Tesla Model YL is a freshly declared, stretched variation of its Model Y concept to suit families, requiring greater room and comfort. It will be a real 6-seater; unlike today, which has models in 5 seats or 7 seats, the YL will be modeled as a 6-seater with a longer wheelbase, and specifically designed captain chairs on the second row, which makes access to the third row much more comfortable.
Tesla officially presented the Model YL in China in July 2025, but the series has already been produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory. Officially not yet available in the U.S., it will almost certainly come across, based on firmware code leaks and release patterns of the past, perhaps even early in 2026.
The Model YL will be designed to allow it to fill the space taking place between the Model Y and the far more expensive Model X. It provides an equivalent driving experience, the complete Tesla -tech stack, and more practicality to move the family up, without moving up to the luxury price club.
Design and Dimension upgrades to YL Models
The Tesla Model YL is another version of the standard Model Y, but it has a longer and slightly elevated platform. Its wheelbase is increased more or less to 3,040 mm, and it is almost 150 mm longer. The total length is about 4,976 mm which provides additional space inside the car, particularly on the second and third row. The height has increased by about 44mm to enable the cabin to have a standing position.
Exterior-wise, the Model YL retains all the Model Y looks with some minor upgrades. It has a discreet rear spoiler, redesigned alloy wheels and a Model YL logo on the tail jam. Tesla has also added a new paint color champagne gold which slightly made the vehicle look fancier.
All these alterations allow the Model YL to be different without compromising the minimalistic Tesla design language. The extra body makes it look more balanced, particularly in the side view, and it definitely has been designed with comfort in mind without other effects on performance.
Cabin space and Seating layout
The outstanding attraction of the Tesla Model YL is that it is a genuine 6-seater design. The YL has a 2+2+2 layout, however, unlike the 7-seat version of the regular Model Y, which has the second row crowded with three seats, the YL is equipped with two captain seats on the second row and an open aisle leading into the third row.
This new arrangement works around one of the greatest complains to the old Model Y 7-seater: poor legroom and cube-like access to the third row. There is also more leg room for those who will occupy the back seats with the longer body and it is a lot easier to get into the third row, the back seats, not to mention families with children.
The cabin is modern and clean inside. The enhanced headroom and assigned air vents, charging jacks to passengers remain on all three rows. The second row of seats are manoeuvrable and can be reclined, thus making long drive easier on all the occupants.
Tesla also made it clear that the Model YL is a family car that can go slightly beyond the capabilities of a Model S, becoming too much of a compromise in terms of space and utility.
Performance, Battery and Range
The Tesla Model YL can be larger, but it does not make any compromises when it comes to performance. It is equipped with two motors all wheel drive system, with a joint power of 456 horsepower (340 kW). Although it is bigger, it can reach 60 mph in roughly 5.9sec, providing the same quick and smooth driving experience that Tesla has become known to achieve.
The Model YL is equipped with a lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) battery with an 82.5 kWh capacity that is tough and reliable. Though official EPA numbers have not been announced, in Tesla reported a CLTC range of 688 km, which roughly equates to 300 and 330 miles according to EPA, which will be sufficient for daily drive and long-distance travel.
The charging rates will be comparable to those of the existing Model Y Long Range with the ability to fast-charge at the Tesla Superchargers. The high range, authoritative sprint and familiar driveline technology put Model YL in a good position as far as the rising family of the EVs is concerned.
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Features, Technology and Security
The Tesla Model YL comes equipped with the same clean and technology-leading cabin experience that the other Tesla models have but with a little family-focused flair.
It has a middle console with the most trusted feature of the Tesla brand a fifteen-inch touchscreen that manages almost all the vehicle features, navigation, climate, etc. It has the quick voice-controlled interface and is heavily loaded with the over-the-air updates. Both front and rear seats of all three rows possess several USB-C ports with wireless charging stations in addition to enhanced airflow with specialized vent screens.
In the safety department, you find everything necessary in the YL Model, such as automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane-help assist, and Tesla Autopilot driver-assist system. It will also be compatible with Tesla Full Self-Driving Software Package, in case they want to add it.
The tech is basically the same as on the regular Model Y, but the additional cabin space and well thought-over improvements make YL a wiser investment in case you want your car to have all the smart features without being excessively upscale.
Is Model YL the Best Family EV 2025?
In case you are in need of an electric SUV that is spacious, high-tech and efficient, you cannot go wrong with the Tesla Model YL. It ends up having a longer body, dedicated 6-seat configurations, and captain seats, which addresses the practical problems of the standard Model Y 3rd row cramped seating space.
The YL is particularly good in a value-to-space ratio compared to similar competitors in this category such as the Kia EV9, the Rivian R1S, or even the Tesla Model X since the Model X is its own brand. It will likely be much more affordable than the X and will do nearly the same in the real world range with all the same technology that Tesla knows works using the entire Supercharger network.
Naturally, there is no free lunch here too, and it might not be quite as spacious in the rear most seats as its full-size SUV counterparts, and its introduction in the United States still awaits. However, the Model YL may become the 2025 sweet spot of families calling Tesla quality and demanding, at the same time, more seats and space on board.
Tesla Model YL vs Other 6-Seater Electric SUVs (2025)
| Feature / Model | Tesla Model YL | Kia EV9 | Rivian R1S | Tesla Model X |
| Seating | 6 (2+2+2) | 6 or 7 | 7 | 6 or 7 |
| Range (EPA est.) | ~300–330 mi | ~304 mi | ~316 mi | ~330–348 mi |
| Powertrain | Dual Motor AWD | Dual/Triple Motor | Dual/Quad Motor | Dual Motor AWD |
| 0–60 mph | ~5.9 sec | 5.0–6.0 sec | 3.0–4.5 sec | ~3.8–4.4 sec |
| Starting Price (Est.) | ~$56,000 | $54,900 | $74,900+ | $79,990+ |
| Third Row Comfort | Improved access | Spacious | Full adult-friendly | Moderate |
| Tech Stack | Tesla ecosystem | Kia Connect | Rivian OS | Tesla ecosystem |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Tesla Model YL being sold in the U.S.?
It is not, yet, as it has also been introduced in China first, however, we are likely to get it in the U.S by late 2025 or early-2026, going by the past performance and code-indication of Tesla.
What is the difference between YL and 7-seater Model Y?
The YL not only sports a longer chassis but also a true 6 seater configuration complete with captain seats and easier access to the third row seats as well, not to mention there is no need to squeeze the extra seats in.
Is it comfortable to sit in the third row by adults?
Indeed – there is more leg space and access is aisle-like, making the third row more practical even to teen passengers or shorter adults. Nevertheless, not the spacy one yet as compared to Model X or Rivian R1S.
How far approximately can one travel in a Model YL?
Using Tesla, it estimates 688 km or CLTC which is approximately 300-330 mile EPA. The final numbers will vary on market release and testing.
Does it bear Full Self-Driving (FSD)?
Yes, the YL will support Tesla Autopilot and Full Self-Driving as well as other models of this configuration.
Conclusion: Should You Wait for the Model YL?
The Tesla Model YL is turning out to be one of the most useful family EVs to date until Tesla has manufactured. It remedies the drawbacks of the existing 7-seater Model Y, having a longer wheelbase, improved third-row styling, and a more SUV-like character. This is done without compromising the performance and technology that Tesla is known to offer.
And in case you are after an electric SUV to seat six people, offering nice range, and a clean Tesla experience, the Model YL is going to be worth whatever wait time you have to endure because you are unwilling to spend more than about $80,000 on a Model X.
