The long-rumored three-row Tesla Model Y appears closer than ever to a Chinese debut, with significant leaks revealing potential pricing, specifications, and a tantalizing new color option. Sources and official Tesla China hints suggest the "Model Y L" (potentially denoting "Long" or "Large") is gearing up to challenge domestic three-row SUV favorites.
Leaked Pricing Points to Aggressive Positioning
According to credible sources cited by Bloomberg and corroborated by leaks circulating on Chinese social media, Tesla is targeting a starting price of approximately 385,000 yuan (roughly $53,000 USD) for the new three-row variant. This positions it significantly below Tesla's own Model X SUV while placing it squarely in competition with popular extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) from Chinese automakers like Li Auto (Li L7/L8), Nio, and XPeng.
Specs Hint at Practicality and Familiar Performance
While Tesla hasn't officially confirmed specifications, leaks and industry analysis point to:
- Seating: A six-seat configuration with two independent captain's chairs in the second row is strongly suggested by Tesla's own teasers and leaks, providing easier access to the third row compared to a bench.
- Range: Expected to utilize Tesla's current 2170 or newer 4680 battery technology. Estimates suggest a CLTC-rated range slightly below the Long Range Dual Motor Model Y (currently 688 km CLTC), likely landing in the 600-650 km (373-404 miles) CLTC range due to the added weight and potentially unchanged battery capacity.
- Powertrain: Likely to mirror the Long Range Dual Motor AWD setup (around 500 hp) for balanced performance and efficiency, capable of 0-100 km/h in approximately 5 seconds.
- Dimensions: Minor increases in overall length and wheelbase are anticipated to accommodate the third row, though significant external changes beyond perhaps rear overhang are unlikely based on spy shots.
Tesla Officially Teases "More Seats" and "New Color"
Adding fuel to the fire, Tesla China's official social media channels recently posted a cryptic teaser video. While not explicitly naming the Model Y, the video focuses heavily on Model Y silhouettes and prominently features the phrases "More Seats" and "New Color." This aligns perfectly with the leaks and rumors surrounding the three-row variant.
Visual Evidence Emerges: The "Mystery Silver"
Further bolstering the reports, a significant visual leak surfaced on Weibo. User-supplied images, claimed to be from inside a Tesla facility, show what appears to be the three-row Model Y L prototype in a striking new shade – a sleek, light metallic silver unlike any color currently offered on the Model Y lineup globally. This "Mystery Silver" (name unconfirmed) is strongly suspected to be the "New Color" referenced in Tesla's teaser.
See the leaked images of the potential three-row Model Y L in the new silver color: https://weibo.com/3615027564/PBojcdHbE?pagetype=detail
Targeting a Critical Market Segment
The move is a strategic one for Tesla in China, the world's largest EV market. The midsize-to-large three-row SUV segment, dominated by Li Auto's success, is incredibly lucrative and represents a key demographic – families seeking space, technology, and electric efficiency. Tesla's brand power combined with a competitive price point and its Supercharger network advantage could make the Model Y L a formidable contender.
Timeline and Official Confirmation
Industry insiders, including those referenced by Bloomberg, suggest Tesla is accelerating its timeline for the Model Y L launch in China, potentially aiming for deliveries before the end of 2025. However, Tesla has not yet officially announced the vehicle, its specifications, pricing, or release date. The leaks and teasers strongly indicate an imminent official reveal.
Read Bloomberg's report on Tesla's plans for the six-seater Model Y in China: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-16/tesla-readies-a-six-seat-version-of-the-model-y-suv-for-china
The Bottom Line
The evidence is mounting: Tesla is poised to launch a three-row, six-seat Model Y variant in China. With leaked pricing around 385,000 yuan, specs indicating familiar Model Y Long Range performance with a slight range trade-off, the confirmation of a new color, and Tesla's own official teasers, the "Model Y L" appears to be a direct shot at the heart of China's family SUV market. An official announcement from Tesla is now highly anticipated, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape for premium electric family vehicles in the region. The pressure is now on competitors like Li Auto to respond. The battle for the Chinese family garage is heating up, and Tesla is bringing more seats to the fight.
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