Tesla has officially started deliveries of the new Model Y L in China, marking the company’s first new vehicle model launch in the country in nearly five years (via @Electric_Maik).
The Model Y L, unveiled last month, starts at 339,000 yuan (around $47,000 USD) and is designed as Tesla’s first true family-focused SUV. Built on a longer wheelbase than the standard Model Y, the stretched body allows for three rows of seating with room for six passengers. The second- and third-row seats are adjustable, while the interior also features a larger 16-inch central touchscreen and a comfort-oriented suspension to prioritize ride quality for families.
While currently exclusive to China, the Model Y L has generated international interest. Late last month, a test unit featuring Tesla’s unreleased “Light Gray” interior trim was spotted in the U.S., despite CEO Elon Musk previously saying the three-row Model Y L won’t enter production in the U.S. until late 2026 — if at all.
The Model Y L’s launch also comes as Tesla makes broader moves in its global lineup. Earlier this week, the company cut the price of the Model 3 Long Range Rear-Wheel Drive — unveiled as the “Model 3+” alongside the Model Y L earlier this summer — by RMB 10,000 (about $1,400 USD) in China to help stoke demand. Meanwhile, across the globe, Tesla has begun production of the refreshed Model Y Performance at its Giga Berlin factory, marking the European debut of the upgraded variant.
With its mix of practicality, space, and upgraded comfort features, the Model Y L could prove to be a compelling option for families in China. Whether Tesla eventually brings the longer Model Y to global markets remains an open question, but its arrival underscores the company’s continued focus on expanding its lineup with more versatile EVs.
