The next Tesla vehicle, specifically the Model Y L (a stretched six-seater version of Tesla’s best-selling electric crossover), has been photographed without the cover in China, sparking excitement ahead of its official debut. The car was spotted on the way to a showroom in Jiangsu, where it was camouflaged on its front and rear, but the rear end of the car is surprisingly protruding. Compared to its base Model Y, the Model Y L has an extended wheelbase of 3,040 mm, approximately 150 mm longer, a length of 4,976 mm, and a height augmentation of 44 mm.
These dimensional improvements position it squarely between the Model Y and Model X, with a model that features a longer wheelbase than the Model X but a smaller body. Those modifications permit a legitimate six-seat capacity, which the basic Model Y has always missed. The second- and third-row seats can go completely flat, resulting in a spacious cargo area that Tesla executives say is a full-scene 6-seat luxury SUV, designed with families and utility buyers in mind.
Powertrain and Performance
Powering the Model Y L will be a dual-motor and all-wheel-drive system delivering 340 kW (approx. 456 horsepower) powered by an 82 kWh NMC battery pack sourced by LG Battery. The rated capacity is a CLTC range of 751 km, which, when compared to the more realistic EPA cycle, should mean an approximate range of 520 km (320 miles).
Weighing 2,088 kg, or 96 kg more than the dual-motor Model Y, the new variant remains unfavorable in size and comfort but still manages to maintain Tesla performance. These updates are done to make the vehicle competitive in a segment in which both high speed and long range have become a necessity to EV consumers.
🔥🔥 Upcoming 6-seater Model Y L spotted uncovered in China!
The full unveiling is just around the corner! pic.twitter.com/JdlTIIcK9z
— The Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) August 16, 2025
Family/Utility Oriented
The difference between Model Y L and other vehicles is its usability. The move to elongate the wheelbase by Tesla also directly responds to one of the criticisms of the regular Model Y: the tight optional third row. The redefinition has transformed the car into an appealing model that can accommodate a vast number of people but would not cause families to sacrifice money and upgrade to Model X.
And the flat-folding second and third rows up the versatility factor, enabling the Model Y L to have a cargo capacity that rivals small vans without sacrificing the low-profile crossover look that Tesla customers desire.
China First, Not the Only
The fact that Tesla has chosen to launch this variant in China first is indicative of the significance of the latter market, where rival companies like BYD and Li Auto, among others, offering domestic electric vehicles, have become very competitive. The new Model Y L, priced at RMB 300,000 to 400,000 ($42,000 to $56,000), will have to establish itself among the already dominating local offerings, such as the BYD Onvo L90 and Li Auto L8, within the mid-to-large SUV segment.
Tesla has been reported to already be producing at Giga Shanghai, and filings made with the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology have shown that it qualifies under local EV incentives. Such observations and licenses point to a fall 2025 launch in China.
Worldwide Testing Is in Progress
Though China will become the initial market of the Model Y L, the intentions of Tesla do not seem brief. A more heavily disguised Model Y L has already been spotted testing in the Nurburgring in Germany, with hints that they may release it in Europe and potentially North America in the future. Taking the Model Y L to the international market would provide Tesla with a significant presence in the luxury, six-seat compact EV sector—answering the gap between the affordable Model Y and the expensive Model X.
