The new Tesla Model YL is a six-seater SUV, which the manufacturer describes as having a brand new exterior, ‘luxurious’ interior and impressive range
Tesla has unveiled a new electric vehicle (EV) model as the company attempts to maintain its position in the world’s leading manufacturer in the electric market amid declining worldwide sales.
The new Tesla Model YL will initially launch in China, with the company sharing details of its plans on the nation’s leading social media platform Weibo. The Model YL is a six-seater SUV, which Tesla describes as having a brand new exterior, “luxurious” interior and impressive range.
Prices are set from 339,000 yuan, which works out at approximately £34,900. Its rated China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC) range is 466 miles, making it an appealing option for families looking for comfort and practicality.
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Tesla has promoted the Model YL as being designed for a “truly all-around driving experience”. Material released on Tesla’s Weibo highlight its versatility, with shots of the vehicle being tested off-road and navigating mountain ranges, while clearly demonstrating how it also functions effectively for everyday family use.
The Model YL boats heated seating across all three rows, powered armrests and dedicated ventilation outlets for third-row passengers, making it possible for adults to sit comfortably in the back for longer journeys. Another notable addition is the feature allowing the whole second row of seating to move forward at just the touch of a button, easing access for those in the rear.
Performance remains competitive, with the Chinese Tesla website quoting just 4.5 seconds to reach 62mph (100kmh), which is only a fraction slower than the standard Model Y — the top speed remains the same at 125 mph (201kmh).
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Interestingly, despite an increase in both size and weight, the Model YL delivers a minor improvement in its official range over the Model Y, rising from 750 to 751km on the CLTC cycle. Tesla says it has also upgraded the suspension, fitting it with “continuously variable damping” to increase ride comfort.
Tesla has been under mounting pressure to innovate as the manufacturer faces mounting challenges in China. In July, sales of its cars in the country fell by 8.4 per cent compared with in the same month in 2024, while deliveries of the Chinese-produced Model Y and Model 3 have fallen by over five per cent from June this year alone — the delivery figures, including exports to Europe and other markets, reached 67,886 units.
The brand’s struggles have been amplified by the rapid rise of rivals like BYD, which sold 341,000 vehicles in the same period, and Xiaomi, which has already become a serious force in the EV market with its affordable and hugely popular high-performance YU7 SUV, which received over 200,000 orders within three minutes of its release.
With the larger Model X most likely nearing discontinuation, the Model YL may eventually step into the American and European markets. By strategically launching the YL in China first and aligning with local consumer preferences, Tesla hopes to reinvigorate interest while positioning itself more strongly against intensifying competition.
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