This long-wheelbase variant of the Tesla Model Y brings with it two captains chairs for its middle row.
While Tesla sales may have been faltering in recent months, the ever-popular Model Y however continues to be a global bestseller. And now, sales of this electric crossover looks set to gain even more momentum, with the launch of a new long-wheelbase, six-seater variant in China: the Model Y L.
Jumping straight into the numbers, the Model Y L stretches 179 mm (7 inches) longer than the regular version, giving it an overall length of 4,976 mm. Its wheelbase has been extended to 3,040 mm from the standard model’s 2,891 mm, while height is also up by 44 mm thanks to a subtly revised roofline, which allows third-row passengers to sit more comfortably without craning their necks.
To match the elongated proportions, Tesla has given the Model Y L some subtle exterior tweaks. These include longer rear doors for easier access to the back, variant-specific 19-inch alloy wheels, and a reshaped rear spoiler that contributes to a slippery drag coefficient of just 0.216.
Moving along within, this newly-enlarged Tesla has gained a similarly-stretched 16-inch central infotainment screen (in place of the outgoing 15.4-inch unit). But the bigger news here is likely the seating configuration, as for the first time in a Tesla, the second row features captain’s chairs instead of a bench. These chairs come with heating and ventilation, power-folding armrests, and an electric reclining function that tilts up to 125º for greater passenger comfort.
The third row in turn houses two additional heated seats, which fold flat at the push of a button when extra cargo space is needed. Tesla has also fitted dedicated rear air vents and cupholders for those in the back, making this Model Y more family-friendly than before. With all rows folded, the Model Y L offers up to 2,539 litres of storage, an increase of 401 litres compared to the regular version.
Other enhancements made within the Model Y L include a redesigned wireless charging pad that supports simultaneous fast charging (with active air cooling) at up to 50 W and 30 W, a new Tesla Audio system with a subwoofer and two extra overhead speakers for a total of 19 channels, as well as power-extendable thigh support for the front seats. Each passenger in the second and third rows also gets their own charging ports.
Under the skin, the Model Y L is offered exclusively in dual-motor all-wheel-drive form, with a 193 PS front motor paired to a 269 PS rear motor and powered by an 82-kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) battery pack. This setup allows the SUV to sprint from 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, while delivering a top speed of 201 km/h and a CLTC-rated range of 751 km.
And continuing a bit more on the technical front, the Model Y L weighs in at 2,088 kg, which is 96 kg more than the standard version. To compensate for the added heft, Tesla states that it fitted an upgraded suspension system on this six-seater that promises “smooth and precise vehicle control in corners and across various terrains.”
As for pricing, the Model Y L starts at 339,000 rmb (around $47,200), which is just 25,500 rmb more than the regular 5-seat variant. Optional extras include a brace of premium paint finishes, while Tesla’s enhanced driver-assistance packages are available in two tiers at 32,000 rmb (RM20,000) and 64,000 rmb (RM 40,000).
Now for the pedants out there, it is worth noting that this isn’t Tesla’s first attempt at offering a third-row Model Y. The original Model Y was after all briefly sold with an optional two-seat third row in the United States. But since the vehicle’s dimensions remained unchanged, those seats were notoriously cramped and rarely considered of any practical use.
