Nearly a year after launching the Model Y L in its first market, China, Tesla has introduced it in the U.S. With the recent discontinuation of the Model X, the timing feels right for the Model Y L to enter American showrooms as the brand’s only three-row electric SUV.
At the Bangkok International Motor Show 2026, we spent some time with the Tesla Model Y L, the Chinese-made six-seat version of the Model Y that adds more space and a more family-focused cabin layout.
Here’s what we found from our time with the Asian-spec Model Y L, along with details of the U.S.-spec vehicle:
Design
Tesla has stretched the Model Y into a family-focused shape, while staying true to its design roots. The Model Y L carries the same design up to the B-pillar, but the body is longer and taller, and the rear glass area is bigger.
Tesla also reworked the C-pillar, added a bigger ducktail spoiler, introduced a new wheel design, and reserved a Starlight Gold paint option for this variant. China and other markets sourcing the Model Y L from Gigafactory Shanghai get it only with the new 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels.
The Giga Texas-built Model Y L sold in the U.S. is also available with new 20-inch Uberhelix wheels. Compared to the 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels, they look more polished and go better with the more upmarket positioning of the Model Y L’s long-wheelbase version.
Also unique to the U.S.-spec model is a limited-run Launch Series with dedicated badging and puddle lights.
Interior
Inside, the Tesla Model Y L’s longer body makes room for a six-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs, while wider front seats, pillar-mounted vents, and an 18-speaker sound system further separate it from the regular model.
The Launch Series units in the U.S. additionally feature dedicated sill plates, special badging on the center console, suede dashboard wing, and floormats with unique piping.
I found the Tesla Model Y L easy to get into. Once seated up front, and at 5″7′, I had more than 10 inches of headroom. The front seats sit quite high and feel supportive in every key area, with good back support, good shoulder support, strong under-thigh support, extendable thigh cushions, and power lumbar adjustment for both front occupants.
Visibility impressed me as well, with a superb forward view, a good side view, and a decent rear view, as the third-row headrests do not obstruct much. Material quality also stood out, with soft-touch padding in several areas, textile trim on the dashboard and front doors, and soft-close lids in the center console. The doors use electronic latches, but they still open manually.
The second row was also easy for me to access. These individual seats offer power sliding, power recline, heating, ventilation, and an armrest on the inner side that deploys via a button near the cushion.
Back support and shoulder support are good, though the side bolsters are not as broad as those in the front. I had about 8 inches of headroom there. Rear passengers also get four AC vents, two in the B-pillars and two at the back of the center console.
I could reach the third row through the walk-through gap between the second-row seats, though there is a hump and you need to sit with your legs angled outward. Legroom and knee room were better than I expected, but under-thigh support is poor.
The seat is wide enough for two adults, back support is acceptable, and I had nearly 3 inches of headroom. Visibility is limited, though the small quarter glass and rear windscreen above the head help it feel airier. I found it usable for city trips, but not ideal for longer drives, especially for adults around 6 feet tall.
The third row also gets AC vents, cupholders, USB-C ports, and power recline. Both rear rows can be folded from the cargo area.
Specifications
Tesla has yet to reveal the dimensions of the U.S.-spec Model Y L. In other markets, the six-seater is 7.3 inches longer and 1.7 inches taller than the Model Y, and along with a 5.9-inch longer wheelbase. The company quotes a drag coefficient of 0.216 Cd.
The U.S.-spec Model Y L also features a dual-motor AWD setup, and it accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. Flat out, the six-seat EV reaches 125 mph, which is the same as the regular Model Y.
According to EPA, the Model Y L can achieve a range of 325 miles if equipped with the 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels or 320 miles if opted with the 20-inch Uberhelix wheels. It supports charging at up to 250 kW and can add up to 164 miles of range in 15 minutes.
While the regular Model Y offers 76 cu. ft. of total cargo space, the Model Y L increases that rating to 89 cu. ft. Upgrades include electronic continuously variable shock absorbers and vehicle-to-load (V2L) bi-directional charging as well.
Pricing
Tesla has priced the Model Y L at USD 61,990 (excl. USD 1,390 destination fee and USD 250 order fee) in the Launch Series trim. That puts it about 24% above the comparable five-seat Model Y Long Range AWD, which retails at USD 49,990 (excl. USD 1,390 destination fee and USD 250 order fee). The regular trim offered after the Launch Series should be slightly cheaper.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
