Tesla today announced that its new Model Y L, a six-seat variant of the popular SUV, is now fully available in showrooms across China, with stores opening for consultations and viewings. The highly anticipated model, which officially launched yesterday, is priced from 339,000 yuan (47,120 USD) and is expected to begin deliveries in September 2025.

The Model Y L aims to capture a segment of China’s booming family SUV market, offering a “2+2+2” six-seat configuration, all-wheel drive, and continuously variable damping shock absorbers. It boasts a CLTC-rated range of 751 km and can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.

The launch comes amidst a heated domestic SUV market, with pure electric rivals like the Onvo L90 and Li Auto i8.

EV Insights, a local automotive media outlet, visited a Tesla store in Tianhuan Plaza. Sales personnel confirmed that initial deliveries are slated for September, but test drive vehicles are not yet available. They advised customers not to rush into test drives before placing an order.

For EV Insights, a key focus was the Model Y L’s third-row seating. While the second row features two independent seats with heating and ventilation, new speakers, and unique electric pop-up armrests (which can fully retract but have fixed height and a potential for pinching), the third row presented a more complex picture.

The Model Y L’s wheelbase is 150mm longer and its height 44mm greater than the standard Model Y, and the second-row seats can slide, improving overall cabin flexibility and space. However, entering the third row, EV Insights noted a central hump approximately 100mm high, which could be an obstacle.

For a 170cm tall individual, the third row offered adequate legroom, with about a fist’s distance to the second row and space to extend one leg into the central aisle.

However, the third-row seats were described as “small benches” by EV Insights, with thighs largely unsupported, making them suitable only for emergency use. Due to the Model Y L’s continued coupe SUV design, headroom was severely limited, with only just over a fist’s distance between the head and the rear window for a 170cm person. This raised concerns about head contact during bumpy rides.

Furthermore, the large rear window, positioned close to the head, raised strong doubts of EV Insights about its ability to filter sunlight and UV rays, potentially leading to a “scalding” sensation for occupants. When all three rows are in use, the basic trunk volume is relatively small, accommodating only about three backpacks. While an additional under-floor compartment (for two bags) and a 116L front trunk help, overall practicality for larger items is limited. One customer candidly described the third-row experience as “like driving a convertible.”

EV Insights concluded that the Model Y L’s third row falls short of expectations, largely due to Tesla’s adherence to the coupe SUV body style. This design choice, while maintaining the Model Y’s distinctive look, introduces compromises in comfort, especially regarding headroom and sun exposure.

Editor’s comment

The cramped third-row space in the Model Y L comes as no surprise – as we previously reported, it’s the smallest among its competitors.

Model	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	Height (mm)	Wheelbase (mm)
Aito M8	5,190	1,999	1,795	3,105
Onvo L90	5,145	1,998	1,786	3,110
Li Auto i8	5,085	1,960	1,740	3,050
Model Y L	4,976	1,920	1,668	3,040