Tesla Upgrades Model Y With Larger, Higher Resolution Screen, Adds Black Headliner in China

Tesla has quietly updated the interior of the Model Y produced in China by adding features to the Standard and Premium models that were previously limited to the higher-end Model Y L and Performance variants.

The company is standardizing interior components across the Model Y lineup, including the Standard, Premium, Performance, and extended-wheelbase versions.

Luxury for Everyone

The rollout appears aimed at unifying the fleet following the introduction of the long-wheelbase Model Y L. When that variant debuted, it introduced upgraded materials and additional functionality; Tesla is now bringing those enhancements to the standard-wheelbase models.

By making these features available on lower-priced trims, Tesla reduces the visible differences between its entry-level and top-tier Model Y options in China. A buyer of a base RWD model now receives an interior that is visually identical to the most expensive trim, reinforcing the vehicle’s premium presentation.

Black Headliner

The most noticeable visual change is the replacement of the light gray headliner. For years the lighter gray fabric was fitted to entry-level trims and was often seen as a factor that made the cabin feel less premium. The black Alcantara-style headliner previously used in Performance variants was considerably more popular, with some owners retrofitting Long Range models to match.

Tesla has replaced the gray headliner with a black Alcantara-style fabric across all Model Y variants. The gray option has been removed, simplifying the appearance and the manufacturing process while creating a more premium-feeling cabin.

Upgraded Display

Tesla is also upgrading the center display in Standard and Premium Model Ys to match the Model Y L and Performance models. The screen size increases from 15.4 inches to 16 inches.

While the 0.6-inch increase may seem small, it adds 9 square inches of display area—an increase of 7.94% in area.

The new panel also features thinner bezels, higher contrast, and a higher resolution than the previous screen. The thinner bezels and larger display give the cabin a more modern feel and allow all Model Ys, and likely future Model 3s, to use the same display hardware.

Coming Soon to Europe & North America?

These changes are currently specific to vehicles built at Giga Shanghai but are unlikely to remain limited to that factory for long.

Tesla generally introduces manufacturing updates at Giga Shanghai first—owing to the plant’s relative newness and agile local supply chains—before moving them to Giga Berlin and Giga Texas. Given Tesla’s emphasis on supply chain efficiency and the recent registration of the Model Y L with European type registration authorities, it is sensible that the older headliners and displays will be phased out as stock runs down and the newer components become standard worldwide.

It will likely be only a matter of time before these updates become standard in other regions.