A camo-wrapped prototype, widely believed to be the Tesla Model Y L, was recently spotted inside Tesla’s Gigafactory Berlin, sparking enthusiasm and speculation among investors and electric vehicle enthusiasts. The Model Y L – a lengthened wheelbase version of Tesla’s popular electric SUV had once been thought of as a China-exclusive launch.
Still, sightings in Germany, particularly one near the Nürburgring, suggest a broader rollout is on the horizon. Partially veiled by light camouflage, the test mule featured an elongated rear section and a stretched wheelbase, indicating Tesla’s ongoing testing of the vehicle for compatibility with European conditions and regulatory requirements.
What Sets the Model Y L Apart?
A major differentiation between the Model Y L and its standard sibling is the consistency of its dimensional alterations. As described in the data released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the vehicle gains roughly 178 mm in overall length and more notably sports a wheelbase stretched by 152 mm.
This added length allows for a six-seat arrangement with a 2+2+2 setup, including captain’s chairs in the second row and a roomier third row. The result is a more comfortable interior, nearly matching the spaciousness of the larger and more expensive Model X.
Battery and Range
Underneath the floor lies an 82 kWh LG battery pack, offering an estimated CLTC range of up to 751 kilometers (about 467 miles). That makes it well-suited for longer trips, appealing to families who want generous space in an electric SUV—without stepping up to the Model X’s premium price tier
The Significance of This Development for Tesla and Europe
If confirmed, the Model Y L’s debut in Europe would mark a strategic pivot for Tesla. Initially slated only for the Chinese market, Tesla’s decision to trial the Model Y L in Germany signals its confidence that European consumers are ready for a larger, family-oriented electric SUV.
With shoppers in the region favoring multi-row vehicles and their hunger for premium EVs on the rise, from Tesla’s perspective, the Model Y L launch could attract prospective buyers who would otherwise gravitate toward bigger electric SUVs from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, or Volvo—cars that typically command a higher price. Choosing to test vehicles at high-profile circuits such as the Nürburgring likewise shows Tesla is striving to adhere to Europe’s rigorous performance and safety benchmarks. Especially after securing the top-selling EV in Europe.
What’s Next?
Before the Model Y L can officially take to European roads, Tesla must secure homologation according to the region’s WLTP testing requirements. Tesla will probably continue rolling out fresh prototypes and conducting public road trials as it calibrates the vehicle to meet local requirements.
An official confirmation may emerge as late as late 2025, timed to coincide with—or come in the immediate wake of—the vehicle’s rollout in China. Should Tesla ultimately launch the Model Y L in Europe, the vehicle would probably fill the premium niche between the standard Model Y and the Model X, particularly drawing families, executives, and anyone in need of extra cargo and passenger room.
Introducing the Model Y L to Europe would highlight Tesla’s expanding product strategy, aimed at globalizing formerly region-centric offerings to satisfy these universal demand patterns. By bringing together affordability and spaciousness, Tesla would fortify its position in the mid-to-premium electric SUV segment worldwide.
At this stage, the Giga Berlin spy shots entice European shoppers with a tantalizing preview, prompting them to ask not merely if, but rather when, they’ll be able to step into the more spacious, range-capable Model Y.
