Tesla is all set to introduce a new Model Y. The extended version of the well-known electric crossover was earlier known to be planned only for the Chinese market, but is now reported to be introduced in the North American market as well. The production of this extended wheelbase Model Y could start soon at Giga Shanghai as well as Giga Texas.
Model Y with Three Rows May Launch in North America
The Tesla has been established as one of the most popular EVs in the market due to its range, performance, and practicality as an SUV. It is now rumored that Tesla continues development on a new model with a longer wheelbase and a third row of seats to seat six, reportedly. This version will provide more space and practicality—two aspects that are important to family-oriented clients and markets that continue to prefer SUVs.
The information leaked at the beginning of the year was that this long-wheelbase Model Y would be assembled only at GigaShanghai and for China only. Still, newer rumors suggest that a new configuration is to be produced at Giga Texas—Tesla’s huge factory in Austin—and can soon become available to customers in North America.
🔥🔥 The longer Model Y is now rumored to be available in North America as well, with production at GigaTexas in addition to GigaShanghai.
Earlier reports suggested this extended wheelbase, three-row version would be exclusive to the Chinese market. https://t.co/Sm01QiflED pic.twitter.com/8180ymimH1
— Tesla Newswire (@TeslaNewswire) April 30, 2025
Seating and Interior Configuration
While Tesla has not officially disclosed any information regarding the specifications of the vehicle, market rumors and corporate filings indicate that the car’s body style will feature three rows and a six-seat layout. While the existing Model Y optional feature has a limited space for seven passengers, the new version will provide much more legroom and headroom in the third row, which has been previously criticized in Tesla’s products. This will effectively create more room in the new Model Y, thus making the car a better proposition than its higher-class Model X, which is priced much higher to start with.
If the longer wheelbase Model Y does come to North America, it will help fill a very important gap in Tesla’s portfolio. The current Model Y is generally considered a model between a sedan and a proper family car. A more practical third-row variant that is truly usable could target this category of consumers who need a larger car than the Model 3 but are not yet ready to pay for the Model X.
Still Unconfirmed by Tesla
The typical pattern of decision-making at Tesla is generally keeping the public in suspense, as every new development is rarely announced publicly. The company has not yet recognized the long-wheelbase Model Y, and there is still no word on this model on the production roadmap. However, Tesla has frequently been in a hurry to shift between products and bring updates without much time in between.
If the rumors are true, it will start building the extended Model Y in China as early as May and could also replicate its Texas success shortly after. In either case, Tesla has been advancing the Model Y to increase affordability and fulfill a greater family-use need for EV cars.
