At the Bangkok International Motor Show 2026, we spent some time with the Tesla Model Y L, the Chinese-made three-row version of the Model Y that adds more space and a more family-focused cabin layout, and has been performing well in the local market since its August 2025 launch.
With Tesla discontinuing the Model X this year, the timing also feels right for the Model Y L to enter the U.S. lineup as the brand’s only three-row SUV. Musk has not ruled out the Model Y L for the U.S., but we have not seen any local test prototypes, regulatory filings, or other signs that would point to an imminent launch.
Here’s what we found from our time with the vehicle, which is still a forbidden fruit for the U.S.
Design
Tesla has stretched the Model Y into a family-focused shape, while staying true to its design roots. The Model Y L carries the same design up to the B-pillar, but the body is 7.0 inches longer, 1.7 inches taller, and the rear glass area is bigger.
Tesla also reworked the C-pillar, added a bigger ducktail spoiler, introduced a new wheel design, and reserved a Starlight Gold paint option for this variant. Inside, the longer body makes room for a six-seat layout with second-row captain’s chairs, while wider front seats, pillar-mounted vents, and a 16-inch display further separate it from the regular model.
Interior
I found the Tesla Model Y L easy to get into. Once seated up front, and at 5″7′, I had more than 10 inches of headroom. The front seats sit quite high and feel supportive in every key area, with good back support, good shoulder support, strong under-thigh support, extendable thigh cushions, and power lumbar adjustment for both front occupants.
Visibility impressed me as well, with a superb forward view, a good side view, and a decent rear view, as the third-row headrests do not obstruct much. Material quality also stood out, with soft-touch padding in several areas, textile trim on the dashboard and front doors, and soft-close lids in the center console. The doors use electronic latches, but they still open manually.
The second row was also easy for me to access. These individual seats offer power sliding, power recline, heating, ventilation, and an armrest on the inner side that deploys via a button near the cushion.
Back support and shoulder support are good, though the side bolsters are not as broad as those in the front. I had about 8 inches of headroom there. Rear passengers also get four AC vents, two in the B-pillars and two at the back of the center console.
I could reach the third row through the walk-through gap between the second-row seats, though there is a hump and you need to sit with your legs angled outward. Legroom and knee room were better than I expected, but under-thigh support is poor.
The seat is wide enough for two adults, back support is acceptable, and I had nearly 3 inches of headroom. Visibility is limited, though the small quarter glass and rear windscreen above the head help it feel airier. I found it usable for city trips, but not ideal for longer drives, especially for adults around 6 feet tall.
The third row also gets AC vents, cupholders, USB-C ports, and power recline. Both rear rows can be folded from the cargo area.
Specifications
The Model Y L rides on a 119.7-inch wheelbase, which is 5.9 inches longer than the standard Model Y, and measures 195.9 inches overall. Tesla also raised the height by 1.7 inches and quotes a 0.216 drag coefficient.
As per China’s MIIT declaration, dual motors rated at 142 kW and 198 kW make slightly more power than the regular Long Range AWD and deliver a 0-62 mph time of 4.5 seconds.
The three-row version is reported to use an 84.7 kWh battery with LG Energy Solution M53 cells. The Australian-spec Model Y L can recharge for up to 288 km (179 miles) in 15 minutes.
Tesla quotes 751 km (467 miles) of CLTC range. Cargo capacity rises to 89.7 cu ft, while weight climbs to 4,604 lb. Other upgrades include continuous variable damping, bi-directional charging with up to 2.2 kW of V2L output, an 18-speaker audio system, an 8-inch rear display, and a cooled wireless charging pad.
Pricing & Availability
Tesla has priced the Model Y L from RMB 339,000 in China, or about USD 49,270. That puts it about 8% above the comparable five-seat Model Y Long Range AWD, which starts at RMB 313,500.
Tesla has not announced U.S. pricing, and Elon Musk said in August 2025 that U.S. production would not begin until the end of 2026 and might not happen at all, as the company is focused on self-driving vehicles.
Even so, Tesla is executing on export plans. The Model Y L is confirmed for Australia and New Zealand, where first customers will take delivery in two to three months.
