On August 19, 2025, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) officially released the much anticipated Model Y L in China, positioning it as a family‑oriented alternative to the standard Model Y at a starting price of 339,000 yuan (c. $47,200).

Pricing and purchase incentives are designed to attract family buyers with the base price including a standard white paint finish and 20‑inch wheels.

Tesla is also offering a three‑year zero‑interest financing plan with a minimum down payment of 90,900 yuan (c. $12,700) and a monthly payment period of 36 months. Tesla China also offers a five-year low interest option with a down payment of 45,900 yuan (c. $6,400).

Early buyers can also receive an 8,000 yuan (c. $1,100) paint option voucher and three special charging packages starting from 1,299 yuan (c. $180).

Owners trading in an existing Tesla may transfer their Enhanced Autopilot or Full Self‑Driving package to the new vehicle at no cost.

Tesla describes the Model Y L as an “all‑round driving experience” vehicle that extends the Model Y’s use scenarios to multi‑generational families.

The Model Y L features an 82 kWh battery and achieves a 751 km (c. 467 mile) CLTC range. Energy consumption is listed at 12.8 kWh/100 km, and the vehicle weighs 2,088 kg—relatively light compared with other three‑row EVs, due in part to Tesla’s structural battery and gigacasting.

The new SUV uses a slightly more powerful dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive powertrain, combining a 142 kW front motor and 198 kW rear motor for a combined output of 340 kW.

Despite its increased size and weight, the SUV accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, only 0.2 seconds slower than the Model Y Long Range version.

Power is delivered through a single‑speed transmission, with regenerative braking and a heat pump to improve winter range. Top speed is limited to 201 km/h (c. 125 mph), and the dual motors support torque vectoring for improved handling.

Source: Tesla China

Reservation deposits are set at 2,000 yuan (c. $300) and fully refundable. Delivery estimates on Tesla’s website indicate orders placed in August will be fulfilled in September 2025.

Meanwhile, both the Model Y rear-wheel drive (263,500 yuan) and Long Range all-wheel drive (313,500 yuan) have an estimated delivery time of 1-3 weeks.

The Model Y L is Tesla’s first China‑specific variant of its compact SUV and competes directly with domestic three‑row EVs such as the latest Li Auto i8 and NIO’s Onvo L90, as well as best-selling extended-range Li L8/L9 and Huawei-backed AITO M8/M9.

The new long‑wheelbase “L” adds a third row and extends the body by 179 mm to an overall length of 4,976 mm while maintaining the vehicle width to 1,920 mm and increasing the wheelbase by 150 mm to 3,040 mm. The vehicle also stands 44 mm taller at 1,668 mm, giving the cabin a little more headroom.

Although Tesla has not launched a three‑row Model Y elsewhere, the concept echoes the strategy of localized vehicles like the Model 3 Highland, which debuted first in China before rolling out globally.

The company emphasizes that the Model Y L retains the core Tesla brand pillars of performance and efficiency while catering to family comfort.

The platform still runs Tesla’s proprietary software stack, with over‑the‑air updates and the latest Autopilot hardware. Safety features such as 360‑degree cameras and ultrasonic sensors are expected to carry over.

Source: Tesla China

The Model Y L adopts a 2+2+2 seating configuration with two individual second‑row “captain’s chairs” that recline and feature mechanical pop-out armrests, heating and ventilation.

The second and third rows fold flat at the touch of a button, giving up to 2,539 liters of cargo space thanks to its extended wheelbase of 3,040 mm.

Source: Tesla China

The cabin features Tesla’s first black headliner (interior roof’s fabric material), upgraded front seats with adjustable headrests, and four‑zone independent air conditioning.

Each row has its own reading lights and climate controls. The interior comes in a dark color with a light grey option coming later. Tesla claims the materials used are low‑VOC adhesives and recycled fabrics to improve sustainability.

The audio and entertainment experience has been upgraded significantly. An 18‑speaker audio system with a subwoofer and two amplifiers provides immersive sound. Acoustic insulation has been enhanced, and dual microphones enable clearer in‑car communication.

Source: Tesla China

Rear passengers benefit from independent air vents and cup holders. Tesla’s large central touchscreen and digital instrument cluster run the latest version of its user interface, integrating video streaming, games and navigation. The vehicle also supports Apple Music and features a karaoke function.

Conversion rate: 1 USD = 7.18 CNY as of August 19 2025