The Tesla Model YL comes with more space, a more powerful drivetrain, and a design that is suspiciously reminiscent of its bigger brother – the Model X. China has got a new electric toy, but will it be enough for Tesla to reign supreme again?
Let's face it - in China, Tesla life a little harder this year. Their star of Chinese roads, Model Y, sales fell by almost a fifth in the first six months of this year (by 17.5 % to be exact), which is mainly attributable to the increasingly strong competition of domestic electric vehicle manufacturers, who are competing with each other to present a more futuristic design and the most innovative technology. Also because of this – the new Tesla Model YL.
Tesla, rightly so, rolled up its sleeves and did the following: it took the Model Y, stretched it out a bit, added an extra seat and engine power, and called it… (surprise!) the Model Y L. The “L” stands for Long, of course. Who would have thought, right?
Tesla Model YL or "how to get a Model X for less money"
If you first looked at the photos and thought you were looking at Tesla's more luxurious SUV, the Model X, you're not alone. The Model YL's design bears an uncanny resemblance to its more expensive, older sibling. But don't panic, it's not an optical illusion or the Mandala effect - the Tesla Model YL actually looks like a slightly more modest, more affordable version of the Model X.
Dimensions and space: more centimeters, more comfort, more reasons to buy?
At Tesla Model Y The L is all about the extra inches that your family will surely appreciate. At 4,976 millimeters long, it is almost 18 centimeters longer than the classic Model Y. At 1,920 mm wide, it remains identical, but has gained another 40 mm in height (totaling 1,668 mm), while the wheelbase has grown by 50 mm, which brings more space between the passenger seats. The vehicle weighs a respectable 2,008 kilograms.
In short, you'll finally have enough space to easily accommodate a sixth passenger - or your huge collection of empty bottles for recycling, if you're environmentally conscious and practical at the same time.
Drive and batteries: more power, less worry
The Tesla Model YL not only brings extra space, but also a lot more power under the hood (or rather, under the floor of the vehicle). The two electric motors together produce 340 kW or 456 horsepower (142 kW on the front axle and 198 kW on the rear). This is even slightly more powerful than the standard Model Y Long Range AWD and similar to the previous Model Y Performance version. The energy will be supplied by lithium-ion batteries from the Korean manufacturer LG Energy Solution, which means reliability and good driving ranges.
Because when was the last time too much power in an electric SUV a problem, right?
Why a new version for the Chinese market?
Although the Tesla Model Y was the best-selling car in China last year, this year the competition has woken up and Tesla has had to do something that Chinese buyers simply love: offer more space and comfort at a relatively reasonable price. The six-seat electric SUV is a real hit there right now, so the Model YL delivers exactly what the market needs.
Well, let's be honest - Elon Musk probably hopes that the extra seat will make the Chinese open their wallets faster than before.
Tesla Model YL also in the US and Europe?
The Tesla Model YL is coming to the Chinese market this fall, while it is not yet known whether the European and American markets will also opt for the stretched younger brother of the Model X. Given Americans' endless love for everything bigger, more spacious and "robust", it would not be surprising if we also saw this new extended version on American roads soon.
Because let's be honest - when was the last time Americans turned down something bigger, more powerful, and with an extra seat for a pet?
A quick summary in case you skipped the rest (we don't blame you):
- Tesla Model YL is a new, longer, six-seat version of the Model Y.
- It looks very similar to the Model X, but in slightly more modest packaging.
- It has more space, a longer wheelbase, and a more powerful drivetrain.
- It will go on sale in China in the fall of 2025.
- Coming to Europe and the USA is currently still unknown, but nothing is impossible.
As Elon Musk would say: “If it’s possible to send a car into space, why not send it across a puddle?”
What do you think - is the Tesla Model YL the SUV we need in Europe, or would you rather wait for Tesla's next innovation? Comments are open, as is your opinion.
