Image: Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology
Tesla’s recently announced Model Y L has been spotted testing on public roads in China for the very first time, offering our best look yet at the upcoming stretched variant of the company’s best-selling SUV.
Originally shared by @Veowow on X, the sighting shows a camouflaged Model Y L driving at night — with the front and rear ends of the vehicle covered in wraps to conceal design tweaks. The side profile, however, reveals a noticeably elongated body and stretched wheelbase, confirming previous reports that this version is 7 inches longer and nearly 2 inches taller than the standard Model Y.
Tesla unveiled the Model Y L in China earlier this week, following the company’s filing for a sales license for the new electric vehicle. This new variant is designed with families in mind, featuring six seats in a true three-row layout and offering more usable space than the standard Model Y. It also fills the gap between the Model Y and the much pricier Model X. According to details released by Tesla China on Weibo, the Model Y L is set to officially launch in the country this fall.
Under the hood, the Model Y L packs a dual-motor powertrain rated at 456 hp (340 kW), a top speed of 201 km/h, and a curb weight of 2,088 kg. Other upgrades include a new light gold exterior color, updated C-pillar and rear design, refreshed seats and wheels, and a subtle rear spoiler. These details were confirmed through regulatory filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.
As competition intensifies in China’s EV market — with rivals like BYD, NIO, and Xiaomi flooding the segment with affordable three-row SUVs — the Model Y L arrives at a pivotal moment. For buyers looking for a practical yet premium all-electric family vehicle, this could be a compelling new option.
Stay tuned to find out exactly what Tesla is keeping under wraps — literally — as the company prepares to launch the Model Y L later this year.
