Tesla has officially launched the facelifted five-seat Model Y in China, hinting at the possibility of more seating variants for the crossover in the country. The US electric vehicle maker’s Chinese website now offers two variants of the Model Y called the “Launch Series,” with deliveries expected to begin in March. The rear-wheel-drive version starts at RMB 263,500 yuan ($35,940), while the long-range all-wheel-drive version starts at RMB 303,500 yuan.
Interestingly, the Chinese website now includes a seating layout option for the Model Y, a feature that was not previously available. While only the five-seat version is currently offered, the inclusion of this option suggests that Tesla may introduce three-row seating variants in the future, possibly accommodating six or seven passengers.
In contrast, Tesla’s US website still does not list the facelifted Model Y, which currently comes in three variants: rear-wheel drive, long-range all-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive performance. The long-range all-wheel-drive Model Y in the US is available in both five- and seven-seat configurations, while the other variants are limited to five seats.
Reports from Chinese media outlets have indicated that Tesla could introduce updated versions of the Model Y in China, including a five-seat version codenamed Juniper, with deliveries expected to commence in the first quarter of 2025. Additionally, a seven-seat version of the Model Y is also rumored to be in the works, with deliveries projected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The seven-seat Model Y would feature a 2-3-2 three-row layout, similar to the US version. Furthermore, there are speculations that Tesla plans to produce a six-seat Model Y in China by late 2025, highlighting the company’s commitment to expanding its product lineup and catering to different consumer preferences.
Overall, Tesla’s strategic moves in the Chinese market reflect its ongoing efforts to diversify its offerings and meet the evolving demands of customers. The potential introduction of new seating variants for the Model Y underscores the company’s innovative approach to product development and its commitment to providing a range of options to suit varying needs. With Tesla’s continuous expansion and focus on customer satisfaction, the future looks promising for the electric vehicle manufacturer in China and beyond.
