How the face of the Model Y (and Tesla) is changing

Why does the restyling of the electric SUV seem to be inspired more by the Cybertruck than the Cybercab? And more importantly, do people like it?

Photo by: Tesla

By: Filippo Einaudi

Published by: Brian Potter

Jan 15, 2025 at 4:25am ET

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The restyling of the Tesla Model Y, known as 'Project Juniper', has surprised many. Deeper than that of the Model 3, it introduced 'features' different from those expected and, most importantly, different from the style of other recent proposals such as the Cybercab, which was presented as a prototype at the end of 2024.

The Model Y is Tesla's flagship model, the brand's best-selling car on virtually every continent, so it could be said to be the company's flagship, the car entrusted with the task of conveying the brand's identity. So what is behind the restyling decisions?

Between Cybertruck and 'Made in China' style

As we already noticed when the first images were posted online, the front end has changed considerably, becoming lower and sharper, with slimmer headlights joined by a light bar. The same is true at the rear, where the full-width headlamp pattern is echoed by the band that joins the headlamps at the rear.

The most logical source of inspiration, apart from the Model 3, from which the new Model Y draws a great deal of inspiration, particularly on the inside, would have to be the Cybercab self-driving taxi, whose compact saloon shapes and volumes are not far removed.

The most logical source of inspiration, apart from the Model 3, from which the new Model Y borrows a lot, especially in its interior, should be the Cybercab self-driving taxi, whose compact limousine shapes and volumes are not far off. However, if you look closely at the details, they seem to have been taken more from the 2019 Cybertruck electric pick-up truck, which was also born as a "breakthrough" model, deliberately different from the others and with an edge that still contrasts strongly with the soft lines of Tesla's cars.

Tesla Model Y (2025)

Photo : Tesla

Robotaxi Tesla Cybercab

Photo : InsideEVs

2024 Series Tesla Cybertruck AWD Foundation with dual engine

Tesla Cybertruck

Photo : Motor1.com

The overall look, according to some observers, even has a nod to the style of some of the Chinese Zeekr models, one of the most popular brands on the domestic market precisely because of a design that manages to stand out in a crowded landscape of stylistic similarities.

Zeekr 7X

Photo : Zeekr

Given the current commercial strategy for the Model Y, this would make no sense at all: the company itself has prioritised China for the launch of the new Model Y because it is currently the market with the largest number of electric cars and the best growth prospects compared to Europe and the United States, where it will only arrive from the middle of this year. No wonder they thought to make it a little more appealing to the tastes of this market.

Tesla Model Y (2025)

Photo : Tesla

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Tepid reactions

When it comes to the redesigned Model Y, the public's initial reaction so far seems to be on average neutral to cautiously positive. Many users who have commented on the new design on various platforms have found it "pleasing but a little anonymous" and would have liked to see some bolder choices, not infrequently stating that they preferred the previous version.

After all, as several observers have pointed out, Tesla's style is rarely immediately appealing, but tends to become iconic over time. The Cybertruck itself provoked a number of negative reactions and no small amount of hilarity when it was first unveiled, but today it is even considered a reference by many.

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