Long-wheelbase Tesla Model Y shows up for the first time

Tesla has stretched its Model Y Juniper (see video) in a new China-only version called the YL. The extra wheelbase goes towards a third seat row.

All three rows feature two individual seats, so the Model YL is a six-seater. It might reach other markets eventually, but Tesla has so far only announced it for China. It is 4,976 mm long, 1,920 mm wide and 1,668 mm tall there with 3,040 mm between the axles.

That’s the same width and height as the normal Model Y, while the length and the wheelbase are roughly 200 mm (7.8 inches) longer. The difference is very subtle looking at the photos. The roofline is slightly less sloped, and that’s about it.

According to the announcement, the Model YL will only be available with two motors producing 193 PS (190 hp / 142 kW) at the front and 269 PS (265 hp / 198 kW) at the rear axle. This makes it the most powerful Model Y on the Chinese market right now. The top speed is still capped at 201 km/h (125 mph), though.

Sales in China will begin in the fall, Tesla says. The old Model Y had a seven-seat version with a bench seat in the middle row, so it might return to the lineup one day.