Tesla launches larger Model Y L SUV in the United States

Tesla’s Model Y L, a six‑seat long‑wheelbase version, began U.S. deliveries on July 2, 2026 with a starting price of $61,990, making it the most expensive Model Y variant and the first three‑row SUV Tesla offers after dropping the Model S and Model X from its U.S. lineup [1].

Expanded size and market positioning

The Model Y L adds roughly six inches of overall length, primarily to the wheelbase, delivering noticeably more head‑ and legroom in the second and third rows compared with the standard Model Y, which critics have called “practically unusable” for the third row [1]. Tesla pairs the launch price with a year of Full Self‑Driving software, a year of Supercharging, and a choice of exterior paint, interior color, and wheels at no extra cost, a package not offered on the lower‑priced Performance version that starts at $57,990 [1].

With the Model S and Model X discontinued in the U.S., the Model Y L plugs a “large, three‑row, more‑than‑five‑passenger, SUV‑shaped hole” identified by MotorTrend’s editorial head, Edward Loh, who noted that the existing seven‑seat Model Y option feels cramped and fails to meet customer expectations for space [1][2]. The longer wheelbase also improves ride comfort and handling, according to a June 19 review in The Driven, which praised the variant’s versatility and driving dynamics [1][2].

Competitive context and production outlook

The Model Y L enters a market where the standard Model Y already dominates U.S. EV sales, having been the best‑selling electric vehicle in the country and the top‑selling car overall in California in Q1 2026 [1]. Its 325‑mile EPA range sits comfortably above many midsize electric SUVs, though exact competitor figures are not detailed in the sources. Production has already started at Gigafactory Texas, and deliveries began in Malaysia earlier this month, with orders open in China, Australia, and India [1][2]. AutoForecast Solutions’ Sam Fiorani expects U.S. production to ramp up by September 2026, with sales commencing before year‑end, aligning with Tesla’s broader rollout schedule [2].

What to watch

• U.S. production start: Confirmation of the September 2026 build schedule at Gigafactory Texas.
• Pricing adjustments: Potential changes to the $61,990 launch price as the model moves from “Launch Series” to regular production.
• Competitor response: Introduction of larger three‑row EVs from rivals such as Ford or Volkswagen that could challenge the Model Y L’s market niche.

The Model Y L gives Tesla a domestic three‑row SUV after the Model S/X exit, but its success will hinge on how quickly the longer wheelbase can be produced at scale and whether price‑sensitive buyers see the added space as worth the premium over the standard Model Y.