Tesla launched a new 6-seater Model Y L in August, with prices starting at the equivalent of $A72,700 in the highly competitive Chinese market. The Model Y L reportedly raked in nearly 40,000 orders on its first day, highlighting the popularity of larger SUVs.
Reports out of Europe suggest that Tesla might now be looking at bringing a 7-seater Model into that market, helping the company recover sales in a region where it has gone backwards this year.
A European regulatory data expert, Eivissa, on X shared an upcoming variant of the Model Y, highlighting key details.
This Model Y will include 7 seats and an all-wheel-drive powertrain, according to the post. It is also likely to be a version built in Europe for markets there.
This variant will also be equipped with 19-inch wheels which are better for energy efficiency.
On the back of this news, one excited fan of the model said: ā7-Seater would be awesome! So much space for this price is unbeatable.ā
Another added: āWe need a 6-seater!ā, referring to the Model Y L which Tesla launched three months ago.
That model was pitched at around 10% above the Model Y Long Range offered in China, but for that the new Model Y L brings with it quite a bit of an update over the standard car.
Among the new features of the longer Model Y L is a larger screen, coming in at 16 inches instead of the 15.4-inch found on the standard Model Y.
There are also adjustable headrests which are found in the front, allowing for more comfort for the driver and front passenger.
It also has two ācaptainās chairsā in the second row with retractable armrests which can be controlled with the rear seat screen or a button to the side of the seat cushion.
There is also the third row with two seats and cup holders on either side, making it quite spacious for the third row passengers.
According to Tesla, the second and third row seats in the Model Y L can be easily put down with buttons in the boot, allowing for over 2,500 litres of storage space.
This of course is thanks to the extended wheelbase of the car as it is 186 mm longer than a standard Model Y, bringing the total carās length to 4.96 metres.
Some changes on the outside include a new Gold paint, possibly inspired by the Tesla Cybercab Robotaxi.
On the range front, the L variant comes in with 751 km of CLTC range. That would make it close to 600 km on the WLTP cycle, still making it one of the longest range SUV available.
On the road, the new Model Y L will use continuously variable dampers found in the Model 3 Performance which was launched last year as well as the recently showcased Model Y Performance.
Deliveries of the new more seat model started in September in China with potential for this model to go to export markets.
It’s unclear if the latest 7-seater being reported out of Europe is a variation to the Model Y L or the standard Model Y, with additional 2 seats in the back.
We look forward to keeping an eye on any developments on this as it could possibly be one of the most affordable 7-seater electric SUV options heading to Australia in 2026.
RizĀ is the founder of carloop based in Melbourne, specialising in Australian EV data, insight reports and trends. He is a mechanical engineer who spent the first 7 years of his career building transport infrastructure before starting carloop. He has a passion for cars, particularly EVs and wants to help reduce transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.