Tesla Model Y L is already heading to showrooms

Tesla is preparing to launch the larger version of its popular Model Y in China, in the hope to revitalize sales and compete in the country's booming market for family-sized electric cars. The new vehicle, named the Model Y L, adds a third row of seats and offers more space, directly targeting a segment where Tesla has faced growing competition from local automakers.

While Tesla has only said the Model Y L is "coming soon," promising a fall launch, some units have already been spotted at the company's service centers across China. This suggests that the official release and first customer deliveries are just around the corner. The launch comes at a critical time, as sales of the standard Model Y in China have been slowing down this year.

Tesla’s Model Y L is on the way — demo cars have already arrived in stores, though they’re still under wraps.

Rumor has it orders could start tomorrow, with deliveries kicking off by the end of the month.#ChinaEV #NEV $Tesla pic.twitter.com/T1M2nes3H2

— ChinaEV Home (@CNEVhome) August 18, 2025

The new six-seat Model Y L measures 195.9 inches long, making it 7 inches longer than the standard five-seat model. It is also slightly taller at 65.7 inches and features a wheelbase stretched by 5.9 inches to 119.7 inches. This longer wheelbase is key to providing the necessary legroom for passengers in the new third row, transforming the crossover into a more practical vehicle for larger families. The width remains unchanged at 75.6 inches.

The new Model Y L comes with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain. Regulatory filings reveal a front motor producing 142 kilowatts and a more powerful rear motor at 198 kilowatts. Powering this setup is an 82 kWh ternary battery pack supplied by LG Energy Solution. According to China's testing cycle (CLTC), this combination is good for an estimated range of 467 miles. It is important to note that CLTC range estimates are far more generous than the EPA or WLTP figures.

Tesla has not released official pricing yet, but local media reports suggest the Model Y L will start at around 400,000 Chinese yuan, which is approximately $55,720. This price point places it directly in competition with a growing list of six- and seven-seat electric cars from domestic Chinese brands.

Rivals like Nio and Li Auto have already made big inroads in this segment. Nio's sub-brand, Onvo, just launched its L90 electric SUV, and Li Auto is preparing to deliver its new Li i8. The heads of both rival companies have publicly acknowledged the Model Y L, with Li Auto's CEO Li Xiang calling it a "six-seat electric SUV worthy of respect."

The new Tesla is clearly a direct response to market trends and sales figures. The standard Model Y, once an unstoppable force in China since its 2021 launch, has faced challenges in 2025. According to data, retail sales for the SUV have fallen year-over-year in five of the first seven months.

Cumulatively, from January to July, Model Y sales in China stood at 202,257 units, a decrease of 17.15 percent compared to the same period last year. By introducing the larger Model Y L, Tesla is adapting to the specific demands of Chinese consumers and trying to reclaim its sales momentum in the world's most important market for electric vehicles.

Via