Tesla discontinues Model Y Launch Series in Malaysia, removes acceleration boost

Tesla has quietly discontinued the Launch Series of its refreshed Model Y—codenamed Project Juniper—less than three months after its introduction in Malaysia. As a result, new buyers will no longer receive the exclusive Launch Series add-ons, and for some, their cars will be slightly slower.

The Launch Series versions of the Model Y were equipped with unique details, including:

• A Plaid-style badge

• Puddle light logos

• Special Launch Series sill scuff plates

• “Vegan leather” dashboard trim (for black interiors)

Most notably, the top-spec Long Range All-Wheel Drive (LR AWD) variant also came with the Acceleration Boost, shaving 0.5 seconds off the 0-100 km/h sprint. Without it, the time now increases from 4.3 seconds to 4.8 seconds. Meanwhile, the Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) model remains unchanged at 5.9 seconds.

Despite the removal of the Launch Series perks, the rest of the Model Y’s specifications remain intact:

• Range: 466 km (RWD) | 551 km (LR AWD) (WLTP cycle)

• Design: The Juniper facelift introduces Tesla’s latest design cues, including:

• Full-width front and rear light bars (world’s first indirectly-lit taillight)

• Low-mounted headlights

• New rear diffuser with integrated number plate recess

• Redesigned 19- and 20-inch wheels

• New Glacier Blue exterior color

Inside, the Juniper Model Y mirrors updates from the facelifted Model 3, such as:

• 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen

• Customisable ambient lighting

• Ventilated seats

• 8-inch rear touchscreen

• Retained indicator stalk (unlike the stalkless Model 3)

Tesla has also added:

• Double-glazed acoustic glass (now for all windows, previously only front)

• UV-reflecting silver coating for the panoramic glass roof

• Powered rear seat recline (seats can now fold/unfold via boot buttons)

• New front camera for improved parking visibility (still no 360-degree camera)

Ride refinement has also been enhanced, thanks to:

• New wheel and tyre packages for a quieter drive

• Revised body castings, consolidating 70 parts into a single panel

• Aerodynamic rear diffuser, improving high-speed stability

Despite these changes, prices remain the same:

• Model Y RWD – RM195,450

• Model Y LR AWD – RM242,450 (RM4,450 more than the pre-facelift model)

Deliveries of the Launch Series units are expected to begin this month, marking the final batch before Tesla transitions to the standard Juniper Model Y.

With the Acceleration Boost now gone and no immediate price reduction, buyers will need to decide whether the Juniper Model Y remains the best value in Malaysia’s increasingly competitive EV market.