TESLA has confirmed {that a} stretched, three-row model of its Mannequin Y electrical SUV will enter manufacturing alongside the present two-row SUV on the corporate’s Shanghai, China gigafactory line forward of a September 2025 launch date within the Chinese language market.
Badged the Mannequin Y L, Tesla introduced the choice to go forward with a long-mooted expanded SUV on its Chinese language Weibo social media account with two pictures, and an announcement studying: “Mannequin Y L, see you within the Golden Autumn.”
The time period “Golden Autumn” refers back to the September-October interval in China which is that market’s most frenzied new car shopping for season.
Though the “L” shouldn’t be the primary Mannequin Y with a 3rd row, this model differs considerably from earlier US-built seven-seater Mannequin Ys, which being shorter and smaller have been thought of too compact for international export markets together with China and Australia.
In the meantime, the Mannequin Y L—which has each an extended physique and stretched wheelbase—seems well-positioned for a broader worldwide rollout together with Australia, the place the two-row model stays the best-selling electrical car regionally.
Tesla Australia has delivered 10,431 items of the five-seat Mannequin Y regionally within the first six months of 2025, solely gently trailing the run charge mirrored by the SUV’s 2024 calendar yr whole of 21,253 deliveries.
An area introduction of the Mannequin Y L can be made simpler by its origins at Tesla’s Giga Shanghai facility which provides all Australian-bound two-row Mannequin Ys (and the Mannequin 3 sedan).
Feedback made to GoAuto earlier this yr by Tesla Australia nation director Thom Drew point out the native arm of the US electrical car specialist is involved in bringing such a car to our shores.
“I’d like to see a higher-capacity Mannequin Y … I’d like to see an expanded car,” Mr Drew mentioned. “I would want to look extra intently on the particular (automobile) earlier than I decide on it.”
GoAuto has contacted Mr Drew for an up to date remark following the discharge of specs and pictures of the Mannequin Y L, by way of Chinese language regulators.
Technical particulars for the Mannequin Y L have been revealed by the Chinese language Ministry of Business and Info Expertise (MIIT) in a typical course of for brand spanking new China-built fashions.
MIIT paperwork reveal that the Mannequin Y L measures 4976mm in size (179mm longer than the usual Mannequin Y) whereas its wheelbase has been prolonged by 150mm to a remarkably lengthy 3040mm, permitting a a lot roomier third row.
Extra dimension adjustments embody a 44mm improve in top of the already tall Mannequin Y (to 1668mm) plus a heftier kerb weight (by 60kg) whereas general width stays unchanged at 1920mm.
The MIIT submitting confirms a six-seat configuration in a 2/2/2 structure. Though the Mannequin Y L’s badge (which locations two strikes subsequent to the Y) may very well be implied to imply a seven-seat structure, axle load limitations may be the explanation for retaining the seat depend capped at six.
In response to the identical documentation, the Mannequin Y L will launch solely for China with a dual-motor, all-wheel drive powertrain with no point out of a less expensive, easier rear-wheel drive model at this stage.
The AWD system includes entrance and rear axle motors with energy outputs listed by MIIT at 124kW and 198kW respectively, reflecting Tesla’s traditional choice for a rear-biased system.
Whereas battery capability and official WLTP figures are but to be introduced, it has been confirmed that the battery pack will likely be equipped by South Korea’s LG Vitality Resolution. It’s more likely to have nickel manganese cobalt chemistry.
Chinese language sources recommend a worth premium of 27 per cent (over the five-seat Lengthy Vary AWD model) is predicted for the Mannequin Y L. If that differential utilized within the Australian market, the L can be priced at about $87,000 plus on-road prices.
Ought to this pricing estimate maintain true for an Australian launch, the Mannequin Y L would sit between two key three-row EV rivals, each with seven seats: the smaller Mercedes-Benz EQB250+ ($85,400 + ORCs) and the bigger Kia EV9 Air ($97,000 + ORCs).
If normal specification (apart from seat depend) carried throughout from the lavish Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary AWD, the L can be extra generously-equipped than both the ‘Benz or the Kia.
