Tesla made a few changes to its website last week, revealing lower EPA rated ranges, as well as adding Stealth Grey and Ultra Red to the Model Y. Another change that went unnoticed was a downgrade to the audio system of the Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) in Canada and the US.
When Tesla first launched the Model Y RWD, the electric SUV came with the same Premium Audio sound system that was found in the Long Range (LR) and Performance variants. This was a bit of a surprise as Tesla usually installs a pared down version of its audio system in its entry-level trim, the RWD, reserving the Premium Audio for the upper trims. The matter was a little more complicated with the Model 3 RWD (formerly Standard Range Plus/SR+), which had all of the same speakers installed, but several were turned off/not activated.
The Premium Audio sound system used to include 15 speakers, 2 amplifiers and 1 subwoofer, but the speaker count was reduced to 14 in late 2021 after the center instrument panel speaker was eliminated, a change which Tesla said would not be noticeable.
However, their latest change to the audio system likely will be noticeable. According to the online Design Studio, the Model Y RWD now comes with just 7 speakers, 1 amp and no subwoofer. Tesla calls this system “Custom Audio,” and it is applicable to the Model Y RWD available in both Canada and the US.
The Model Y LR and Performance are still listed as having 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer, and 2 amps.
The Model Y RWD in Europe, which comes from Giga Shanghai or Giga Berlin, is still listed as having the Premium Audio sound system.
This is MIC Model Y on the UK site so I’d agree it’s downgraded stateside. pic.twitter.com/LN9RZLedTo
— Adam Wellinformed (@adamwellinform) January 8, 2024
Tesla doesn’t specify anywhere on their website which 7 speakers have remained in the Mode Y RWD. Given that the change was only added to the website in the last few days, it will likely take another week or more for the first deliveries with the downgraded sound system to take place for us to learn more.
Do you have a Model Y RWD on order? Did you receive notification from Tesla about the change? Let us know in the comments below, or reach out to us at tips@driveteslacanada.ca.
