Tesla stretches the Model Y – six-seater L variant revealed for China
Tesla has taken the wraps off a stretched version of its Model Y SUV, adding a longer wheelbase, an extra row of seats, and revised styling for the Chinese market. Dubbed the Model Y L, this new variant is already in production at the company’s Shanghai Gigafactory and is set to go on sale in China later this year.
While Tesla has previously offered a seven-seat version of the Model Y in North America, that variant made use of the existing platform and was widely panned for its cramped third row. The Model Y L seeks to fix that, with a proper rethink of proportions and packaging.
Bigger and better?
The headline change is size. The Model Y L measures 4976mm long, with a wheelbase of 3040mm — that’s 226mm longer overall and 150mm longer in wheelbase than the standard Model Y. To put that in perspective, it now eclipses the Model X’s 2965mm wheelbase, giving this new derivative the longest footprint in Tesla’s line-up.
Height increases slightly to 1668mm, while minor tweaks to the track — 1656mm front, 1624mm rear — suggest revised suspension tuning. Curb weight is up, too, now sitting at 2088kg.
Inside, the L variant moves to a six-seat layout, with two captain-style chairs in the second row and a more usable third row. A redesigned centre console and larger rear display also feature, pointing to a light interior refresh.
Subtle but distinct
Visually, the Model Y L doesn’t veer far from the standard template, but there are some cues to separate it — a redesigned rear spoiler, new alloy wheels, and even a light-gold paint finish unique to this model. It also picks up a subtle ‘Model Y L’ badge.
The drivetrain is familiar: dual-motor AWD, with 142kW up front and 198kW at the rear, for a combined 340kW(456hp). Top speed is quoted at up to 217km/h, and the 0–100 sprint is expected to land around 5.9 seconds. Batteries are supplied by LG Energy Solution, and although exact capacity hasn’t been disclosed, it’s expected to use the same NMC chemistry pack as the Long Range variant — with a quoted CLTC range of 688km, though real-world range will be less.
Made for China (for now)
Long-wheelbase models have a strong following in China, where brands routinely produce stretched versions of core nameplates to appeal to family buyers and those who favour being chauffeured. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi all offer exclusive long-wheelbase models in the Chinese market.
Tesla’s Model Y L fits that mould — a more premium-feeling offering that bridges the gap between the Y and the larger, more expensive Model X.
Will it come here?
That remains to be seen. Tesla New Zealand has not confirmed any plans to bring the Model Y L to our shores. However, all New Zealand-spec Model Ys are currently sourced from Giga Shanghai, and if right-hand drive production begins, it’s not outside the realm of possibility that we could see this longer, roomier variant offered locally.
With the current Model Y being one of the country’s top-selling EVs — and a common family hauler — the six-seat L could be a welcome addition for those wanting more comfort and flexibility.
Just don’t expect it to come cheap. In China, pricing is expected to start around RMB 400,000, or approximately NZD 92,000 — positioning it well above the current AWD model.
