Tesla Model Y L (2025) Unveiled: Larger 6-Seater SUV Aims to Reignite Sales in China

Tesla is expanding its best-selling lineup in China with a bold move: the introduction of a larger, six-seat Model Y, dubbed the Model Y L. Slated for launch in Fall 2025, this new variant is designed to win back customers in an increasingly competitive EV market.

🔹 Tesla Model Y L: What’s New?

Confirmed via Weibo, and further detailed in a regulatory filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the Model Y L brings key upgrades:

Third-row seating for a 6-passenger capacity

Stretched dimensions to accommodate family and lifestyle needs

Premium positioning with dual motors and AWD setup

Tesla is clearly responding to a critical market demand — more space and more seats.

📏 Bigger in Every Way

The “L” in Model Y L stands for "Long," and it shows:

Length: 4,976 mm (+179 mm over standard Model Y)

Wheelbase: 3,040 mm (+150 mm)

Height: 1,668 mm (up from 1,624 mm)

Width: Unchanged at 1,920 mm

This boost in size makes it a true midsize SUV, now with the roominess to challenge local Chinese rivals like the BYD Tang or Li Auto L7.

⚙️ Performance and Powertrain

Despite its bigger size, performance stays sharp:

Dual-motor AWD

Front motor: 142 kW

Rear motor: 198 kW

Top speed: 201 km/h

Battery: Ternary lithium-ion supplied by LG Energy Solution

Curb weight: 2,088 kg

This setup ensures that the Model Y L is not just about space — it still delivers the punch expected from a Tesla.

💰 Price and Market Position

While official pricing hasn't been confirmed, industry insiders suggest a starting price of RMB 400,000 (around €47,550 / $51,700). That positions the Model Y L well above the current:

RWD Model Y (RMB 263,500 / €31,370)

Long-range AWD Model Y (RMB 313,500 / €37,600)

The premium reflects both the added seating capacity and the dual-motor configuration.

📉 Why Now? Tesla’s China Sales Slump

Tesla’s move comes amid declining Model Y sales in China — down 17.48% year-over-year in H1 2025. The EV giant once dominated the SUV space, but local brands like BYD, NIO, and Li Auto are closing the gap fast.

With the Model Y L, Tesla is aiming to fill a gap in its lineup — a roomier, more family-friendly SUV — a segment currently dominated by domestic players offering spacious interiors and third-row options.

🔖 Final Thoughts

The Tesla Model Y L is a strategic evolution of the brand’s best-seller, tailored for Chinese buyers who prioritize family space, high-tech features, and performance. With competition heating up, this six-seater could be Tesla’s answer to maintaining its relevance in the world’s largest EV market.