering wheel column both moved. Starting with the partial change of the Model S, Tesla integrated the gear knob into the center display, and the turn signal was configured as a steering wheel button. Carscoops reported that the ambient light applied to the Model 3 and the center display for the second row will also be used for the facelift version of the Model Y.

Meanwhile, according to a German investment bank Deutsche Bank report, the Model Y will reportedly be released as a long-wheelbase model exclusively for the Chinese market. Additional reports say that the launch will be in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be a six-seater model.

Model Y Long-Wheelbase for the China Market

Reports from Deutsche Bank suggest that a long-wheelbase version of the Model Y will be released exclusively for the Chinese market. Expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2025, this model will reportedly offer three rows of seating, making it a six-seater vehicle designed to cater to local consumer preferences.

Ahead of the Model Y Jupiter launch, Tesla is offering a 10,000 yuan (approximately $1,369) discount to customers purchasing the current Model Y by the end of December 2024 in China. This move is widely interpreted as an effort to clear an existing model inventory before introducing the facelifted version.