Key Takeaways
1. Tesla has opened preorders for the affordable RWD Model Y Juniper version, priced at $60,000 in the US.
2. In Europe, the AWD Long Range version is available for €52,990, with the lowest-priced RWD model starting at €44,990.
3. The Long Range RWD model offers a range of 386 miles, but may not be available in the US due to battery sourcing restrictions.
4. The RWD Long Range variant is expected to launch later than premium versions, with availability anticipated by June.
5. The cheapest Model Y Juniper trim has a range of 310 miles and a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 seconds, set for release in May or June.
Tesla has recently opened preorders for the RWD Model Y Juniper version, which is the most affordable option. This comes shortly after they released a more expensive facelift version of the vehicle.
Pricing and Features in the US
In the United States, the Model Y Juniper is offered as a Launch Series edition priced at $60,000. This version includes Full Self-Driving (FSD), premium wheels, and unique badging.
European Market Launch
In Europe, where FSD is not available, Tesla has introduced the more costly AWD Long Range version for €52,990 in Germany, along with its less expensive RWD versions. Sales in that region may not be as strong, prompting Tesla to quickly make available all variants of the Model Y Juniper refresh, including the base RWD model. The lowest-priced 2026 Model Y trim is set at €44,990, which is 15% cheaper than the highest trim. An interesting aspect of the Model Y facelift is the exclusive Long Range RWD version, which is unlikely to reach the US market.
Long Range RWD Capabilities
This new Long Range RWD model offers a significantly larger battery, boasting an impressive range of 386 miles. However, it likely features an LFP battery sourced from Chinese manufacturers such as CATL or BYD, meaning it probably won’t be available in the US while federal tax credits for domestically made vehicles are in place. By contrast, the Long Range AWD Model Y Juniper can achieve 364 miles on a single charge, according to the European WLTP cycle, which is around 10% less strict than the EPA ratings used in the US.
Despite this, the 2026 Model Y Juniper LR AWD trim provides better range compared to its earlier version, which was rated for 600 km (373 miles) on 19-inch wheels under the same WLTP cycle. The current facelift utilizes the same batteries as its predecessor, so the enhanced range is attributed to improved aerodynamics and efficiency, rather than an increase in battery capacity, which Tesla claims would have made it too expensive for a mass-market electric vehicle like the Model Y, its best seller.
Release Timeline and Performance
Although Tesla has shared the specifications and pricing for the RWD Model Y Juniper variants to give European consumers an option for a lower-priced trim, these models will launch later than the premium versions. The RWD Long Range model, which boasts the best range, is expected to be available as late as June, even though early buyers can place an order right now for €49,990. This Long Range Model Y RWD variant is equipped with a more powerful rear motor and can go from 0-60 mph in just 5.6 seconds, despite the added weight of the larger battery.
On the other hand, the least expensive Model Y Juniper trim has a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 5.9 seconds. While this might appear to be a minor trade-off for saving five grand, it also has the smallest battery and the shortest range, which is 310 miles on the WLTP cycle. Tesla has stated that the cheapest Model Y is expected to be released in May or June, unlike the premium Long Range AWD version, which is set for a March release.
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