First pics! Tesla finally sees the light with new 2025 Model Y Juniper to take on growing cohort of Chinese electric cars such as the Zeekr X, Deepal S07 and Xpeng G6: Reports

Images of the new Tesla Model Y 'Juniper' appear to have begun leaking online, with a flurry of camouflaged images and some more offical-looking shots appearing on international media sites.

The one that has grabbed our attention the most is the tight shot of the what appears to be the shapely rear-end of the Tesla Model Y complete with new edge-to-edge light bar and TESLA lettering.

It is in keeping with the artist impression we've used to lead this story, and both of these design flourishes have been tipped to appear with the new Tesla Model Y, as the American brand faces increasing criticism over what is seen as an ageing model lineup that faces fresh and new competition from models like the Zeekr X, Kia EV5 and more.

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CarsGuide can't speak to the authenticity of the images, but if not official, then do represent exactly what's expected of the new Model Y.

The image has surfaced in China, which is where Model Y production is thought to have commenced this week.

The current production run is a prototype proof-of-concept before mass-scale manufacturing begins, with CarNewsChina quoting sources close to the factory who claim production is currently limited to just 12 vehicles per day.

Large-scale production is excepted to commence next year at Tesla’s Shanghai factory – where Teslas for the Australian market are sourced.

2025 Tesla Model Y (Image: X/Teslaconomics)

US media has already forecast just what to expect from the new Model Y, with Forbes detailing a long list of important updates aimed at making the Model Y a better looking, and better driving, vehicle.

They include a Performance model that should reduce the zero to 100km/h time to just over three seconds. Visually, expect a sleeker, less bulbous front end with lower-profile headlights, while at the rear, a full-length LED light bar with bold Tesla lettering should appear.

Inside, new ventilated front seats, a new steering wheel with buttons, while 360-degree acoustic glass should make the cabin considerably quieter. Also helping will be new tyres and wheels that will also help reduce road noise. Also in the cabin should be a new and upgraded stereo, a better central screen and a new screen for rear passengers.

Dynamically, new frequency response dampers borrowed from the Model 3 will smooth out road bumps, and the Model Y will be fitted with Tesla's HW4 hardware, delivering more computing power for functions like Autopilot and Full Self Driving.