Tesla’s ambitions in China continue to grow, and a new development is emerging straight out of the country. There are spy pictures that report the initial sighting of a refreshed Tesla Model Y L being transported on a trailer in Jiangsu Province. The vehicle, shrouded under heavy black and silver camouflage, is rumored to be the upcoming Model Y L – a long wheelbase variant targeted towards the Chinese market.
It is speculated that the sighting took place earlier this week, with witnesses reporting that the covered EV seemed slightly stretched out as opposed to an otherwise typical Model Y outline. Although Tesla has made no official statement as to whether or not there is a long-wheelbase model in existence, there have been rumors building up for months, and the latest sighting only continues to build the hype.
China is the largest EV market in the world; however, there are peculiar consumer tastes in this case as well. There has been one trend that has remained firm, which is long wheelbase (LWB) models of popular vehicles. High-end automakers like BMW, Audi, and others have numerous models that include extended wheelbase versions of their sedans and crossovers sold in China to customers willing to pay extra and have large legroom and cozy seating in the rear.
Cars in China also include chauffeur-driven models, most commonly used by business professionals and executives, so spacious back seats are considered a luxury. With the new Model Y L, Tesla could cater to this market without requiring them to upgrade to the much more expensive and larger Model X.
What to Expect From the Model Y L
New Wheels, New Identity: A Tale of Two Rims
One of the most talked-about aspects of the prototype is its unusual wheel setup. The test vehicle was spotted sporting two different 19-inch wheels.
🔥🔥 Fully covered Tesla Model Y L spotted on a trailer in Jiangsu, China!
It may be on its way to a showroom for display. The unveiling seems close! pic.twitter.com/3LlHOFzJdf
— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) August 14, 2025
Rear Wheel: 19” Magnetite from the Updated Model S
The rear of the prototype features the distinctive 19” Magnetite wheels, commonly seen on the refreshed Model S. These wheels are known for their sleek, dark finish and aerodynamic styling, suggesting Tesla may be experimenting with design consistency across its lineup.
Front Wheel: Standard 19” Crossflow
It has the more common 19 Crossflow wheel on the front axle, the one used by default in Model Y. Most probably this configuration of two wheels is a test strategy where engineers at Tesla will be able to conduct evaluations, comparisons between the two concepts based on ride quality, air drag and efficiency in energy usage under real life circumstances.
Such a split-wheel configuration is not strange in the automotive industry, where prototyping has to be done. It enables the manufacturers to gather information and make A/B comparisons without having to use special test vehicles.
Design and Body
The exterior of the test vehicle at first sight does not show any drastic changes, which implies that this Model Y L is rather evolutionary than a completely new design. But with a keener eye, one catches a couple of suggestive glimpses:
Covered-up parts suggest some modification of the front and rear bumpers or the internals of the headlights, or even changes in aerodynamics.
Minor changes to the gap between panels and protectors under the body hint that engineering improvements are being developed.
Since the new version of Model 3 Highland is greatly concerned with the ride comfort, noise levels in the cabin, and construction quality, it is not far-fetched to assume that Model Y L might follow the same pattern.
