Tesla launched a new version of the Model Y in the U.S. on Thursday. The Model Y L, which debuted in China last year, features a slightly stretched wheelbase, more interior space, and six seats.
Sales kick off with an all-wheel-drive Launch edition, which costs $61,990. That is $16,000 more than the regular Model Y Premium with all-wheel drive. EPA range comes in at 325 miles, and Tesla says that 0-60-mph happens in 4.4 seconds. At a glance, it's virtually indistinguishable from the normal Model Y. But looking at them side by side, it's clear the new model has a longer wheelbase and a roofline that bumps up and out ever so slightly where the third row is.
Inside, the Model Y L has captain's chairs for the second row and two more seats behind that. The first and second rows have heated and ventilated seats, and the third row gets butt warmers as well.
Introducing Model Y Long Wheelbase – now available in the US & Puerto Rico
— Tesla (@Tesla) July 2, 2026
A 3-row, 6-seat configuration that brings exceptional interior space with ample headroom & legroom for all passengers
0-60 in 4.4 seconds
325 miles of range
– Front row: Heated/ventilated seats w/… pic.twitter.com/1qFjt1bzkT
The Model Y Long Wheelbase is Tesla's latest attempt to juice sales without releasing a brand-new model and while still leaning on the basic design of its cash cow, the Model Y. Last year, the company rolled out cheaper, more basic versions of the Model Y and Model 3. That model—which trades the Y's flashy light bars for more basic headlights and taillights and lacks an FM radio—brought the sticker price of a Model Y down below $40,000 and helped make up for the loss of the EV tax credit.
Now Tesla has designed a slightly larger version to capture American buyers looking for a third row. Tesla already offers a seven-seat option for the Model Y for $2,500, but this third row should be more usable.
After years of epic growth in the U.S., Tesla has struggled to grow sales in the U.S. lately, in part because it hasn't released a new mainstream model. The Cybertruck, which Elon Musk once said would sell up to 250,000 units annually, has been a flop. While Musk has been clear that he believes Tesla's future rests on robotaxis and humanoid robots, the company still needs to sell cars to fund those endeavors.
The Model Y L could help the company recapture some sales it will lose by discontinuing the three-row Model X. And the Launch Series includes some special perks to get buyers in the door. On top of special badging inside and out, it comes with 12 months of free Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and 12 months of free Supercharging.
