Tesla May Astonish You With Its New Six-Passenger Model Y | Carscoops

      A prominent Tesla hacker has indicated that a new seating arrangement for the Model Y is in development, and it's not limited to China.

      Tesla seems to be working on a six-seat variant of the latest Model Y Juniper. This version could be offered alongside the existing five- and seven-seat models of the electric vehicle. There are also speculations that it may include an extended wheelbase and captain’s chairs.

      The Model Y has been Tesla’s top-selling vehicle, and until last year, it was the best-selling vehicle overall. It is a versatile, practical, fast, and modern crossover. The most recent version, which was launched recently, features updated styling and interior enhancements. Now, there are indications that Tesla could be expanding the Model Y lineup with three seating configurations and possibly two different wheelbase options.

      The latest information comes from Green, a known hacker and software investigator (@GreenTheOnly), who has gained recognition for examining Tesla’s software to reveal future features. This time, he discovered a noteworthy detail in Tesla’s software version 2025.14, which explicitly refers to a six-seat Model Y. This is significant, especially since Tesla has only previously offered a five-seat version.

      Furthermore, a seven-seat option is confirmed to be on the way. We learned about it earlier this month through an email from Tesla to customers mentioning its availability. A version of the seven-seater has also appeared in the pre-facelift Model Y, which had a third row with two retractable seats, suitable for young children.

      The six-seater is a new addition to the lineup, as Tesla has never released a six-seat Model Y before. Interestingly, while there were initial rumors suggesting it might be exclusive to China, the Tesla software implies that it will be available globally, not just for the Chinese market.

      It is expected that the six-seat version will have a 2+2+2 seating arrangement, likely featuring captain’s chairs in the middle row. The Model X has previously offered configurations of five, six, or seven seats, with the six-seat option being the most expensive. This will likely be the case for the Model Y as well, theoretically providing the best combination of cabin space and accessibility.

      The anticipated six-seat Model Y has appeared in the firmware, and it seems unlikely to be confined to the Chinese market as some speculated. Interestingly, there are peculiar navigation suggestions for slowing down to save energy, indicating local driving patterns—suggestions that were noted by Green.

      Regarding the Long Wheelbase Consideration

      Undoubtedly, increasing the Model Y's wheelbase could enhance its appeal. This is a strategy many automakers like BMW, Range Rover, and Chevrolet have employed, as a longer vehicle typically offers more interior space, which is highly sought after in today’s auto market. Consequently, the introduction of a six-seat Model Y would make a long-wheelbase variant even more attractive.

      The rationale behind offering a six-seater instead of a seven-seater is to provide more space in the third row. Enhancing this design could suggest a longer wheelbase. Not A Tesla App has also reported that there are rumors in China regarding such a vehicle. Known there as the E80, it might add an additional 5.9 inches to the total wheelbase length, potentially offering increased comfort for both the second and third rows at once.