Key Points:
- Tesla Model Y L launched to revive China EV sales.
- Features larger size, dual-motor AWD, priced at 339,000 yuan.
- Targets premium and family buyers amid rising local competition.
Tesla has unveiled the Model Y L, a six-seat version of its popular Model Y, as part of its renewed effort to strengthen its presence in China’s competitive electric vehicle market. The company teased the launch earlier this week and quickly opened pre-orders, with deliveries scheduled to begin in September 2025.
The new model is aimed at family buyers and premium EV customers seeking extra cabin space. It comes at a critical time for Tesla, as sales of its China-made vehicles fell in July, highlighting the challenges posed by fast-rising domestic rivals. Automakers such as BYD, Xiaomi, and Xpeng have been capturing market share with competitively priced, feature-loaded models, prompting Tesla to refresh its product line.
Specifications and Pricing
The Tesla Model Y L is significantly larger than the standard five-seat version. It measures nearly five meters in length, with a stretched wheelbase of over three meters, offering more legroom and improved passenger comfort. Its expanded dimensions make it Tesla’s most spacious SUV produced in China.
Performance details suggest that the vehicle will feature dual-motor all-wheel drive, generating more than 450 horsepower, with energy supplied by advanced NMC battery packs. The model’s heavier build reflects its enhanced size, though Tesla has emphasized a balance between performance and efficiency.
Pricing has been set at 339,000 yuan (about $47,200), placing it slightly above the long-range Model Y. The premium is intended to account for the larger frame and six-seat configuration. By positioning the vehicle just above its existing models, Tesla is targeting middle-to-upper-tier buyers who want more utility without stepping up to the far more expensive Model X.
Strategic Significance
The Tesla Model Y L marks a strategic move to reinvigorate sales in its second-largest market. Once the world’s best-selling car, the Model Y has recently lost momentum in China, where buyers are increasingly gravitating toward domestic alternatives that blend affordability with cutting-edge technology.
By introducing a longer, six-seat variant, Tesla is signaling that it intends to fight back by offering differentiation rather than competing purely on price. The timing also aligns with the company’s broader refresh strategy, which includes updated versions of the Model 3 and other upcoming variants.
Industry analysts note that the Tesla Model Y L could help to maintain its foothold among premium SUV buyers while appealing to families who view extra seating and cabin space as essential. If successful, the launch could stabilize Tesla’s sales trajectory in China and reinforce its brand against aggressive local competitors.
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