Tesla’s extended-wheelbase Model Y, reportedly named the Model Y L, was recently spotted on public roads without camouflage, offering the first clear view of the vehicle. The uncovered prototype confirms Tesla’s plans to expand its SUV lineup with a longer, three-row configuration aimed at family and fleet buyers.
According to Chinese industry observers, Tesla’s Shanghai factory has begun mass production of the Model Y L. The new variant, coded TSL6500BEVBA0, features an 82.0-kWh ternary battery supplied by LG Energy Solution, with an energy density of 176 Wh/kg. The dual-motor setup generates 142 kW at the front and 198 kW at the rear, providing a CLTC range of 751 km. The Model Y L will introduce a six-seat configuration for the first time in the Model Y lineup in China.
Industry reports indicate Tesla China is finalizing which domestic showrooms will initially display the Model Y L. The vehicle’s specifications recently appeared in the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) list of new energy vehicles eligible for purchase tax exemptions, clearing a key regulatory step ahead of deliveries.
Currently, Tesla sells the five-seat Model Y in China in rear-wheel drive and long-range all-wheel drive versions, starting at RMB 263,500 ($36,680) and RMB 313,500, respectively. The new filings suggest that both the extended-range Model 3 and the larger-capacity Model Y L are positioned to broaden Tesla’s premium EV offerings in China later this year.
The second row of the Model Y L features two captain seats to enhance comfort and interior space. Production on existing Model Y lines at Tesla’s Shanghai plant is expected to enable a faster ramp-up and lower tooling costs. The Model Y L aims to appeal to family-oriented buyers and ride-hailing operators seeking a more affordable, long-range, and spacious alternative to the Model X in the competitive Chinese EV market.