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Tesla cuts bass on the base Model Y RWD by halving its speakers and removing the subwoofer

Model Y RWD audio system gets a downgrade in the US (image: Tesla)
Model Y RWD audio system gets a downgrade in the US (image: Tesla)
Tesla didn't lower the RWD Model Y range estimates or introduce stopping mode efficiency cuts like it did on the Long Range and Performance versions to comply with the new EPA tests. It, however, has now reduced its sound system to half of its former strength.

Tesla vehicles have long been called an audiophile's dream as the automaker partnered with the stereo MCs from Bang&Olufsen to achieve what is one of the best stock sound systems in the respective class of its models.

Tesla's most popular Model Y vehicle, for instance, offers no less than 13 speakers and a subwoofer, while the newly released Cybertruck electric pickup ups the audio ante with even more woofers.

Tesla Model Y RWD audio system cuts

Unfortunately, that Tesla audio prowess seems to no longer be the case, at least for the base Model Y RWD version in the US. While in the UK it remains kitted with 13 speakers and a subwoofer, the US version of Tesla's cheapest Model Y will now come outfitted with 6 speakers less. The subwoofer is also gone from the base Model Y configuration and Tesla simply lists it as having "custom audio – 7 speakers, 1 amp, and immersive sound" now.

Before, all of its Model Y versions on sale in the US had "premium audio – 13 speakers, 1 subwoofer, 2 amps, and immersive sound" listed as a setup in their configurators. That's not to say that the base Model Y RWD audio will be bad, but it will just have a less "premium" bass sound (pun intended), depending on the batch number.

Tesla has been on a configuration adjustment spree lately as the EPA recently changed its range testing methods to apply an average of extremes. As a result, Tesla had to downgrade some of the Model Y range estimates, as well as introduce efficiency upgrades like reducing the number of stopping modes.

The RWD Model Y didn't get a range cut as it was introduced back in October and probably already passed the refreshed EPA tests. Its audio system does get a downgrade in the US, however, for whatever cost-saving or efficiency reasons. Tesla is preparing to release a Model Y Juniper facelift, however, perhaps as soon as the second quarter, and it remains to be seen what sound system would this one be outfitted with.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2024 01 > Tesla cuts bass on the base Model Y RWD by halving its speakers and removing the subwoofer
Daniel Zlatev, 2024-01- 9 (Update: 2024-01- 9)