GoKawiilTesla has added an actual, reasonable third row of seats to its Tesla Model Y. The automaker brought a long-wheelbase variant of the Model Y electric SUV to its US lineup, shoring up a gap in its fleet and bracing the brand against new electric SUV competition.
The Model Y L Premium Launch Series quietly opened for order at Tesla's website and dealerships last week, priced at $61,990 for the new six-seat configuration.
This longer Model Y isn't exactly new to the world -- it originally debuted as a Chinese exclusive model in mid-2025 -- but this is the first time it'll be available in North America.
Why now?
Earlier this year, Tesla announced its intent to discontinue its three-row Model X electric SUV alongside the Model S sedan, refocusing its Fremont, California, factory on the development of its Optimus humanoid robot. Sunsetting the Model X leaves Tesla with nothing to challenge the Rivian R1S, Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and Cadillac Vistiq in the highly lucrative full-size, three-row SUV class. Meanwhile, Rivian's new R2 just pulled up into the midsize electric SUV space, ramping up deliveries to customers last month and boasting more space for people and cargo than Tesla's Model Y.
Enlarge Image The Model Y L adds about 6 inches to the midsize SUV's wheelbase. Tesla
Bringing the existing long-wheelbase Model Y L here, to Tesla's home market, allows the automaker to shore up the shortcomings on two fronts (both a true three-row and midsize SUV) with one car, without incurring outsized R&D costs and with minimal factory retooling. Beyond a mild facelift, the Model Y chassis hasn't been updated significantly since its 2019 debut, so this isn't the most exciting move for those hungry for the next new thing from Tesla.
What's different from the standard Model Y
The L stretches the Model Y platform in three dimensions. Overall, the EV is around 7.6 inches longer than the now-familiar SUV at 195.9 inches bumper-to-bumper and 1.7 inches taller (65.7 inches). More difficult to tell from the curbside, the Model Y L is also around 212 pounds heavier, tipping the scales at around 4,600 pounds. Most significantly, the EV's wheelbase grows by 5.8 inches to 119.7 inches between the axles.
Tesla Model Y L compared
... continue reading