Tesla Unveils Model Y L with 6 Seats in China: Another Step in Electric Mobility
Tesla has formally introduced a new long-wheelbase variant of its electric sport-utility vehicle, the Model Y L 6-seater, to Chinese customers. By releasing this family-oriented model, the U.S. automaker hopes to widen its appeal in China's fast-growing, highly competitive battery-car segment.
The announcement came earlier this week, with Tesla China activating online reservations through its official order portal. Priced at 309,900 yuan—about ₹35.5 lakh in India's exchange—the vehicle is slated for customer handover by late July 2025.
A New Seating Layout for Families
The standout feature of the Model Y L is its six-seat arrangement. Unlike the standard five-seat version, this long-wheelbase iteration adds a third row and pairs two captain-style chairs in the second row. That layout enhances cabin luxury and eases entry and exit, an advantage on extended trips with young children or older relatives.
Tesla claims its latest Model Y L serves a rising group of shoppers who want roomy electric SUVs, particularly families. The vehicle’s third-row seats fold nearly flat, enlarging the cargo bay for errands around town or for lengthy holiday drives.
Powered by Dual-Motor All-Wheel Drive
Under the skin, the six-seater is fitted with Tesla's dual-motor all-wheel-drive layout. The setup propels the SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 5 seconds, quick for its class. Range sits at an estimated 688 kilometres according to the CLTC test cycle used in China. The electric powertrain delivers immediate torque, steady traction, and a refined ride on varied surfaces.
Interior and Features
Inside, the space maintains Tesla's trademark minimalism, led by a large 15-inch centre touchscreen that oversees most functions. Teak and synthetic leather put a premium feel to the cabin, while second-row captain chairs gain heating and sliding armrests. Sustainable textiles highlight Tesla's push for greener materials, and sound-deadening layers help keep the cabin quiet. Autopilot, the brand’s advanced driver-aid suite, comes standard, while the optional Full Self-Driving package is available where regulations allow.
China remains Tesla’s single largest national market, a fact underscored by production operations at Gigafactory Shanghai. That plant has evolved into the company’s primary manufacturing node outside the United States. By introducing the Model Y L six-seater, Tesla aims to accommodate a rising domestic appetite for larger, multi-seat electric sport-utility vehicles.
Positioned in the crowded mid-size electric-SUV segment, the new variant may bolster Tesla’s competitive edge against influential Chinese makers such as BYD, Nio, and Li Auto, each of which has built loyal customer bases in that category.
Booking and Delivery
Chinese customers can reserve the Model Y L six-seater through Tesla’s mobile app and website. The company has stated that first deliveries will begin by late July; no timetable has yet been given for markets outside greater China.
Final Word
With the Model Y L six-seater, Tesla broadens its electric-SUV portfolio to include a more spacious and family-friendly alternative. Emphasising interior room, comfort, and the brand’s signature performance, the vehicle is poised to attract premium buyers who prioritise practicality without compromising powertrain capability. In a rapidly deepening contest for electrified transportation in China, the launch appears both timely and strategically necessary for the company.
