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Tesla has added an actual and sensible third row of seats to the Tesla Model Y. The automaker has brought a long-wheelbase version of the Tesla Model Y. Model Y electric SUV to its lineup in the US, filling the gap in its fleet and supporting the brand in the face of new electric SUV competition.
The Model YL Premium Launch Series has quietly opened to order on Tesla website and dealers last week for $61,990 for the new six-seat configuration.
This longer Model Y isn’t exactly new to the world – it originally debuted as a model Exclusive Chinese model In mid-2025 – but this is the first time it will be available in North America.
Why now?
Earlier this year, Tesla announced its intention Discontinuing the three-row Model X electric SUVs alongside the Model S sedan, refocusing the Fremont, Calif., plant on developing its vehicles Optimus is a humanoid robot. The setting sun for the Model Rivian R1S, Let EV9, Hyundai IONIQ 9 The Cadillac Vestek is in the highly profitable three-row full-size SUV segment. Meanwhile, New Rivian R2 It just entered the midsize electric SUV space, making more deliveries to customers last month and boasting more room for people and cargo than Tesla. Model Y.
The YL model adds about 6 inches to the midsize SUV’s wheelbase.
Bringing the current long-wheelbase YL model here, to Tesla’s home market, allows the automaker to shore up shortcomings on two fronts (both true three-row, mid-size SUVs) with a single car, without incurring significant R&D costs and with minimal factory retooling. further than a Light plastic surgeryThe Model Y’s chassis hasn’t been significantly updated since its debut in 2019, 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 extends the Model Y’s platform in three dimensions. Overall, the EV is about 7.6 inches longer than the now-familiar SUV, at 195.9 inches bumper-to-bumper and 1.7 inches (65.7 inches) longer. It’s hard to tell from curbside, as the YL model also weighs about 212 pounds, tipping the scales at about 4,600 pounds. More importantly, the EV’s wheelbase grows by 5.8 inches to 119.7 inches between the axles.
Compare Tesla Model YL
| Tesla Model Y Premium | Rivian R2 | Tesla Model YL | Rivian R1s | |
| Wheelbase | 113.9 inches | 115.6 inches | 119.7 inches | 121.1 inches |
| length | 188.6 inches | 185.9 inches | 195.9 inches | 200.8 inches |
| to rise | 64.0 inches | 66.9 inches | 65.7 inches | 77.3 inches |
This extra wheelbase opens up a convenient third row for passengers and more cargo space (89 cubic feet versus 76 for the standard wheelbase. This longer Y isn’t much wider, so instead of a cramped seven-seat configuration, Tesla opted for a 2+2+2 layout, six seats with captain’s chairs in the second row. The first two rows have heated and ventilated seats. The second row gets an 8-inch touchscreen, while the front screen grows to 16 inches, matching the updates that came to Model Y Performance earlier this year.
The new economy-class third-row seats are a little looser than the others, and lack climate-controlled surfaces or access to a screen. However, I think they represent a step forward over the optional (and uncomfortable) jump seats that fold out of the standard model’s cargo floor. At the very least, Wayback riders now get their own dedicated speakers — with 18 speakers overall now versus 15 in the standard model — and air vents.
With more space inside, Tesla opted for captain’s chairs for second-row passengers.
under the hood, as it wereThe Model YL launch series is a premium all-wheel drive model with a few extras around the midsection. The dual-motor setup produces an estimated 514 hp and 435 lb-ft of torque (590 Nm) and is powered by roughly the same 80 kWh battery as its smaller sibling. Tesla and the US Environmental Protection Agency estimate a range of up to 325 miles. That’s only about 2 miles less than the standard Model Y Premium AWD. Oddly enough, the YL claims a 4.4-second 0-60 mph time, which is about two-tenths faster than the standard Model Y AWD despite the added mass. strange.
YL continues to differentiate itself from the standard Y with the inclusion of Bi-directional power from vehicle to load (120V/20A AC when used with its charging port adapter) and continuously variable electronic suspension, promising a more premium experience than standard passive dampers. Owners will also be able to experiment Fully self-driving Tesla (supervised) Driver assistance technology for 12 months instead of the normal one-month trial period. (Although $99 per month after that is the same.) However, it’s unclear whether this equipment and feature differences are specific and unique to the first timer or will be carried over to future non-launch series examples.
The third row is still the most spacious economy class of the first two, but it should be an improvement over the old jump seats.
Fighting on two fronts
The $61,990 Launch Series Model YL also arrives with special badging and graphics, inside and out, unique lights, door sill panels, and suede dashboard inlays. Even with those extra touches and equipment mentioned above, the price is steep compared to the standard model Y Premium AWD ($49,990). This initial batch will likely be followed by less expensive standard and premium configurations, but Tesla has not announced post-launch YL-series models or how much they will eventually cost.
New for $57,990 Rivian R2 launch package It reduces the price of the YL model while offering similar range and features. Over the coming months, more affordable trim levels will join the R2 lineup, eventually reaching $48,490 for the standard R2 in 2027. However, the Tesla YL is also a larger three-row family hauler that doesn’t necessarily compete directly with the R2 — it falls somewhere between the R2 and the larger R1S ($83,990) in most dimensions and specifications.
This makes cross-shopping a Tesla with other three-row electric vehicles a bit more complicated, but it also means shoppers have a wider range of options when choosing the right size vehicle for their needs.
