A longer version of Model Y has launched in the U.S.
The Model Y L (long wheelbase) three-row, 6-seater has arrived. The AWD L “Launch Series” starts at $61,990 and is now the priciest Model Y in the lineup – more than the performance version, which starts at $57,990. But there’s a bonus: Tesla includes 12 months of Full Self-Driving (FSD) with the Model Y L Launch Series. It is typically offered as a $99/month subscription.
The bigger version began deliveries last month in Malaysia. The L is also available to order in China, Australia and India.
The Model Y L “improves on the already-great refreshed Model Y in numerous ways including versatility, practicality, range, comfort, driving dynamics,” said a June 19 review in The Driven.
Bigger Model Y Fills A Hole
With the Model X and Model S axed from Tesla’s U.S. lineup, the Model Y L effectively fills a gap, said Edward Loh, head of editorial for MotorTrend. “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,” Loh said in April.
Better Design Than Current Model Y
Tesla’s current 7-seater option isn’t what customers want, according to Loh. “We know because we bought one as a test vehicle in our long-term fleet. The third row is practically unusable, and it makes the second row incredibly tight,” he said, adding: “With 6 inches of overall length (mostly in the wheelbase) added to make the [Model Y L], there is a lot more head and legroom,” he said.
Tesla said Thursday that it had sold 480,126 vehicles globally in the second quarter, up 24.9% from the same period last year. This is the second quarter of growth for Tesla. In the first quarter, sales grew 6.3%.