Tesla has been teasing and is nearing the launch of the new Model Y L in China, which has been marketed as a longer, more family-friendly version of the all-electric crossover.

But there’s more than just a six-inch wheelbase expansion with the Model Y L compared to the standard Model Y. In fact, there are a variety of new features, which we will go over in this article.

Comprehensive Tesla Model Y L insights shared by early reviewer

From an exterior perspective, the Model Y L definitely looks longer, and it’s among the longest compact EV SUVs on the market. Here’s how it stacks up to other notable and similar vehicles:

• Tesla Model Y: 113.8 inches (2,890 mm)
• Tesla Model Y L: 119.7 inches (3,040 mm)
• Hyundai Ioniq 5: 118.1 inches (3,000 mm)
• Kia EV6: 114.2 inches (2,900 mm)
• Ford Mustang Mach-E: 117.5 inches (2,984 mm)
• Volkswagen ID.4: 109.1 inches (2,771 mm)
• Nissan Ariya: 109.3 inches (2,775 mm)
• Porsche Macan Electric: 113.9 inches (2,893 mm)
• BMW iX3: 112.8 inches (2,864 mm)

This is not the only thing Tesla upgraded with the vehicle; there are also quite a few improvements from an interior perspective. Tesla could potentially integrate a few of these into the regular Model Y in the future.

Here’s what’s new with the new Model Y L:

Black Headliner

In the Model Y with both the Black and White interior options, the headliner is the standard grey color. However, the Model Y L will have a black headliner, marking the first time Tesla has introduced this color to this model:

New Front Seat Design

The front seats are now a new shape and have adjustable headrests that allow for a more custom feel that caters to each person occupying the driver or passenger seats.

🚨 The interior of the Tesla Model Y L — take a peek! https://t.co/vWJcoZuf4H pic.twitter.com/F43gIQ15fG

— TESLARATI (@Teslarati) August 18, 2025

Six-Seat Configuration Upgrades

The six-seat configuration of the Model Y L now features second-row Captain’s Chairs with powered armrests:

Here are the powered armrests on the captains chairs in the second row seats in the new Tesla Model Y L pic.twitter.com/lkpGgojcIJ

— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) August 18, 2025

New Air Vents for Rear Passengers

The new Model Y L also features four new rear vents located on the pillars, giving those passengers in the rear seats the ability to adjust their air circulation preferences.

It is strange seeing manual vents in a Tesla, as airflow is usually controlled on the center dash screen.

Additional Features for Rear Passengers

Rear passengers will also have cupholders, which is a small but valuable addition to the car. The second and third rows are now also powered and will recline and collapse at the touch of a button.

Tesla Robotaxi is getting more shade thrown on it by skeptics from all corners of the industry. Recently, it received some criticism from ex-Waymo CEO John Krafcik, who led the currently sits on the board of Tesla rival Rivian.

Robotaxi is Tesla’s self-driving ride-hailing service that operates in both Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area.

In Austin, it launched on June 22, and it was the first city where Tesla launched driverless rides to a select group of invited guests. That group, as well as the geofence in Austin, has expanded several times in the roughly two months since its launch.

In the Bay, Tesla is not legally allowed to call the platform “Robotaxi,” so it refers to it as its ride-hailing service. This was confirmed by CEO Elon Musk.

However, Krafcik, who was with Waymo for about seven years, is skeptical of the Robotaxi fleet, basically calling it less than impressive and stating that it is a lot like Uber in San Francisco.

In an interview with Business Insider, Krafcik revealed his true thoughts about Tesla’s efforts:

“If they were striving to re-create today’s Bay Area Uber experience, looks like they’ve absolutely nailed it.”

He went on to say that the company’s decision to keep Safety Monitors in the vehicle for the time being makes the vehicle not a Robotaxi. In Austin, there is not a Safety Monitor in the driver’s seat, only in the front passenger’s seat.

In the Bay Area, there is a Safety Monitor in the driver’s seat, which is a regulatory requirement with the platform currently.

Krafcik continued:

“Please let me know when Tesla launches a robotaxi — I’m still waiting. It’s (rather obviously) not a robotaxi if there’s an employee inside the car.”

The presence of a Safety Monitor is only a measure of precaution currently, and Tesla has said that it is purely a move to ensure riders are kept out of danger.

Musk said recently that Tesla is being “paranoid” over safety, and for good reason. Any instance of an accident could set Tesla, or any self-driving program for that matter, back years.

Unfortunately, Krafcik said he has no desire to try Robotaxi, so it won’t get a fair shot at changing his mind.

An early reviewer of the Tesla Model Y L in China has teased what could very well be the most comprehensive list of features that has been shared so far about the upcoming extended wheelbase crossover.

Based on the early reviewer’s insights, the Model Y L could very well become Tesla’s best-selling family vehicle by a mile.

Model Y L sightings

The Tesla Model Y L has reportedly entered production in Giga Shanghai, though the vehicle itself is not being sold in the company’s domestic website as of yet. That being said, sightings from the electric vehicle community have suggested that Tesla China is now hard at work transporting Model Y L units to select stores across the country.

The Model Y L was listed in the China Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s (MIIT) latest batch of new energy vehicle models that are eligible for vehicle purchase tax exemptions. Based on the MIIT’s filings, the vehicle will feature a 82.0-kWh lithium-ion battery from LG Energy Solution. It is also expected to add roughly 178 mm (7 inches) to the overall length of the standard Model Y, with 152 mm (6 inches) being dedicated to stretching the wheelbase.

New Model Y L insights 

A China-based blogger who reportedly previewed the Model Y L ahead of an expected nondisclosure agreement lift on Tuesday or Wednesday shared some of the vehicle’s alleged updates. As per the blogger, the Model Y L’s biggest updates focus on comfort and interior features. The front seats have reportedly been reworked with better cushioning, leg rests and lumbar support, though they do not add zero-gravity seating or massage functions. 

The vehicle also comes with Continuous Damping Control suspension, a larger central display and an upgraded audio system with about 18 speakers, which was described as a significant improvement in sound quality. Amenities have reportedly been expanded for passengers in all three rows. Heating and ventilation will reportedly be available in the first and second rows, while the third row will have heating only. 

The third-row space was described as adequate, with a passenger standing 1.78 meters tall reportedly being able to sit with a fist’s worth of headroom. Tesla’s minimalist interior design reportedly remains, but the second row now includes armrests. Both the second and third rows also reportedly fold flat to form a large bed, though not as flat as the standard Model Y. A voice wake-up feature, “Hi Tesla,” is also included for China models.