Musk Hints at New 6-Seater Model Y for the U.S., Then Suggests It May Not Be Produced | Carscoops

      The CEO of Tesla believes that the introduction of self-driving technology in the United States could eliminate the necessity for the Model YL.

      Elon Musk stated that if this does not occur, he anticipates that production of the Model YL will commence in the U.S. next year.

      This new Model Y variant comes with six seats, featuring two captain's chairs in the second row.

      Elon Musk has finally addressed a widely asked question. The Model YL, an extended version of the Model Y, was recently launched in China, but until now, its availability in America was uncertain. In summary, it seems likely that it may arrive next year.

      The Model Y is Tesla’s top-selling vehicle and ranks among the best-selling cars globally across all manufacturers. It’s understandable that fans would want the new six-seater option wherever possible. This level of demand made it seem obvious to release the vehicle in the U.S., unless Musk achieves what he has been promising for several years.

      More: Tesla’s Model Y L Becomes Larger and More Expensive with New Six-Seat Configuration

      This promise entails achieving full-scale Level 5 autonomy, which could make the Model YL unnecessary. If that sounds a bit unrealistic, don't worry; Musk has a history of over-promising and under-delivering. Still, he addressed the U.S. production of the Model YL and mentioned autonomy once again.

      When responding to an inquiry about the car on X, he stated, “This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.” Indeed, Tesla’s Robotaxi initiative is progressing relatively quickly, faster than some cities suggest is legally permissible, but it is still far from a fully refined Level 5 system.

      This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. It might not happen at all, considering the emergence of self-driving technology in America.— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2025

      Every Robotaxi transporting passengers currently has a Tesla employee onboard serving as a safety supervisor. Additionally, this raises the unanswered question in Musk's comments: “Wouldn’t families with many children still prefer a 3-row SUV even with self-driving capability?” This question did not come from a Tesla critic but from the individual Musk was initially responding to.

      Regardless, Musk has not clarified how larger families are meant to travel, even if Robotaxi becomes widely adopted. For the time being, expect Model YL production in the USA to start in late 2026 or possibly early 2027.