Image Credit: Tesla.Tesla has launched the Model Y L in the United States, giving its best-selling electric SUV a longer wheelbase, three rows and a more upscale cabin configuration. The new variant arrives as the most expensive Model Y currently available in America.Priced from $61,990 in Launch Series form, the Model Y L sits above the Model Y Performance and targets buyers who want additional passenger space without moving into a larger electric SUV from another brand. Tesla is offering the model in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, with production handled at Giga Texas.The biggest change is the stretched body. Tesla added nearly six inches to the wheelbase and about seven inches to the overall length, creating enough room for a six-seat layout arranged in a 2+2+2 configuration.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat setup gives the Model Y L a more premium feel than the standard Model Y's optional third row. It also gives Tesla a more serious family-focused EV at a time when three-row electric SUVs from Kia, Hyundai and other brands are becoming increasingly competitive.A Six-Seat Cabin With Captain's ChairsImage Credit: Tesla.The Model Y L replaces the regular second-row bench with two individual captain's chairs. These seats are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable, with powered armrests and one-touch folding to improve access to the third row.The third row also receives heated seats, power recline, and child-seat anchors, making it more usable for families than the cramped rear seats offered in the standard Model Y. Tesla has also added climate control coverage for all three rows.Up front, occupants get heated and ventilated seats with powered thigh support. The overall package gives the Model Y L a noticeably more premium cabin layout than any other version of Tesla's midsize SUV.More Cargo Space And More TechnologyTesla claims the Model Y L offers up to 89 cubic feet of cargo space, compared with 76 cubic feet in the regular Model Y. Even with all six seats in use, the company says there is still room for luggage behind the third row and additional storage in the front trunk.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe Launch Series also includes a 16-inch front touchscreen, an 8-inch rear display, a 19-speaker audio system, seven USB-C ports, and cooled 50-watt wireless charging pads. Other upgrades include thicker acoustic glass, adaptive damping, staggered tires, and Grok AI integration.Strong Range And Quick AccelerationImage Credit: Tesla.The Model Y L uses a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup and delivers an EPA-estimated 325 miles of range. Tesla claims the SUV can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, making it quicker than many family-focused three-row EVs.Fast-charging performance remains a key selling point, with Tesla saying the Model Y L can add up to 164 miles of range in around 15 minutes at a Supercharger. For buyers planning road trips with passengers, that combination of range and charging access could be one of its strongest advantages.Pricing Puts It Above Key RivalsAt $61,990, the Model Y L Launch Series costs more than the Model Y Performance and starts above rivals such as the Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9. Tesla appears to be following its usual strategy of launching a fully loaded version first before potentially offering less expensive trims later.AdvertisementAdvertisementFor now, the Model Y L is Tesla's new Model Y flagship. Its price is steep, but the added space, six-seat layout and premium cabin features finally give Tesla a more convincing answer for families who found the regular Model Y too small.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don't miss what's coming next.
