Tesla has introduced the Model Y L, a new long-wheelbase, three-row, six-seat variant in the United States, starting at $61,990. According to an announcement from the official Tesla account on X, the vehicle is arriving in the US and Puerto Rico as the Model Y Long Wheelbase.
A stretched SUV to fill a lineup gap
The Model Y L adds 150 mm (5.9 inches) to the wheelbase, bringing it to 3,040 mm, and roughly 180 mm (7 inches) to overall length, opening up room for a third row. Tesla is using the space for a 2+2+2, six-seat layout rather than a squeezed-in seven-seat bench.
With the Model X and Model S discontinued from Tesla’s U.S. lineup, the Model Y L effectively fills a gap, according to Edward Loh, head of editorial for MotorTrend. In April, Loh wrote: “Why the YL for America, now? Because Tesla just ended production of the long-running Model S, and its platform-mate, the Model X, leaving a large, three-row, more-than-five-passenger, SUV-shaped hole in its lineup.”
While Tesla has offered a third-row option on the standard Model Y in the U.S. since January 2026, for a $2,500 surcharge, the option offers just 26.5 inches of legroom and drew consistent criticism from automotive editors. The L variant is directly designed to address that problem.
Production of the Model Y L has already begun at Giga Texas in Austin. Tesla plans to begin deliveries sometime between September and October. The Model Y L Premium Launch Series starts at $61,990.
Specs and Launch Series perks
Tesla claims 0, 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and 325 miles of EPA-estimated range for the L, quicker than the standard Model Y and with more range than most three-row electric SUVs on the market.
Buyers of the Launch Series receive 12 months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised), 12 months of free Supercharging, and exterior paint color, interior color, and wheel option at no additional cost. On top of those perks, the Launch Series includes special badging inside and out. Launch Series vehicles also feature premium floor mats, custom puddle lights, suede dashboard inserts, and upgraded sill plates.
The second row gets independent captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation, powered armrests, and one-touch fold, while the third row gets heated seats with power recline and child-seat anchors.
The front row uses a large 15-inch center screen, while second-row passengers have a touchscreen display mounted to the back of the center console. Despite carrying six passengers, the trunk can still fit a 28-inch and a 20-inch suitcase, and the frunk can hold an additional 20-inch carry-on.
Where the price stacks up
The base price of $61,990 is almost $22,000 more than the most basic Model Y and $12,000 more than the non-long-wheelbase Premium variant. The Kia EV9 starts at $54,900 with up to 304 miles of range, and the Hyundai Ioniq 9 starts at $58,955 with up to 335 miles.
Both undercut the Model Y L’s Launch Series price, though Tesla counters with a quicker 4.4-second 0, 60. Buyers following the Hyundai and Kia EV battery recall may find the competitive context notable.
Launch Series pricing is designed to skim the most eager buyers first, so cheaper trims are likely to follow. U.S. delivery estimates on Tesla’s website are dynamic and can vary based on demand, pace of production ramp-up at Giga Texas, and other factors.
Global track record and U.S. timing
Tesla has launched the Model Y Long Wheelbase in the US and Puerto Rico and has started taking orders for the variant, almost a year after the company released it in China. Tesla launched the long-wheelbase variant of the Model Y in China in August 2025, and it has since expanded the model to Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
Tesla sold 480,126 vehicles globally in the second quarter, up 24.9% from the same period last year, the company’s second consecutive quarter of growth, following a 6.3% gain in Q1. The Model Y is the best-selling electric vehicle in the U.S. and was the best-selling car overall in California in the first quarter.
For families weighing their options, the broader three-row SUV segment has seen notable recall activity in recent months, adding context to Tesla’s entry into the space with an extended-wheelbase platform.
Tesla has not announced pricing for additional Model Y L trim levels beyond the Launch Series, but the company has used the “Launch Series” playbook before, opening a new variant with a loaded, higher-priced version before rolling out cheaper trims.
