Tesla's New Model Y L Brings More Space and More Power - But Only for China
Related: Tesla Model Y Aiming To Become A True Luxury Car This Year
This isn't just a standard Model Y with a third row squeezed in. Tesla stretched the wheelbase by 5.9 inches to make room for a full set of second-row captain's chairs and a third row behind them. That brings the total length to 195.9 inches, which puts it just 4 inches shy of the full-size Model X. The roofline is also slightly taller, and the whole thing gains about 212 pounds, tipping the scales at just over 4,600 pounds. It's not just bigger; it's also more powerful. The Model Y L runs a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, with 456 hp in total – about 80 more hp than the current dual-motor version. The biggest visual giveaway, however, is its new triple Y badge at the back. While Tesla hasn't shared any acceleration figures, the documents confirm a slightly pedestrian 125 mph top speed.
China has been Tesla's strongest market for the Model Y. In 2024, the company sold over 480,000 units there, making the standard Model Y the best-selling car in the country. Nearly three-quarters of Tesla's Chinese sales came from that one model alone. But things have cooled off a bit.
Since the refreshed Juniper version launched in early 2025, Model Y sales in China have dropped more than 17 percent year over year. And with local rivals like Xpeng, Deepal, and Zeekr heating up the competition, Tesla needed something new to hold attention. That's where the Model Y L comes in. Chinese buyers tend to favor long-wheelbase cars - it's a common trend, even with sedans - so adding more room and a third row could help Tesla stand out in a crowded EV space.
There's no official word on whether the Model Y L will be offered outside of China. Still, it wouldn't be surprising if Tesla eventually rolled out something similar elsewhere. Three-row SUVs are always in demand in North America and Europe, but most options are either huge or expensive, often both. A stretched version of the Model Y could hit a sweet spot. It's cheaper and more efficient than a Model X, while still offering more flexibility for families or fleet buyers. But considering how many Chinese-exclusive cars never find their way across the pond, we wouldn't get our hopes up just yet.
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