Tesla set to produce three-row Model Y variant in China, starting May, according to a news report.
Tesla has officially begun mass production of a three-row, six-seat version of the Model Y, named the Model Y L, at its Shanghai Gigafactory. This information comes from recent reports from Chinese industry watchers and the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), confirming the Model Y L’s production start as of early August 2025.
The Model Y L, with a longer wheelbase, extends the vehicle to about 4,976 mm in length to accommodate the third row. It features six seats with two captain’s chairs in the second row, designed for families seeking more interior space. The vehicle is equipped with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain and uses an 82.0-kWh lithium-ion battery from LG Energy Solution, offering a rated range of approximately 751 km under China’s CLTC standard.
Tesla is currently determining which domestic dealerships in China will first receive the Model Y L for display and sale. The production of this Model Y L variant represents Tesla’s response to increasing demand in China for spacious three-row SUVs, a segment currently served by competitors like NIO and Li Auto.
It's important to note that while the production of the Model Y L is confirmed, the lower-priced Model Y, codenamed "E41," is not expected to start production until 2026. Additionally, the three-year zero-interest financing offer, initially available for the Model Y, has been extended to five years for purchases made before June 30.
However, Tesla's China website currently only shows the five-seat layout available for the new Model Y. The information about the production plans for the three-row Model Y comes from Chinese auto blogger @胖虎Shawn, who has a track record of accurately reporting Tesla developments.
The Model Y remains one of the best-selling EVs in China, despite the increasing competition from domestic automakers offering more affordable and feature-rich models. However, no seven-seat option of the new Model Y has appeared since the introduction of the updated version in January.
References:
- Tesla starts production of Model Y L at Shanghai factory
- Tesla Model Y L 正式开产！长轮轱车首次亮相
- 长轮轱 Tesla Model Y L 正式开产！长度达到 4976 毫米，配备双电动所轮
- Tesla Model Y L 正式开产！长轮轱车首次亮相
- Tesla Model Y L 正式开产！长轮轱车首次亮相
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