Tesla 6‑Seater Model Y Spotted Testing In The Wild

Tesla’s long-rumoured 6-seat version of the Model Y appears to be nearing its official launch, with a test vehicle recently seen on roads in China. This new variant, designed to offer more space and flexibility, could soon become Tesla’s most family-friendly SUV produced at the Shanghai Gigafactory.

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Extended Model Y Prototype Spotted

An early production unit of the extended Model Y has been photographed undergoing road testing in north-west China, specifically in the Xinjiang region. The test vehicle, spotted with minimal camouflage, features a visibly longer rear section behind the C-pillar and sports newly designed wheels. These match previously released regulatory photos and confirm visual changes expected for the new model.

Tesla had earlier teased the model on its official Weibo account, releasing a side-profile image that revealed a stretched silhouette.

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Longer Wheelbase and New Features

According to official filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the new 6-seat Model Y will measure 4,976 mm in length, which is 186 mm longer than the current version. Most of the added length comes from an extended wheelbase, aimed at improving rear passenger comfort.

Other updates expected on this version include:

• New rear spoiler
• Optional gold paint finish
• Updated seating with more premium materials

Reports from China also suggest initial production has already begun at Tesla’s Shanghai facility, with the first units potentially already off the assembly line.

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What This Means for Australia

Australia’s electric vehicle market currently offers limited options for buyers seeking 6- or 7-seat EVs, a factor that has deterred some families from switching to electric.

However, that landscape is gradually changing, with several new multi-row EVs expected to enter the market soon:

Upcoming 6- and 7-Seat EVs in Australia

If Tesla decides to bring this new Model Y variant to Australia, it would significantly strengthen its appeal to families, especially those looking for an efficient and spacious SUV with access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.

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Efficiency and Practicality Still at the Core

Tesla’s existing Model Y is already one of the most efficient electric SUVs in its class. If the new 6-seat version carries over the same performance and range characteristics, it could offer a compelling mix of practicality and efficiency.

The vehicle is currently undergoing weather and altitude testing, which hints that its official launch in China is not far off. Global availability, including for Australia, remains unconfirmed, but interest is likely to be strong if and when it arrives.

We’ll continue tracking developments around this upcoming Tesla variant, which may help push more Aussie families toward electric mobility.