Families looking for a more spacious electric vehicle are about to get exactly what they want from Tesla. While North American buyers have been forced to wait on the sidelines, a longer-wheelbase version of Tesla’s best-selling electric SUV is heading to the U.S. much sooner than anticipated.
Giga Texas Preps for Production
According to information received from a credible source, the internal timeline for the North American launch of the Model Y L is currently pegged for August or September. While this is a strict internal target rather than a concrete public launch date — meaning the timeline can slip due to testing or production delays — it shows that Tesla wants to move fast.
Our source confirmed that the longer-wheelbase model will be built at Gigafactory Texas, which is currently undergoing tooling changes to support the vehicle. The factory prep matches up with previous clues about Tesla’s Model Y L plans, as a bare frame for the vehicle was spotted at Giga Texas earlier this spring.
The vehicle was also spotted testing on U.S. roads for the first time in April, and it was recently seen testing at the Fremont factory tracks. This aggressive validation schedule shows that Tesla is moving quickly, likely trying to bridge the product gap for a roomier SUV created after it officially closed Model S and Model X orders. A fall launch for the Model Y L represents a slight departure from Elon Musk's previous comments, where he hinted the three-row variant would make its way stateside in late 2026 or never.
Family Features and Specifications
The Model Y L originally made waves when it debuted in China last summer. Since then, the six-seater has launched in Australia and New Zealand, with availability expanding across Asian markets as of late.
As a family-focused hauler, it features a 150mm longer wheelbase and a 179mm greater overall length than a standard Model Y (compare Model Y L and Model Y). This stretch creates room for a true 2-2-2 layout with adjustable second- and third-row seats. The second row is populated with two adjustable captain's chairs that are both heated and ventilated. Inside, passengers get a larger 16-inch central screen and a comfort-tuned suspension setup.
Performance remains quite similar to the Model Y Premium (previously “Long Range”) All-Wheel Drive. In China, it hits 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, meaning the U.S. version should land somewhere in the ballpark of a 4.6-second 0 to 60 mph time. While the Chinese market lists an optimistic 751 km CLTC range for the Model Y L, that is virtually identical to the regular Model Y AWD’s 750 km rating. Consequently, the U.S. version should retain the Premium AWD’s EPA-rated range of 327 miles.
Pricing and Global Outlook
In China, the Model Y L is priced at 339,000 yuan (about $50,000), while the AWD trim below it starts at 313,500 yuan (about $46,300). That works out to roughly a $4,000 premium. With the U.S. Premium AWD model sitting at $49,900, we expect the Model Y L to cost around $53,990, placing it perfectly below the Performance trim ($57,990).
Once North American deliveries get underway, we don’t expect overseas markets to wait long. Because the spacious variant already received EU type approval last year, a European debut could follow right behind the American launch, bringing Tesla’s first true six-seat crossover to families worldwide.
