Tesla’s getting ready to launch a stretched version of its popular Model Y electric SUV in China next year. The company has filed paperwork with Chinese regulators for the Model Y L, which adds an extra row of seats and more space for passengers.
The Model Y L is 7.6 inches longer than the regular Model Y. It’s got a wheelbase that’s stretched by 5.9 inches to make room for six passengers across three rows. The vehicle measures 16.3 feet long, 6.3 feet wide, and 5.5 feet tall. Tesla hasn’t confirmed if this bigger SUV will come to other countries.
Under the hood, the Model Y L packs two electric motors that produce 456 horsepower combined. The rear motor generates 266 horsepower while the front motor adds 190 horsepower. This all-wheel-drive system can push the SUV from zero to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds. Top speed reaches 135 mph. The vehicle weighs 2,088 kg, making it 96 kg heavier than the standard five-seater Model Y.
The battery is also bigger than the standard Model Y. It’s an 82.5 kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate pack, compared to 62.5 kWh in the base model. Chinese testing shows it can travel 427 miles on a single charge, though real-world range would likely be lower. The SUV can charge at Tesla’s Supercharger stations.
Design changes include a new rear spoiler and special wheel patterns made for the longer frame. Tesla’s adding a light gold color option and Model Y L badges to distinguish it from regular versions. The extended rear section gives third-row passengers more headroom and cargo space. Like the refreshed Model Y, the L variant features ambient lighting and updated interior controls for enhanced passenger comfort.
The Model Y L passed China’s safety and emissions tests and should start production in autumn 2025. It’ll likely cost about $6,500 more than the standard Model Y. Tesla hasn’t announced specific interior features, but the company will probably add climate controls and comfort features for rear passengers.
This move shows Tesla’s adjusting to Chinese buyers who often prefer larger vehicles with three rows of seats. The Model Y L gives Tesla a competitor against other six-seat electric SUVs in the world’s biggest auto market. However, potential buyers should consider that current market conditions show Tesla models experience rapid tech advancements that can make earlier versions feel outdated quickly. In addition to catering to the demand for larger vehicles in China, Tesla’s expansion strategy may also include the highly anticipated tesla model y launch in india. This move not only bolsters their presence in key global markets but also positions Tesla to capitalize on the growing interest in electric vehicles among Indian consumers. As the company navigates these diverse markets, it will be crucial to adapt to varying consumer preferences and regulatory standards.