You’ll Observe What’s Missing in Tesla's New Budget EV Before You Even Enter | Carscoops

      A prototype of the budget Model Y SUV has been spotted in China without a panoramic roof and other luxury features.

      Tesla’s new entry-level Model Y has made its first appearance.

      The SUV is foregoing certain interior and exterior elements to reduce its cost.

      The panoramic roof, front light bar, and rear touchscreen have been removed.

      Tesla's sales are sharply declining, and the company lacks any truly new products on the horizon that could reverse this trend. Instead, as hinted by Elon Musk, Tesla is removing features from the existing Model Y to create a more affordable SUV. Today, we received our first glimpse of the stripped-down EV that may be priced around $36,000.

      Additionally, there are reports of a larger Model Y leak revealing more than just added legroom.

      The budget Model Y was caught on camera in China, where Tesla is experiencing intense competition from local manufacturers participating in a serious price war. Photos capture a prototype of the cost-effective Y parked alongside a standard version of the SUV showcasing the refreshed ‘Juniper’ design introduced earlier this year.

      Reducing Juniper Features Inside and Out

      However, Chinese reports and spy images indicate that several key Juniper elements, such as the front light bar and full-width rear light strip, have been eliminated from the base model.

      Significant omissions can also be found in the interior, where backseat passengers may feel more cramped. This isn’t due to a reduction in rear space, but rather the darker ambiance created by the absence of the panoramic roof, which has been replaced with a standard black panel.

      Other missing interior features include the 8-inch rear compartment touchscreen and the typical console present in all other updated Model Ys. The new EV includes a console, albeit split, with the section between the seats ending in a pair of open cupholders just after the armrest.

      What Remains and What May Change

      The 15.4-inch touchscreen is still included, and according to China’s Autohome, another element of the new base model that will remain intact is the ADAS. It is anticipated that the budget Y will come equipped with Autopilot, like other variants, although it remains to be seen whether Tesla will reduce its power and range. The current entry-level Model Y in the U.S., the Long Range RWD, accelerates from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) in 5.4 seconds and has an EPA-rated range of 357 miles (575 km).

      The LR RWD is currently priced at $37,490 in the U.S., primarily due to a $7,500 tax credit that will be phased out in September; its MSRP stands at $44,990. By eliminating some luxury features, Tesla hopes to launch a Model Y at a tax-credit price even after the subsidy has expired. Some reports suggest the price could drop to as low as $36,000 when it hits the market in late 2025.