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The news of Tesla Model Y launching a "simplified version" has attracted market attention. Previously, Musk personally confirmed at the 2025 Q2 earnings call that a cheaper version of the Tesla Model Y would be launched, which would be based on the existing Model Y with some simplifications. It is understood that the internal code for this model is E41. Although Tesla has not yet disclosed details of the car, the market expects it to be launched in the fourth quarter of this year.

According to well-known Tesla hacker @greentheonly, the new version of the Model Y will replace the glass roof with a metal roof, change the electric folding mirrors to manual ones, and switch from adjustable suspension to fixed suspension. In the audio system, the number of speakers will be reduced from 16 to 11. Additionally, there will be reductions in the seats and interior, with the new car adopting fabric seats, and the ambient lighting and welcome lights in the interior may also be removed. The vehicle is currently being tested on the streets of the United States, with photos of the car being shared by various platforms and multiple bloggers, including X.

The market generally predicts that the starting price of the new car will be around 200,000 yuan after its launch in China. This represents a significant price reduction compared to the current rear-wheel drive version priced at 263,500 yuan and the all-wheel drive version at 313,500 yuan. However, within the price range of 200,000 to 250,000 yuan, the domestic SUV market has already entered a "red ocean" of fierce competition. Whether Tesla's "self-reduction" in pricing can translate into market share remains uncertain.

The currently available Model Y can be compared with new players like Xiaopeng G9, Li Auto L6, and NIO ES6, whose starting prices are approximately 248,800 yuan, 249,800 yuan, and 338,000 yuan, respectively. For foreign brands, it can be compared with the BMW iX3, which starts at 399,900 yuan. It is clear that Tesla's pricing strategy is to position itself below luxury brands but above mainstream domestic brands.

Automotive industry analyst Zhong Shi told Jiemian News that Tesla's launch of the new Model Y is fundamentally aimed at expanding market share and bringing more customers into the Tesla ecosystem. This is particularly true in the Chinese market, where some potential SUV users want to buy the Model Y but have tight budgets. Lowering the entry threshold can allow more people to join.

A consumer told Jiemian News that if Tesla actually launches a "simplified version," they would consider changing cars, as they feel Tesla's electric powertrain system is more advantageous than other brands. Its strong battery management and high charging efficiency are very appealing to someone like them who is switching from a gasoline car to an electric car for the first time.

However, some consumers have expressed that they will continue to wait and see. One interviewee told Jiemian News that they have previously driven a Model Y and many other brands of new energy vehicles, and feel that in terms of comfort, it is not as good as domestic brands. The seats in the Model Y are hard, the cushions are short, there is insufficient lumbar support, the rear seat angle is too upright, and the earlier models did not have seat ventilation, making it uncomfortable to drive in the summer. Now, domestic brands are equipped with features like "refrigerator, color TV, and large sofa," making the interior of the Model Y seem relatively simple by comparison. As for which brand to ultimately purchase, further comparison and consideration are needed.

It is not difficult to observe in the market that Tesla's three-electric system is strong, with low energy consumption and no false labeling, which is crucial for users who need long-distance commuting. Some domestic models have issues with false labeling, and in winter, the battery performance can be halved. However, Tesla's hard seats and poor sound insulation are longstanding complaints from owners. Compared to domestic brands that offer ventilated and massaging seats along with soundproof glass, Tesla is at a disadvantage.

From the perspective of intelligent driving, Tesla's highway AP (Autopilot) is stable and comes with the purchase of the car at no additional cost, but it is limited to highway and elevated road scenarios. Among domestic brands, companies like Xpeng and Huawei have strong urban NOA (Navigation on Autopilot) capabilities.

The automotive sales sector holds a cautious outlook on the sales prospects of Tesla's simplified version. A dealer specializing in second-hand Teslas told Jiemian News that this "simplified version" may boost the overall sales of the Model Y, but the increase is not expected to be optimistic. Many Model Y owners in Beijing are using it as a second or even third vehicle in the household. For instance, families with two gasoline cars may replace one with an electric vehicle license plate. Such owners do not consider electric SUVs as a necessity, and since they generally have a substantial budget, if the price is reduced and features are downgraded, it is unlikely to resonate with this segment of customers.

If the customer's budget is tight, even buying the so-called "simplified version" won't save some expenses. In the event of minor scratches, official quotes can easily range from 5,000 to 8,000 yuan. If parts like bumpers are damaged, the order and waiting time can be as long as three weeks, unlike domestic brands which can deliver within three days. If the owner opts for third-party repairs, the entire vehicle warranty will be voided, and the car's three-electrical systems will not be covered.

The launch of the simplified version of the Model Y has somewhat changed Tesla's current product layout. Li Yanwei, an expert committee member of the China Automobile Dealers Association, stated in an interview with Jiemian News that the main models sold by Tesla in China are the Model 3 and Model Y, which are priced between 200,000 to 300,000 yuan. Currently, there are too many new cars being introduced in this price range, which has fragmented Tesla's user base and led to sluggish growth. To break this situation, Tesla can only move into either a lower or higher price segment. If Tesla can truly establish a foothold in the 150,000 to 200,000 yuan range, it could significantly expand its user base while avoiding any negative impact on the sales of the Model 3 and Model Y.

Zhong Shizhe believes that the launch of the new Model Y will help Tesla's operations in Europe. After all, since the Model Y was launched in Europe in 2020, Tesla has not released a new model for five years. Especially in the face of competition from new brands, Tesla's sales in Europe have not been optimistic. Fortunately, the Model Y is a classic model with strong brand appeal, and continuing to work on this model can open up a certain profit margin. Additionally, with the production capacity at Tesla's Berlin factory being unstable, the new Model Y can be produced at the Shanghai factory and shipped to Europe, or delivered to other nearby markets, stabilizing its product supply.

The data also supports this view. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, Tesla's registrations in August 2025 were 14,831 units, down 23% year-on-year, marking the eighth consecutive month of decline.

There is also a viewpoint that if a new model of the Model Y is eventually launched, it may help Tesla stabilize its pricing system. Yan Jinghui, a member of the Expert Committee of the China Automobile Dealers Association, told Jiemian News that although Tesla operates directly in the Chinese market, its prices are not stable, as they might decrease today and increase tomorrow. The key reason is that Tesla is constantly testing the market to cater to buyers with different psychological expectations. If Tesla launches another product line, it will to some extent fill the price gap and make the pricing hierarchy more stable.

At the same time, Yan Jinghui also mentioned that in the long run, solely betting on a "simplified version" is not a sustainable strategy. Tesla is likely to "reduce while enhancing," meaning that while cutting some non-core features, it should also address some of its previous shortcomings, such as the lack of a HUD. In summary, Tesla needs to carefully balance the increase and decrease of performance.