Tesla could be preparing to fill the hole left by its outgoing flagships with something much more radical than a traditional family hauler. After years of rumors surrounding a larger, Cybertruck-inspired SUV, CEO Elon Musk has dropped the biggest hint yet that a "CyberSUV" is indeed on the horizon.
The teaser came during a recent exchange on X, where Musk was touting the Cybertruck’s ability to fit three child seats across the rear bench. When a user pleaded with him to finally make a minivan, Musk responded with a cryptic promise: "Something way cooler than a minivan is coming."
The Successor to the Model X
The timing of these comments is no coincidence. Tesla recently announced the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X, with production set to wind down by the end of Q2 2026. While the Model X was a pioneer, it has long been criticized for its cramped third row and aging platform.
A CyberSUV would solve these issues by leveraging the Cybertruck’s massive footprint. Models for a larger, Cybertruck-inspired SUV were previously spotted in the background of official Tesla videos, and chief designer Franz von Holzhausen has previously urged customers to "wait and see" regarding the project. This new model would likely serve as the proper three-row flagship, while the upcoming next-gen Roadster could effectively replace the Model S as the brand's halo performance car.
Why Not the Model Y L?
Some might wonder why Tesla doesn't just bring the Model Y L to North America instead. The six-seat, longer-wheelbase variant has been expanding globally into markets like Australia, New Zealand, and Thailand, but Musk has stayed firm that it won’t arrive in the U.S. until late 2026, if ever.
The reason for the delay might be the CyberSUV itself. While the Model Y L is a step up, it’s still small compared to American giants like the Cadillac Escalade IQ or Rivian’s R1S. A CyberSUV built at Giga Texas would be a direct competitor in that highly profitable luxury segment. By using the Cybertruck’s 48-volt architecture and steer-by-wire system, Tesla could create a massive 7-seater that is far more practical and rugged than a stretched Model Y.
Leveraging the Giga Texas Line
Building a CyberSUV makes a lot of business sense. The Cybertruck production line in Austin is designed for 150,000 units a year, but the truck alone may not always fill that capacity. Swapping the truck bed for a fully enclosed, three-row interior allows Tesla to scale its most advanced technology across a new category of "family adventure" vehicles.
With the Cybercab robotaxi entering mass production next month, Tesla’s next logical move is to address the large-family market. A vehicle that combines the stainless-steel toughness of the Cybertruck with the luxury of a premium SUV would certainly qualify as "way cooler" than any minivan on the market today.
