A heavily camouflaged Tesla Model Y L was spotted testing on the track at Tesla's Fremont factory in late May, captured in drone footage. This is the strongest signal yet that the six-seat, long-wheelbase Model Y is headed to the North American market — filling the three-row SUV gap left by Tesla's decision to close Model X orders.
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What Is the Model Y L
The Model Y L first launched in China last summer at 339,000 yuan (~$50,000). It extends the wheelbase by 150mm (5.9 inches) and overall length by 179mm (7 inches) over the standard Model Y, creating room for a 2-2-2 seating layout across three rows. Second-row captain's chairs include heating, ventilation, and electric adjustment. The vehicle has already launched in Australia, New Zealand, and multiple Asian markets, and received EU type approval last year.
Why It Matters
Tesla closed orders for the Model X earlier this year, leaving its lineup without a three-row SUV option. The Model Y L fills that gap at roughly half the price of a Model X. The Fremont track testing — following earlier sightings of a raw structural frame at Gigafactory Texas — suggests Tesla may be accelerating its North American timeline beyond Elon Musk's previous estimate of "late 2026, if ever." A formal U.S. launch announcement could come in the coming months.
Quick Context: Performance Trim and R2 Competition
Separately, the Model Y Performance (0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds, $57,490) faces new competition from the Rivian R2 Performance, which matched its 105 MPGe EPA rating on May 29 despite weighing nearly 800 lbs more. First R2 deliveries begin June 9. Meanwhile, the Model Y Premium RWD starts at $41,630 with 357 miles of EPA range, giving buyers a clear spectrum from value to performance within the same platform.
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