Tesla's Larger Model Y Has Been Revealed and It Comes with More Than Just Additional Legroom | Carscoops

      The larger Model Y L brings increased power, additional room, and an unexpected second-row configuration.

      Tesla's Model Y L features a three-row, six-seat arrangement along with a longer wheelbase and taller profile.

      Documents indicate an increase to 455 horsepower, surpassing the standard Model Y's 443 horsepower.

      The launch in China is confirmed for the fall, with a U.S. introduction anticipated but not officially announced yet.

      While not entirely official, we’ve known Tesla has been developing a six-seater version of the Model Y for some time, and now, thanks to China's Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), we have our first glimpse.

      Documentation submitted to the MIIT shows a long-wheelbase variant of the Model Y, named the Model Y L, configured with three rows of seating. However, it’s not solely about the increased space. According to the filings and industry insights, this version offers more power along with the expanded cabin, indicating a significant upgrade to the current lineup. The expected launch in China is this fall, with a potential follow-up in North America.

      A Six-Seat Configuration with Added Space

      To begin with, let's go over the specifics. The new Model Y L features six seats instead of seven, so it will include captain’s chairs in the second row. It measures 4,976mm in length, which is 186mm (7.3 inches) longer than the standard Model Y, and it is also 44mm (1.7 inches) taller. The extended length is not simply an elongated body, as seen in vehicles like the Ford Expedition Max.

      Instead, Tesla has increased the wheelbase to 3,040mm, 150mm (5.9 inches) longer than the five-seat Model Y. Along with this added length, the new Y L will come with distinctive wheels, a revamped spoiler, updated seating, and it seems it will offer a new gold paint option.

      The official papers also indicate that it will have greater power. The five-seat Model Y delivers 443 horsepower (331 kW), whereas the Model Y L will produce 455 horsepower (340 kW). This should assist with the additional weight. Notably, Tesla has previously suggested that a seven-passenger Model Y is in the works.

      According to the MIIT documents, this is not that version. However, it wouldn't require much modification—a bench seat or adjustments to the current layout could easily accommodate seven passengers. It remains uncertain whether the forthcoming seven-seater will follow the previous generation's model with a standard wheelbase and two closely spaced seats in the rear, or if Tesla has different plans this time.

      An email sent by Tesla to U.S. owners in June wasn’t the only indication of a North American rollout for the Model Y L. Internal code leaks suggest it will be a global model. With the impending introduction of the Model Y L, that update now seems imminent.