Photo: Tesla
Tesla downgraded the sound system in the base version Model Y RWD to one amp and seven speakers, mirroring a similar approach in the Model 3 lineup. Those who want a more upscale sound will have to upgrade to the Long Range variant, which still comes with the Premium Audio system onboard.
The audio systems in Tesla EVs have always been praised for their impressive sound, which often trumps much more expensive audio systems in other car models. Legend says that Tesla poached sound engineers from Bang and Olufsen and put together its own audiophile team. This way, Tesla can offer high-end sound quality at more affordable prices. And it's loudly noticeable, too: the first thing people say after listening to music in a Tesla is how good everything sounds.
Tesla offers a 13-speaker configuration for its Premium Audio systems, with two amplifiers and a subwoofer. Until March 2022, the Premium Audio sound system featured an additional speaker in the center console, but that was removed to cut costs. The removal of the center speaker should go unnoticed, Tesla promised, and I haven't heard anyone complaining about the change.
Despite this move, everyone knows that Tesla is big into high-end audio, and this is something Tesla fans appreciate. Last year, the EV maker pushed things up a notch with the Model 3 Highland, which featured an even more impressive audio system. The refreshed Model 3 comes with a 17-speaker setup, with two amplifiers and two subwoofers, which was also installed in the Cybertruck.
However, Tesla does not always offer its best sound system on all models. Traditionally, the least expensive Model 3 and Model Y have not shipped with Premium Audio. Instead, they provide a toned-down audio system with only one amplifier, no subwoofer, and fewer speakers (seven in older models and nine in the Model 3 Highland). Nobody was surprised, considering that Tesla aimed to make its vehicles as affordable as possible, and that means cutting features to offer a lower price.
Things looked different when Tesla launched the Model Y RWD in the US. The base-version crossover still featured the Premium Audio sound system found in the more expensive variants. Well, if you wonder why the past tense, it's because Tesla decided to set things right and significantly downgraded the sound system in the Model Y RWD. Specifically, instead of 13 speakers, two amps, and one subwoofer, the Model Y RWD will only get seven speakers, one amp, and no subwoofer from now.
Tesla calls this crippled system "Custom Audio," and it's currently only affecting customers in the US and Canada. Europeans still get to enjoy the Premium Audio system in the RWD Model Y for now. Without Tesla making an official announcement, it's unclear which speakers have been removed (if any). Remember, the Model 3 RWD still had all the speakers in place despite its lesser configuration. This allowed some to unlock Premium Audio via aftermarket mods. Later, Tesla cracked down on these adapters, breaking the mods.
Tesla offers a 13-speaker configuration for its Premium Audio systems, with two amplifiers and a subwoofer. Until March 2022, the Premium Audio sound system featured an additional speaker in the center console, but that was removed to cut costs. The removal of the center speaker should go unnoticed, Tesla promised, and I haven't heard anyone complaining about the change.
Despite this move, everyone knows that Tesla is big into high-end audio, and this is something Tesla fans appreciate. Last year, the EV maker pushed things up a notch with the Model 3 Highland, which featured an even more impressive audio system. The refreshed Model 3 comes with a 17-speaker setup, with two amplifiers and two subwoofers, which was also installed in the Cybertruck.
However, Tesla does not always offer its best sound system on all models. Traditionally, the least expensive Model 3 and Model Y have not shipped with Premium Audio. Instead, they provide a toned-down audio system with only one amplifier, no subwoofer, and fewer speakers (seven in older models and nine in the Model 3 Highland). Nobody was surprised, considering that Tesla aimed to make its vehicles as affordable as possible, and that means cutting features to offer a lower price.
Things looked different when Tesla launched the Model Y RWD in the US. The base-version crossover still featured the Premium Audio sound system found in the more expensive variants. Well, if you wonder why the past tense, it's because Tesla decided to set things right and significantly downgraded the sound system in the Model Y RWD. Specifically, instead of 13 speakers, two amps, and one subwoofer, the Model Y RWD will only get seven speakers, one amp, and no subwoofer from now.
Tesla calls this crippled system "Custom Audio," and it's currently only affecting customers in the US and Canada. Europeans still get to enjoy the Premium Audio system in the RWD Model Y for now. Without Tesla making an official announcement, it's unclear which speakers have been removed (if any). Remember, the Model 3 RWD still had all the speakers in place despite its lesser configuration. This allowed some to unlock Premium Audio via aftermarket mods. Later, Tesla cracked down on these adapters, breaking the mods.
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