According to plans， Tesla is set to launch a more affordable version of the Model Y in response to current market challenges and declining sales.
Recently， a blogger specialized in creating speculative vehicle renderings has produced unofficial preview images of this model based on circulating spy shots. Let’s get a first look.
The budget-friendly Model Y shares similar dimensions with the standard version but features simplifications in design and configuration. In essence， the strategy is to prioritize functionality and cost-effectiveness， focusing resources where they matter most.
Unlike the updated Model Y， this new variant omits the continuous LED front light bar and the split headlight design. Other aspects remain largely consistent， maintaining a muscular aesthetic.
It’s worth noting that compared to the refreshed model， the front fascia of this Model Y appears more streamlined and harmonious， surprisingly lacking the overt impression of being a budget model.
The side profile shows minimal changes， with the vehicle still positioned as a mid-size coupe SUV. For reference， the current model measures 4797*1920*1624mm with a wheelbase of 2890mm. It also features fender-mounted cameras and flush， push-to-open door handles.
The rear design also sees a reduction in features. The most distinctive element of the updated Model Y is its diffuse reflection贯穿尾灯 (continuous taillight)， which has been met with widespread user approval. However， for the budget version， this feature has been removed to manage costs. Fortunately， the renderings suggest it doesn’t detract from the overall look.
Inside the cabin， previous spy shots suggest the front resembles the updated Model Y， even retaining the turn signal stalk. However， there are unique design elements， such as the front of the center console being detached from the dashboard， creating a pass-through space between the driver and front passenger.
Additionally， the panoramic glass roof has been replaced with a solid， fixed roof. This change is likely to be welcomed by many， as an un-openable and heat-trapping glass roof can be more of a disadvantage than a benefit， making a fixed roof a more practical choice.
Regarding the rear seating， possibly due to it being an engineering prototype， the seat cushion length and legroom appear to be just adequate. The seat material has been changed to fabric， and features like A-pillar speakers and a rear-seat screen have been omitted.
What will be the price of this budget Model Y? While there are rumors of a domestic version possibly priced around 180，000 RMB， this is considered highly optimistic.
The updated Model Y has a starting price of 263，500 RMB in China. Even with some battery capacity reduction， simplified features， and design cuts， a price reduction of 50，000-60，000 RMB， or even just 20，000-30，000 RMB， would be more realistic.
Based on this， it’s estimated that the starting price for the budget Model Y in China will likely fall within the range of 200，000 to 240，000 RMB. Expecting a new vehicle at a price point below 200，000 RMB might be wishful thinking.
