Tesla launches updated Model Y in China, keeps starting price unchanged

US carmaker Tesla on Sunday (Oct 1) released an updated version of its Model Y in China, with minor changes to the vehicle’s exterior and interior.

Among the changes is a slightly faster 0-100 kmh acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, a new wheel design and added ambient lighting, indicated a post by Tesla’s official WeChat account. The starting price in China for the Model Y, the company’s global bestseller, was unchanged at 263,900 yuan (S$49,366). 

The move to sweeten the Model Y offering is much-needed for the US company, as it faces escalating price pressure from domestic rivals such as BYD, which aims to sell three million vehicles this year. Nio and Xpeng, two other upstart Chinese electric vehicle makers gaining traction, are also expanding their line-ups.

Tesla unveiled a restyled Model 3 with a longer driving range, manufactured at its Shanghai factory, in China and other export markets in early September. REUTERS, BLOOMBERG