Tesla just dropped a surprise vehicle launch for North American buyers. The Model Y L has officially landed on U.S. shores, and the larger, stretched version of the world's best-selling SUV is now available to order online.
This comes after we broke the news last month that Tesla was planning to launch the Model Y L in the U.S. around August or September. That timeframe lines up more with the first customer deliveries, now that the vehicle is available to order. , which are expected to start sometime in September
According to an announcement from the official @Tesla account on X, the vehicle is officially arriving in North America as the Model Y Long Wheelbase. It is starting out with a limited-run Premium AWD Launch Series trim. We have been spotting the Model Y L on U.S. roads and at factories for months now, so this highly anticipated variant has been a long time coming for families needing extra space.
— Tesla (@Tesla) July 2, 2026
Premium Tech and Stretched Dimensions
To celebrate the arrival, the initial Launch Series vehicles are packed to the brim with exclusive perks. Buyers get one year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised), one year of free Supercharging, and one year of Premium Connectivity included. Launch Series orders also include any exterior paint color, interior layout color, and wheel option at no additional cost. What's more, the Launch Series vehicles themselves get unique exterior badging, premium floor mats, custom puddle lights, suede dashboard inserts, and upgraded sill plates to stand out from the standard units that will presumably follow the Launch Series.
The Model Y L stretches 196 inches in total length, making it a full 7 inches longer than the standard Model Y (compare Model Y L and Model Y). To keep the ride smooth with that extra weight, Tesla equipped the vehicle with a second-generation suspension system featuring continuous variable adaptive damping and a staggered tire setup for better road grip.
The Model Y L cabin features 360-degree acoustic glass, a silver-coated glass roof for better heat rejection, and an advanced HEPA air filtration system. Up front, you get upgraded 50-watt wireless charging pads that include active cooling to keep your phone from overheating. Here's a quick overview of the Model Y L's North American specs:
Feature | Model Y Long Wheelbase |
|---|---|
EPA Range | 325 Miles (19" wheels) / 320 Miles (20" wheels) |
Acceleration (0-60 mph) | 4.4 Seconds |
Battery Capacity | 83 kWh |
Seating Layout | 3-Row, 6-Seat Configuration |
Total Cargo Space | 89 Cubic Feet |
Peak Charging Rate | 250 kW at Superchargers |
Audio System | 18 speakers, 1 subwoofer |
Cameras | 8 camera array, including front bumper camera (with washer) |
Length | 196 inches |
Curb Weight | 4,600 lbs |
Color Options | Stealth Gray, Pearl White, Marine Blue, Diamond Black, Ultra Red, and Cosmic Silver (new to the U.S.) |
Tech Integration | Vehicle-to-Load (V2L adapter included), PowerShare, FSD (Supervised), Integrated Grok AI, and more |
The battery setup reveals an interesting hardware change for the American market. The U.S. version features an 83 kWh pack, which is noticeably smaller than the 88 kWh battery pack found in the variants rolling out of Gigafactory Shanghai. Notably, the Model Y L marks only the second Tesla vehicle in the U.S. to feature vehicle-to-load capabilities and full PowerShare support, following in the footsteps of the Cybertruck.
A Massive Leap in Cabin Comfort
The real magic of the Model Y Long Wheelbase is the interior layout. Unlike the cramped seven-seat option on the standard model, this variant uses a dedicated two-by-two-by-two setup. The front row features heated and ventilated seats paired with powered thigh cushion extenders. The second row upgrades to premium independent captain's chairs with electric lifting armrests, ventilation, heating, and one-touch power folding. Passengers in the second row also get dedicated air vents built right into the B-pillars.
Tesla has just officially launched the larger Model Y L in the US, starting with a Limited Edition Premium AWD "Launch Series" trim!
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) July 2, 2026
• Price: $61,990
• Launch Series includes: 1 year of FSD (Supervised), 1 year of Supercharging, 1 year of Premium Connectivity, plus your choice… pic.twitter.com/eGMKeVh4mk
The third row includes heated seats with power recline, one-touch folding, and built-in child seat anchors. Passengers in the very back get their own cup holders, dedicated C-pillar air vents, and two overhead LED ceiling lights. For entertainment, the front row uses a large 16-inch center screen, while second-row passengers get an 8-inch display mounted to the back of the center console. Despite carrying six passengers, the trunk can still hold a 28-inch and a 20-inch suitcase simultaneously, while the frunk fits another 20-inch carry-on.
Global Footprint and Market Expansion
This premium three-row option has been wildly successful abroad before making its way to North America. The Model Y L originally debuted in China last summer, where it instantly won over buyers looking for spacious second- and third-row seating. Following that initial success, Tesla quickly launched the six-seat Model Y L in Australia and New Zealand.
Since that initial wave, the Model Y L has hit several new markets in Asia as production capacity expanded at Giga Shanghai. Early on, the Model Y L frame was spotted at Giga Texas, which dropped the first real hint that local assembly lines were being prepared for a domestic launch. Now that the North American order books are open, a European expansion might not be too far behind, especially since the Model Y L has already received official EU type approval.
Pricing and Availability
The Model Y L Premium AWD Launch Series officially starts at $61,990. Elon Musk previously said that the Model Y L wouldn’t launch in North America until late 2026, if ever. However, it looks like Tesla moved up that timeline, potentially to fill the premium family hauler hole left behind by the Model X's discontinuation earlier this year.
We initially expected the Model Y L to slot somewhere between the $49,990 Premium AWD and the $57,990 Performance model. Instead, Tesla is positioning the stretched six-seater as the halo product of the Model Y lineup. They're justifying the price premium by throwing in those high-value Launch Series perks like free paint upgrades and bundled subscriptions. Alongside the Model Y L launch, Tesla also updated its online vehicle configurator with a refreshed design that does a much better job of highlighting features and add-ons. The first Model Y L customer deliveries are officially scheduled to begin in September.
