Deliveries of Tesla's new six-seat Model Y L already underway

Tesla has begun handing over the keys to its newest electric car in China, the Model Y L. This stretched, three-row version of the company's popular SUV is specifically designed to appeal to larger families. The first deliveries of the six-seat EV officially started this week, following its launch in late August.

The biggest change - and the main selling point - is the addition of a third row of seats. The Model Y L offers a 2+2+2 seating configuration, directly targeting a growing demographic of family buyers who need more space than the standard five-seat Model Y can offer.

Until now, buyers wanting a three-row electric SUV from a foreign brand had limited options, a gap Tesla is now hoping to fill. For families that have outgrown the standard model, the "L" version presents a compelling upgrade within the same ecosystem.

Of course, more space and more seats come with a higher price tag. The Model Y L starts at RMB 339,000, which converts to approximately $47,500. For comparison, the entry-level, five-seat, rear-wheel-drive Model Y starts at a much lower RMB 263,500 ($37,000).

The more comparable five-seat, all-wheel-drive long-range version is priced at RMB 313,500 ($44,000), making the new six-seater the premium choice in the Model Y lineup. According to Tesla's Chinese website, customers who place an order for the new EV today can expect a delivery window in October.

Tesla gave the Model Y L a larger 82 kWh ternary lithium battery pack supplied by LG Energy Solution. This gives the SUV an official range of 467 miles, as measured by the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

This is precisely one kilometer more than the 466 miles range of the five-seat long-range model, which uses a slightly smaller 78.4 kWh battery. The base five-seat model uses a different 62.5 kWh battery from CATL, offering a CLTC range of 368 miles.

The "L" in the name is no exaggeration. The new Model Y L measures 195.9 inches in length, a substantial 7 inches longer than its five-seat sibling. Its wheelbase has been stretched by 5.9 inches to 119.7 inches. This extra length is the key to accommodating the third row comfortably.

The width is the same at 75.6 inches, but the roofline is a bit taller at 65.7 inches, likely to provide better headroom for passengers in the back. The vehicle's profile and interior volume are transformed, setting it apart from the standard version. Interestingly, the new L version is now only 3.27 inches shorter than the Model X.

The arrival of the Model Y L is a big moment for Tesla in China. The company's sales figures for July showed a dip compared to both the previous month and the same period last year. The most recent data offers a sign of a rebound, with insurance registrations for Tesla vehicles in China jumping by over 21% to 12,500 units last week.

Source