A longer version of Model Y has launched in the U.S.
The Model Y L (long wheelbase) three-row, 6-seater has arrived. The AWD L “Launch Series” starts at $61,990 and is now the priciest Model Y in the lineup – more than the performance version, which starts at $57,990. But there’s a bonus: Tesla includes 12 months of Full Self-Driving (FSD), 12 months of Supercharging, exterior paint color, interior color, and wheel option at no additional cost. The range is rated at 325 miles.
The bigger version began deliveries last month in Malaysia. The L is also available to order in China, Australia and India.
The Model Y L “improves on the already-great refreshed Model Y in numerous ways including versatility, practicality, range, comfort, driving dynamics,” said a June 19 review in The Driven.
Bigger Model Y Fills A Hole
With the Model X and Model S axed from Tesla’s U.S. lineup, the Model Y L effectively fills a gap, said Edward Loh, head of editorial for MotorTrend. “Why the YL for America, now? Because Tesla just ended production of the long-running Model S, and its platform-mate, the Model X, leaving a large, three-row, more-than-five-passenger, SUV-shaped hole in its lineup,” Loh said in April.
Better Design Than Current Model Y
Tesla’s current cramped three-row option isn’t what customers want, according to Loh. “We know because we bought one as a test vehicle in our long-term fleet. The third row is practically unusable, and it makes the second row incredibly tight,” he said, adding: “With 6 inches of overall length (mostly in the wheelbase) added to make the [Model Y L], there is a lot more head and legroom,” he said.
Tesla said Thursday that it had sold 480,126 vehicles globally in the second quarter, up 24.9% from the same period last year. This is the second quarter of growth for Tesla. In the first quarter, sales grew 6.3%.
