Tesla’s bringing a bigger Model Y to families who need extra seats. The company’s new Model Y L stretches nearly 16 feet long and adds a third row of seats. It’ll hit Chinese showrooms in autumn 2025.
The six-seat electric SUV measures 4,976 millimeters long, making it 179 millimeters longer than the regular Model Y. It’s also 44 millimeters taller at 1,668 millimeters high. The extra space comes from a stretched wheelbase that’s now 3,040 millimeters. Despite these changes, it keeps the same width as the standard version at 1,920 millimeters.
Tesla equipped the Model Y L with dual motors that produce 456 horsepower combined. The front motor generates 142 kilowatts while the rear motor puts out 198 kilowatts. This all-wheel-drive setup can push the SUV to 201 kilometers per hour. The vehicle uses lithium batteries from LG and weighs 2,088 kilograms.
The new layout features captain’s chairs in the second row instead of a bench seat. This creates a center aisle so passengers can easily reach the third row. Tesla’s previous seven-seat Model Y faced criticism for its cramped back seats. The new 2-2-2 seating arrangement should fix that problem.
Captain’s chairs replace bench seats, creating easy third-row access through a center aisle.
Production started in China this July. Tesla submitted its sales license application to China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. While the company’s focusing on China first, firmware revelations suggest the Model Y L might eventually sell in other countries. The stretched model could appeal to Australian buyers who currently have limited electric SUV choices with third-row seating.
The SUV will compete against Chinese electric vehicles like BYD’s Tang L, Huawei’s Aito M9, and Li Auto’s i8. These rivals already offer six or seven seats for families. Tesla’s pricing the Model Y L around 300,000 yuan, which equals about $41,800. Families considering the Model Y L could benefit from Tesla’s charging costs being three to five times lower than gasoline expenses.
China’s growing electric vehicle market presents a huge opportunity for family-sized SUVs. More Chinese families want electric cars with extra seating. Tesla’s betting its longer Model Y can grab market share from established Chinese automakers. The company’s targeting parents who need space for kids and cargo but still want Tesla’s technology and brand appeal. Tesla needs this boost after Model Y sales dropped 17.5% in China during the first half of 2025.