In an attempt to increase its market share in China, Tesla (TSLA) is preparing to launch a new variant of the Model Y electric SUV. This new Model Y is referred to as the ‘L’ model.
Interestingly, Tesla is making a move that it hasn’t since its inception. The electric automaker is introducing a Tesla Model Y Juniper variant that is actually longer than its original version.
Tesla released a few teaser photos of the upcoming Model Y L on its official Chinese social media page on Weibo. The following side profile picture of the Model Y L shows its stretched length and a bulky rear. This additional space is going to be used to make it a six seater electric SUV.
Earlier in July, a Tesla Model Y L was spotted in China. The front and rear of this vehicle were hidden with black covers (watch video below).
Tesla Model Y L teaser image (side profile) released by Tesla China. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
The new Tesla Model Y L is reportedly 7 inches longer than the new Tesla Model Y. It’s based on the same design of the Model Y codenamed Juniper. Actually, it’s the same vehicle that has added length, a 6 inch longer wheelbase, and increased rear roof height.
The longer wheelbase and additional length allow for adjusting a seat at the rear. Reportedly, Tesla Model Y L is going to be a six-seat vehicle.
Last month, Tesla teased a 7-seat Model Y in an official email. The development of the Model Y L in China could be the prelude to this teaser for US customers.
Tesla aims to launch the Model Y L in the Chinese market this fall. A possibility of this vehicle coming to the US around next year isn’t out of question.
In addition to the side profile teaser image above, Tesla also released a new emblem of the Model Y L on Weibo. The new logo of the Tesla Model Y L has additional two half Ys at the end which refers to a longer version of the electric SUV.
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Emblem of the Tesla Model Y L electric SUV for China. Credit: Courtesy of Tesla, Inc. (TSLA).
It’s important to compare the dimensions of the upcoming Tesla Model Y L with the new 2nd-generation Model Y Juniper. This comparison gives us an idea of what advantage the new Model Y L holds because of its extra length.
Experts say that Tesla is introducing the longer Model Y L in China to capture the 6-seat SUV market in the country. The Tesla Model X is a larger electric SUV, but due to its higher price tag as a luxury vehicle, it’s out of reach for the masses.
Let’s compare both of these vehicles according to the official manufacturer specs for dimensions, weight, battery, and motor in the table below.
Tesla is still keeping the curiosity alive by hiding the front and rear ends of the upcoming Model Y L when testing on the streets of Chinese cities.
However, avid Tesla enthusiasts in China know that this is the upcoming Model Y L that is aimed to appeal Chinese families with three generations travelling together.
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Above: Video of a Tesla Model Y L spotted in China.
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Featured image: @Veowow via X (Twitter).
Note: This article was published earlier on Tesla Oracle. Author: Iqtidar Ali.