Tesla Model Y adds two more seats to win over UK families

Tesla is fighting to keep its spot as a top choice for families in the United Kingdom. The company brought back the seven-seat option for the Model Y, which was only available with five seats for a while now. Parents who need to carry more kids or friends (though they need to be small) have a new choice when looking at electric cars.

Unfortunately, if you are in the UK and you want those extra seats, you cannot just go for the cheapest Model Y. Tesla is only offering the seven-seat layout on the Long Range All-Wheel Drive trim. This specific version of the car has two motors to power all four wheels. It is built for people who want more distance and better grip on the road. The starting price for this seven-seat model is £54,490 - exactly £2,500 more than the five-seat version of the same car. For many large families, that extra cost is a small price to pay to avoid taking two cars to pretty much any event.

Adding more seats does change how the car performs. The standard five-seat Long Range Model Y can go about 391 miles, but with the extra row of seats and the extra passengers, that range drops to 372 miles. Losing 19 miles might sound like a lot, but Tesla can still cover a very good distance compared to other EVs in this price range. Most drivers will not even notice the difference during their daily commute.

One of the biggest questions people have about seven-seaters is where the luggage goes. Tesla says they have solved this problem. Even when all seven seats are being used, there is still 13.5 ft³ of space in the back. That is enough room for a couple of carry-on suitcases. If you do not need the back seats, you can fold them flat. This opens up a huge 31.6 ft³ of space - but that's measured all the way to the roof.

Tesla also reminds owners that they have a "frunk" where the engine would be in a normal gas car. The company claims you can fit two large bags in the front and two suitcases in the back, even with seven people inside. It might be a tight squeeze, but it is better than leaving bags behind.

The inside of the car had to change a little to make room for the new passengers. The middle row of seats now slides forward and backward. This makes it easier for people to climb into the very back. It also lets the people in the middle give more legroom to the people behind them. Tesla also added two USB-C charging ports in the very back so the kids can keep their tablets or phones charged during long trips.

Potential owners should not expect a limousine experience in those back seats. These chairs are quite small and mostly meant for children. Adults might find it very cramped if they try to sit back there for a long time. In China, Tesla sells a version of the Model Y that is longer and has "captain chairs" in the middle row, but the UK is not getting that version. The UK model keeps the standard body size, making the back row a bit snug.

Tesla is releasing this update because the competition is getting tough. Other car companies are bringing out large EVs to take customers away from the Model Y. Brands like Mercedes have the EQB, and Peugeot has the new E-5008. There is also the new Skoda Peaq. By adding two more seats, Tesla is trying to make sure it stays the favorite choice for busy families who want to go electric.

If you want one of these new seven-seaters, you do not have to wait very long. Tesla is already taking orders. The first group of owners should get their cars delivered in May, giving families just enough time to get ready for summer road trips. It will be interesting to see if these extra seats help the Model Y fight off falling sales.

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