Tesla to launch Model Y L with extended wheelbase and six seats in autumn in China
Tesla has applied for a sales license for the six-seater Model Y L to the Chinese regulator, revealing the core specifications. The car is longer, slightly higher and has a prolonged wheelbase. The revealed drivetrain specs also show that it gets more motor power.
The Model Y L is a larger variant of the Model Y, featuring three rows and accommodating a total of six seats, according to a sales license filing submitted to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). Moreover, Tesla officially announced that the new Model Y L will launch in autumn in China.
The Model Y L has a length of 4,976 mm, a width of 1,920 mm, and a height of 1,668 mm, with a wheelbase of 3,040 mm, which his 150 mm more than the 5-seater. The curb weight will be 2,088 kg, which is 96 kg more than the 5-seater version. It will feature ternary NMC batteries from LG.
The new electric SUV is all-wheel drive (AWD) with dual motors, one located on the front axle producing 142 kW and a second in the rear with 198 kW, providing a combined peak power of 340 kW (456 hp). Top speed is 201 km/h.
The comparison of dimensions (l/w/h):
- Model Y 5-seater: 4797/1920/1624 mm, wheelbase 2890 mm
- Model Y 6-seater: 4976/1920/1668 mm, wheelbase 3040 mm
The comparison of motor power and curb weight:
- Model Y 5-seater (AWD Long-range): 137 kW + 194 kW (total 331 kW), 1,992 kg
- Model Y 6-seater: 142 kW + 198 kW (total 340 kW), 2,088 kg
This will be the first time Tesla will bring a three-row variant of the Model Y to China.
Model Y was Tesla’s stronghold in China. In 2024, Tesla sold 480,309 units domestically, making it the best-selling car in China. It accounted for 74.6% of Tesla’s sales in the Middle Kingdom, the rest goes to Model 3 sedan sales. The mid-size SUV managed to sell quite well, even under pressure from numerous Chinese EV makers, including Xpeng G6, Deepal S7, Zeekr 7X, and Onvo L60.
However, since launching the facelifted version called Juniper in January, things are not going so well for Model Y in China. In the first half of 2025, it sold 171,491 units, representing a 17.5% year-over-year decrease.
The Tesla Model Y L with a long wheelbase will compete with other 6- and 7-seaters in China, such as the Onvo L90, BYD Tang L, Huawei’s Aito M9 or Li Auto i8. CarNewsChina expects the price to be around 300,000 yuan (41,800 USD).
