New Tesla Model Y 6 Seater Officially Enters Production in China

Tesla is preparing to launch a new six-seat version of the Model Y, and it’s already rolling off the production line at the company’s Gigafactory in Shanghai. This long-anticipated variant is set to bring greater flexibility to families wanting extra seating. It could eventually join Australia’s expanding list of electric SUVs with three-row layouts.

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What We Know So Far

Earlier reports indicated that Tesla was planning a stretched version of the Model Y, aimed at adding a third row of seats while improving passenger comfort. That version has now been confirmed through filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), where it has appeared under the name Model Y L.

Production has quietly started in China, and Tesla has officially announced that this long-wheelbase version will launch locally in autumn 2025.

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How Does the 6-Seater Compare?

The Model Y L is notably larger than the standard five-seat version. While it maintains the same width, it gains length, height, and additional space in the wheelbase. That extra space allows for a proper third row, with upgraded rear design elements to provide more headroom for back-row passengers.

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Size Comparison: Model Y Standard vs Model Y L

Variant	Length (mm)	Width (mm)	Height (mm)	Wheelbase (mm)
Model Y (5-seat)	4,797	1,920	1,624	2,890
Model Y L (6-seat)	4,976	1,920	1,668	3,040

The longer wheelbase adds 150 mm, making space for a third row while preserving comfort and headroom.

Performance and Battery Details

Tesla hasn’t made major changes to the powertrain, though there is a modest bump in output compared to the standard AWD version. The Model Y L will feature dual motors with all-wheel drive, and it will use ternary NMC batteries from LG.

Performance Comparison

Model Y Variant	Front Motor	Rear Motor	Total Output	Curb Weight
5-Seater AWD	137 kW	194 kW	331 kW	1,992 kg
6-Seater (Model Y L)	142 kW	198 kW	340 kW	2,088 kg

These upgrades are relatively small but add to the towing, hauling, and high-occupancy capabilities of the larger vehicle.

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Why It Matters for Australia

Although this variant is launching first in China, its appearance in global firmware updates, and Tesla’s history of offering multi-seat layouts in the Model X, suggest it could eventually reach international markets, including Australia.

Currently, Australian EV buyers have limited options for 6- and 7-seater electric SUVs. The Kia EV9 is one of the few available locally, but competition is heating up with upcoming entries from Hyundai, Xpeng, Zeekr, and now possibly Tesla again.

For families seeking road trip-ready EVs, Tesla’s supercharger network would also give the 6-seater Model Y a key advantage.

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China Sales Context and Global Outlook

Despite being the best-selling Tesla model in China in 2024, Model Y sales dropped in the first half of 2025. Tesla hopes the Model Y L will refresh consumer interest as it goes up against strong local competition, including the BYD Tang L, Onvo L90, Huawei’s Aito M9, and Li Auto L8.

China remains a crucial market for Tesla, and success there often sets the tone for global expansion.

What Comes Next?

Tesla has not yet confirmed pricing, but Chinese sources estimate the new model will start around $46,000 AUD. If the Model Y L makes its way to Australia, it could be priced to compete with other premium three-row EVs, especially if Tesla aims to capture the growing family SUV segment.

We’ll be watching closely for more updates on international availability, and what this means for Aussie drivers looking for larger, family-friendly electric options.