To better align with the mainstream car consumption trends in the Chinese market, Tesla officially announced on July 16 that it will debut the special Model Y L version in China. Compared to the standard Model Y, this version features an extended body length and wheelbase, allowing for third-row seating and a total of six seats.
Reports indicate that the Model Y L’s body length will be increased by about 179 mm, and its wheelbase will be extended by 150 mm. The new wheelbase of 3,040 mm will even surpass the current Model X. For comparison, a Toyota Sienna’s wheelbase is 3,060 mm. At present, Tesla’s only six-seat model is the Model X. The upcoming Model Y L will be another six-seat SUV positioned between the Model Y and Model X. It aims to fill the gap in Tesla’s lineup between the ~¥300,000 Model Y and the nearly ¥1,000,000 Model X, offering a long-range model in between. The expected price is around ¥400,000 (approx. $55,000 USD). Without a doubt, this will be a highly competitive model in the market.
In addition to the Model Y L, Tesla CEO Elon Musk confirmed during the company’s Q2 2025 earnings call that a stripped-down version of the Model Y will also be introduced. This model will be based on the existing Model Y but with cost-cutting measures such as fabric seats, simplified interior and infotainment system, and the removal of premium features (such as the HEPA air filter, rear display screen, and ambient lighting). It may also come with simplified battery and hardware configurations.
On the exterior, the stripped-down Model Y will drop the current model’s continuous light bar headlights and the integrated tail lights with diffuse reflection effects. These reductions in features will further lower production costs, with the expected price possibly below ¥200,000. This model is expected to enter mass production in the second half of 2025 and be available for purchase starting in Q4 2025 (October–December).
