Tesla has cut the cost of its new ‘Juniper’ updated Model Y, with the new Rear-Wheel Drive version starting from £44,990. The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive starts from £48,990, while the Long Range All-Wheel Drive starting from £51,990 - £1,000 cheaper than previously. The range-topping, limited edtion Launch Series is £60,990, while the Performance has not yet been released.

The Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive has an official range of 311 miles of range (WLTP), a 0-60mph time of 5.6 seconds. The Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive has up to 387 miles of range (WLTP) and a 0-60mph in 5.4 seconds, with the Long Range All-Wheel Drive offering 364 miles of range (WLTP) and a 0-60mph time of 4.6 seconds.

All new Model Y vehicles include cross-car front and rear lightbars, acoustic glass, an 8-inch rear touchscreen, hands-free boot opening, customisable ambient lighting, and an additional front facing camera. 

The two front seats have been redesigned for improved comfort and are now ventilated. The second-row seats offer ‘enhanced’ comfort, with longer cushions, deeper bolsters, and powered recline and fold-flat operation.  All are now heated – but there is no seven seat option yet. 

 Tesla says it has reworked every energy-consuming subsystem to unlock significant improvements in energy efficiency. 

Ride comfort has been enhanced with new chassis hardware, including a stiffer body structure, redesigned suspension geometry and kinematics, also borrowing damping technology from Upgraded Model 3. 

The new front suspension geometry and steering gear allow for a slightly slower steering ratio for a less sporty feel.

Rear suspension geometry has been redesigned with a focus on reducing impact harshness which it is promised will improve the Model Y’s previously criticised ride comfort.

New acoustic glass all round, paired with new sound-dampening materials, is said to reduce noise by 22%, while upgraded roof glass reflects seven times more solar energy and reduces heat transfer into the cabin. There are also two new paint options: Ultra Red and Stealth Grey. 

The first deliveries are expected in June in the UK.