Tesla stretches the Model Y, adds third row in hope to revive sales in China

Tesla is preparing to launch a new, larger version of its best-selling Model Y in China this fall. The new vehicle, called the Model Y L, will feature a longer body and a six-seat configuration, in the hope of revitalizing slowing sales in the world's largest EV market.

The American EV manufacturer confirmed the upcoming launch on the Chinese social media platform Weibo and shared some preview images. More detailed information surfaced through a regulatory filing with China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The filing, which is required for any new vehicle sold in the country, reveals that Tesla is adding a third row of seats to appeal to families and those needing more passenger space.

The "L" in Model Y L clearly stands for "long." The new version measures 195.9 inches in length, with a wheelbase of 119.7 inches. This makes it significantly larger than the current five-seat Model Y sold in China, which is 188.9 inches long with a 113.8 inches wheelbase. The new model is about 7 inches longer, providing the necessary room for the extra row of seats. The width remains the same at 75.6 inches, while the height has increased slightly to 65.7 inches from 63.9 inches.

Underneath the stretched frame, the Model Y L is equipped with a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive powertrain. The MIIT filing lists the front motor with a peak power output of 142 kilowatts and the rear motor with 198 kilowatts. The vehicle will use ternary lithium-ion batteries supplied by the South Korean company LG Energy Solution. Despite its larger size, its performance figures remain respectable, with a listed top speed of 125 mph. The added length and components bring the curb weight to 4,603 lb.

While Tesla has not officially announced the price, industry sources cited in local media reports suggest the Model Y L will start at around RMB 400,000, which is approximately $55,710. This makes the six-seater a premium offering, carrying a big price increase over the existing five-seat versions. Currently, the standard rear-wheel-drive Model Y starts at RMB 263,500 ($36,750) in China, while the long-range all-wheel-drive model starts at RMB 313,500 ($44,000). The higher price reflects the larger size and additional seating, and also its dual-motor configuration.

The introduction of the Model Y L comes at a critical time for Tesla in China. After years of dominating the segment since its launch in January 2021, the Model Y is now facing intense pressure from a growing number of domestic and international competitors. The SUV's retail sales in China in the first half of this year saw a 17.48 percent decrease compared to the same period last year. Even Tesla isn't immune to the pressures of the world's most crowded electric car playground, and by offering a six-seat option, the company is directly targeting a weakness in its lineup.

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