Tesla Launches Model Y in China with Heated Steering Wheel and More

Tesla announced it has launched Model sales in China on January 1, 2021, kicking off the New Year with its latest electric SUV (via Reuters).

The Model Y has been seen testing at Tesla’s Gigafactory in Shanghai, which recently completed an expansion to produce the SUV.

According to Tesla’s Chinese website, the Long Range Model Y starts at 339,900 yuan ($52,041 USD), while the Performance version costs 369,900 yuan ($56,634 USD). Range is showing at 594 km (369 miles) for the Long Range Model Y.

Compared to the United States, these prices for Model Y in China are much cheaper. The Long Range starts at $48,490 USD, while the Performance costs $58,490 USD.

Tesla also confirmed the Model Y in China includes a heated steering wheel, plus HEPA filter presumably for Bioweapon Defense Mode, which was previously confirmed. We also see on the Tesla China website the new centre console from the Model 3 refresh.

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It’s also worth noting the Model Y in China gets a slightly different interior compared to the United States as well, with wood trim extending to the front driver and passenger doors. Also, a white interior option is not available in China for Model Y.

As for the Full Self-Driving add-on for Autopilot, that is priced at 64,000 yuan ($9,796 USD).

With drone flyovers of Gigafactory 3 in Shanghai showing a tonne of Model Y and Model 3 units sitting and waiting, many assumed the SUV launch would be imminent, and here we are.

 

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Chinese customers can configure their Model Y today, with deliveries set to begin this month.