Since the Gigafactory Berlin opened in March 2022, the Model Y has also been available from German production - including the popular "Performance" variant. Previously, the German Model Y market was mainly served by vehicles from the Gigafactory Shanghai in China.
In this article, we want to look at some of the differences that set the German make apart from the Chinese.
Tesla Model Y Grünheide: quality improved
One thing should be said up front: The differences between the Tesla Model Y from Grünheide and the one from Shanghai are marginal, only those who look very closely will notice any at all. But if you take the time, you will notice, for example, the immaculate paintwork - a product of the new paint shop in Berlin - or the new, quieter opening mechanism for the tailgate.
The quality of the interior has also improved: Model Y from Grünheide gets different seats with larger side bolsters and reinforced seams. In addition, the lower door panels are no longer made of hard plastic, but of softer materials. The gap between the rear seat bench and the outer wall is now also covered with carpet instead of hard plastic, which minimizes knocking noises caused by the seat belt bumping against it.
In addition, a different, better sound system is installed in Grünheide, and the trunk side panels are also shaped differently than in the Chinese model. The latter is mainly due to the fact that a controversial trunk cover was introduced with the new Grünheide model, but is now also available in Chinese vehicles.
By the way: If you are also bothered by the folding mechanism of the parcel shelf, you can find a more convenient trunk roller blind for retracting at Teslabs.
Tesla Model Y Performance Grünheide: New chassis
There are hardly any technical changes in the Grünheide model compared to the Shanghai model. Only the chassis has been revised, and the suspension now feels noticeably softer despite the 21-inch performance rims. Previously, many Model Y customers had complained that the chassis was also excessively hard in the non-performance models - so Tesla has made improvements here.
Have you been able to get your hands on a Model Y Performance from German production? We'd love for you to share your experiences in the comments!
Source contribution image: Pontus Jerand Wernhammar
