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Chat With UsBy Isha Qureshi • Fri Jul 18 2025
Tesla has officially unveiled the new Model Y L, a larger and longer version of its best-selling electric SUV, through a sales license filing with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The new variant marks a significant evolution of the Model Y lineup and is poised to cater to growing demand for spacious, family-oriented EVs in the world’s largest automotive market.
Designed exclusively for the Chinese market, the Model Y L introduces a third row of seats, offering a total of six seats making it Tesla’s first three-row SUV in China. Built on an extended wheelbase, the vehicle is 4,976 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, and 1,668 mm tall, with a stretched wheelbase of 3,040 mm - 150 mm longer than the standard Model Y. This increase in size naturally brings a rise in curb weight to 2,088 kg, up from 1,992 kg.
Beneath the surface, the Model Y L features a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, generating 340 kW (456 hp) from a 142 kW front motor and a 198 kW rear motor. The top speed is maintained at 201 km/h. A notable shift is the transition from the LFP batteries used in the standard Model Y to LG-supplied NMC (ternary) batteries, known for their higher energy density, promising better performance and potentially longer range.
Tesla confirmed the model shortly after the MIIT listing went public, sharing teaser images on its official Weibo account. These visuals revealed subtle design tweaks, including a redesigned rear with a unique triple-Y logo. The naming convention follows a familiar trend among premium automakers in China, with “L” variants such as those from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes traditionally representing long-wheelbase models tailored to Chinese consumers’ preference for rear-seat space and comfort.
The Model Y L is clearly aimed at a more family-focused demographic, entering the competitive arena alongside popular three-row electric SUVs like the Onvo L90, Li Auto L8, Aito M9, and BYD Tang L. However, Tesla’s newest entrant will face pricing challenges, with an estimated price tag of USD 50,000 (RM212,000), notably higher than rivals like the Onvo L90, which starts at just USD 39,000.
The launch comes at a pivotal time for Tesla. Although the Model Y was the company’s best-selling model in China in 2024, with 480,309 units sold, its momentum has slowed in 2025. In the first half of the year, Tesla sold just 171,491 Model Y units, a 17.5% drop year-over-year even after introducing the facelifted Juniper variant earlier this January.
With the Model Y L, Tesla is signaling a strategic shift to match evolving consumer demands and mounting competition in China’s maturing EV market. Whether a longer body, extra seats, and premium battery tech will be enough to recapture lost market share remains uncertain. But one thing is clear that Tesla is no longer just selling electric performance; it’s now selling space, comfort, and family utility to stay ahead in a fast-moving race.