Tesla Model Y Opal – First photos now surfacing
The Tesla Model Y Opal, formerly known as the Model Y Juniper refresh is almost here, and we’re finally starting to get a good look at it. Recent sightings have confirmed the exterior and interior changes coming with the next generation of Australia’s best selling EV, so we can now see what will be all over our roads in a few months time.
UPDATE: Just hours after this post, Tesla have officially launched the ‘New Model Y’
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Model Y Opal Exterior
Thanks to a YouTube community post by Roaming Norway, we have our first pictures of the Model Y Opal or Juniper without any camouflage or coverings.
With the photos above confirming leaked design changes of a full width light bar for both the front and rear lights, Tesla have taken the refresh beyond what we saw with the Model 3 Highland. The sides are rears are almost reminiscent of Porsche design language, with the front starting to look like most recent electric cars on our roads today.
Model Y Opal Interior
Twitter user @TeslaNewswire today posted what they believe to be a leak of the interior of the Tesla Model Y Juniper / Opal.
Coming from China, this potentially reveals a few interesting details such as the move to Tesla’s ‘Squircle’ steering wheel, a larger screen as seen on the highland, and maybe even steer by wire.
User u/Radium however believes that it may be an aftermarket Squircle in a Tesla Model 3.
Regardless of the validity of these interior leaks, we can expect final confirmation very soon.
Model Y Opal / Juniper release date
Multiple sources have confirmed that production of 2025 badge Model Y cars has already begun at the Tesla Gigafactory, with a plan to churn out as many as possible before the Chinese New Year holiday period.
Current public analysis is assuming a release date of late January – early February for China and the United States, with Australia expected to start receiving them 2-3 months after release.
It is also possible that the Performance models are not ready in time for launch, as the case with the Model 3 Highland refresh.
Have any thoughts on the confirmed exterior or rumored interior leaks? Feel free to comment below.
