Tesla is set to launch a new 6-seat version of the Model Y in China this fall, in a bid to enhance the popularity of its highly sought-after SUV in the country’s booming electric vehicle market. The announcement was made on Weibo, with the company sharing teaser images of the upcoming model.
According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the new Model Y variant, known as the Model Y L, will feature a 6-seat configuration. The vehicle, with the product model number TSL6500BEVBA0, is larger than the existing 5-seat Model Y, measuring 4,976 mm in length, 1,920 mm in width, and 1,668 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,040 mm.
The Model Y L will be equipped with dual motors, offering peak power outputs of 142 kW and 198 kW for the front and rear motors respectively. It will also feature LG Energy Solution’s ternary batteries. The SUV is expected to weigh 2,088 kilograms and have a top speed of 201 kilometers per hour.
Although Tesla has not disclosed the exact pricing for the Model Y L, industry sources suggest that it could be priced at around RMB 400,000 ($55,710). This positions the 6-seat SUV as a premium offering in the market.
The introduction of the Model Y L comes at a time when the Model Y is facing increasing competition in China. Despite strong sales since its launch in January 2021, the Model Y has seen a decline in retail sales this year, with cumulative sales down by 17.48 percent year-on-year in the first half of the year.
The 6-seat SUV market is becoming increasingly crowded, with rivals like Nio and Li Auto also launching their own offerings in the segment. Nio’s sub-brand Onvo recently began pre-sales of its three-row SUV L90, while Li Auto is gearing up to launch its first all-electric six-seat SUV, the Li i8.
Overall, Tesla’s move to introduce the Model Y L reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and meeting the evolving needs of the Chinese market. With its advanced technology and spacious interior, the Model Y L is poised to make a strong impact in the competitive SUV segment in China.
