Tesla Model Y L

Model Overview

The Tesla Model Y L is Tesla's first six-seater all-electric SUV, launched in the Chinese market on 19 August 2025 and built upon the current Model Y platform. Positioned as a six-seater family SUV, it boasts significant increases in both vehicle length and wheelbase over the standard Model Y to accommodate a third seating row, slotting neatly between the Model Y and Model X. Prices for the Model Y L start from RM339,000, with customer deliveries slated to begin in September 2025. Tailored specifically to meet the family mobility demands of the Chinese market, its key rivals include six-seater pure electric SUVs such as the Li Auto i8, ONVO L90, and AITO M8 EV.

Design Language

In terms of styling, the Model Y L carries over the design language of the refreshed Model Y. The front fascia features full-width daytime running lights paired with split headlamps, while the rear sports diffuse-reflection full-width taillights. Compared to the standard model, the rear section has been noticeably stretched, complemented by an extended roofline and larger rear quarter windows to enhance daylighting and spatial comfort for third-row occupants. This lends the SUV a more elongated silhouette, further accented by a sportier rear spoiler. In terms of dimensions, it measures 4976mm long, 1920mm wide, and 1668mm tall, with a 3040mm wheelbase—representing an increase of 179mm in length and 150mm in wheelbase over the standard Model Y.

Inside, the cabin retains Tesla’s hallmark minimalist design, complete with wraparound ambient lighting and a choice of dark or light grey interior themes. The central touchscreen is upgraded to a 16-inch display with an approximate 30% bump in resolution, powered by an AMD Ryzen processor. Up front, the wireless charging pad supports 50W+30W dual fast charging with active air cooling, while the audio system is upgraded to 19 speakers (incorporating a subwoofer alongside new centre and roof-mounted speakers). Coupled with acoustic glass, an optimised suspension setup, and noise-reducing tyres, overall NVH levels are further elevated.

Powertrain & Performance

The Model Y L is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system, comprising a 142kW front motor and a 198kW rear motor to deliver a combined system output of 340kW. It completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 201km/h.

Supplying energy is an 82kWh ternary lithium battery pack, delivering a CLTC-rated range of 751km with an energy consumption as frugal as 12.8kWh/100km. Tipping the scales at 2088kg, its kerb weight remains impressively lightweight for its class.

Chassis & Handling

Underneath, the Model Y L gains new CDC (Continuous Damping Control) adaptive shock absorbers that intelligently adjust damping rates based on road conditions and vehicle speed, striking a fine balance between ride comfort and body support. It rides on a staggered tyre setup—255mm wide at the front and 275mm at the rear—increasing the rear contact patch for enhanced grip.

Cabin & Features

The Model Y L adopts a 2+2+2 six-seater layout. The newly styled front seats feature power adjustment, heating, and ventilation, along with adjustable headrests and leg rests. The second row houses individual captain seats with power-raising armrests that recline up to 125°, operated via physical buttons or the touchscreen. The third-row seats also support power adjustment and heating, alongside dedicated child seat ISOFIX anchor points. Both the second and third rows can be folded down electrically, expanding maximum boot space to a massive 2539L. Storage capacity is substantially enlarged compared to the standard model.

Safety & Intelligent Driving

The Model Y L comes fitted with full airbag coverage spanning the first, second, and third rows, offering a total airbag protection zone length of 3.9 metres that covers over 95% of the vehicle's longitudinal cabin space, with child safety seat installation fully supported in the third row. The vehicle maintains Tesla's established benchmarks in structural crashworthiness as well as active and passive safety.

Market Performance & Outlook

As Tesla's maiden six-seater SUV, the Model Y L's starting price of RM339,000 takes direct aim at the RM300,000 to RM400,000 family six-seater SUV segment. Goldman Sachs projections suggest annual sales for this model could reach 375,000 units by 2027. Amid fierce rivalry in China's six-seater pure electric SUV market (with the Li Auto i8 starting from RM339,800, the ONVO L90 six-seater priced from RM265,800, and the AITO M8 EV opening pre-sales at RM378,000), the arrival of the Model Y L signals Tesla's strategic expansion into the family mobility segment. Nevertheless, as buyers in the six-seater SUV space typically place less emphasis on dynamic handling, whether this segment can serve as a strong volume growth driver for the Model Y L remains to be seen.