Tesla’s new three-row, six-seat Model Y L has already delivered an eye-catching performance in China. Just days after its debut, the all-electric SUV successfully completed the “moose test” — one of the toughest handling challenges in the auto industry — at an impressive 72 mph (about 116 kmh) with six adults onboard. That’s a benchmark few SUVs in its class come close to matching, as most struggle beyond 50 mph.
The Model Y L, which launched earlier this week in China starting at 339,000 yuan (about $47,000 USD), is Tesla’s first true family-focused SUV. It features a longer wheelbase than the standard Model Y, a stretched body with seating for six, adjustable second- and third-row seats, a larger 16-inch central touchscreen, and a comfort-oriented suspension.
Despite its added size, Tesla has tuned the Model Y L’s suspension and steering to maintain agility, with adaptive dampers and revised dynamics allowing the vehicle to remain composed even under the extreme conditions of the moose test. Check out the Model Y L’s full moose test performance in the video below, courtesy of GeekLaii:
The China-market Model Y L offers an estimated 327-mile EPA range, with orders surpassing 35,000 on launch day alone. Deliveries are set to begin in September 2025. For now, it remains exclusive to China, though a European launch could be on the cards since prototypes were previously spotted testing in Germany. U.S. buyers, however, may have a long wait ahead — Elon Musk said this week that Model Y L production in North America won’t begin until late 2026, if at all.
The Model Y L’s moose test success comes as Tesla tries to claw away market share from local automakers in China. With rivals like BYD and Li Auto flooding the Chinese market with more affordable EVs — and Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) still pending broader approval in the country — the Model Y L’s strong real-world safety performance is a clear reminder that Tesla continues to excel where it counts most: engineering.
