The new Tesla Model Y L builds on the standard Model Y by adding a third row of seats, a longer wheelbase, more power with an all-wheel-drive setup, more range and more sophisticated suspension. Given the additions, naturally, it costs more than the standard-wheelbase rear-wheel-drive versions, but is the Y L worth the extra outlay?
Model Y Exterior Design and Engineering -
At first glance, the L looks very familiar to the Model Y, but this version looks noticeably larger from the side and rear. The Model Y L measures 4,969mm in length and 1,664mm in height, 1,982mm in width with a 3,040mm wheelbase, which makes it 179mm longer overall and 40mm taller than the Model Y, and it also has a 150mm longer wheelbase. At 166mm (unladen), the Y L has decent ground clearance but considering the longer wheelbase, you have to be extra careful going over big speedbreakers otherwise you will end up scraping the belly.
The growth in dimensions is particularly apparent in the raised and extended roofline, plus the expanded rear glass and rear-quarter glass area. The other changes include a new bootlid spoiler and the 19-inch alloy wheels have a more enclosed design, both in the interest of further aero optimisation.
Other than that, the smooth, aerodynamic silhouette with minimalist detailing and distinctive lighting elements remain. The overall design is unmistakably Tesla, although the extra length gives it slightly more road presence. That said, the Model Y L doesn't suddenly become a traditional SUV just because it has grown. Its rounded, slightly featureless shape with clean surfacing continues to favour aerodynamic efficiency over visual appeal. But it looks distinctive and as such, has carved out a niche for itself in terms of design.
Model Y Interior Space and Comfort -
This is where the Model Y L takes a larger step up. The standard Model Y already had a spacious cabin, but the Y L has even more room and brings further versatility, by adding a third row of seats. It is a six-seater rather than a seven-seater, with two individual captain's chairs in the middle row instead of the standard car's bench.
The front seats may be simple-looking but they are plush and comfy, and the extended underthigh support enhances comfort especially for taller people. These seats are also heated, cooled and feature electric adjustment. The second row is arguably the highlight, however. The individual captain’s seats are very comfy, and they feature integrated headrests, a heating and cooling function, along with power adjustment and powered armrests too. The extra wheelbase and taller roof, of course, give passengers more room to stretch out and as such there’s no shortage of legroom or headroom here. The only real downside is the low and knees-up seating position. The larger windows, coupled with the tinted panoramic glass roof, further enhance the sense of space. However, since there are no window blinds or a sunshade for the roof, the large glasshouse area means the cabin heats up too easily especially on a hot, sunny day.
Middle row passengers are well-catered too, however. Apart from the aforementioned heated/cooled and powered seats, you also get cupholders, charging ports and an 8-inch touchscreen. This centrally-mounted unit is just as slick to use as the one in the front and it controls several functions, along with the ability to play videos and games.
The third row, however, comes as a bit of a surprise. Considering the low seat, you're sat in a knees-up position but space back here is genuinely usable for adults, with adequate headroom and kneeroom. Dedicated AC vents, cup holders and type C charging ports are useful inclusions and show that the rearmost seats aren’t simply an afterthought. Like in the middle, here too the large window and untinted rear windscreen let in a considerable amount of heat. Also, access to the third row is from between the middle row seats which is cumbersome. Power folding them takes too long and doesn't open up a sufficient gap to climb through like a traditional 3-row car.
Luggage space is another important consideration for a family focused car such as the Y L. With all three rows up, boot space is a respectable 420 litres which can be further expanded to a massive 1,076 litres by electronically folding the third row. Then there’s also a considerable amount of storage space under the boot floor and a properly usable 117-litre frunk. As such, the Y L remains practical despite the added seats. It's worth noting though, there’s no spare wheel.
Up front, the cabin retains Tesla's familiar minimalist layout. A large central touchscreen dominates the dashboard, with very few physical controls to interrupt the clean design. This extended model gets a textured finish on top of the dashboard, but the overall layout remains largely unchanged. It also remains a practical place, with a large cubby space in the centre console, storage under the centre armrest, multiple cupholders and seat back pockets.
Model Y Features and Safety -
Technology has always been central to Tesla's appeal, and the Model Y L continues with that approach. Apart from the aforementioned 8-inch rear screen, the main party piece of this car is the central 16-inch touchscreen. This screen is easily one of the best in the business in terms of resolution and responsiveness.
The screen is slick and feature-packed, but the reliance on it for everyday functions remains a usability compromise. Adjusting climate settings and accessing basic vehicle functions like adjusting the mirrors and opening the frunk require navigating menus, which isn't as intuitive as using dedicated switches. It looks modern and gives the cabin a clean appearance, but a little more emphasis on straightforward ergonomics wouldn't hurt.
But thankfully, you do get the Grok AI assistant as a part of the package which can pretty much do everything for you right from setting the AC, to setting the navigation, finding a charger and much more. It can converse in multiple languages and also constantly learns more about you, so it’s said to get more intuitive as you spend more time with it.
Other features include a panoramic glass roof, dual wireless phone chargers, multi-colour ambient lighting, a superb sounding audio system with 18 speakers and a subwoofer, heated/ventilated and powered front two rows of seats, heated third row seats, all LED lights and so much more. There’s also connected-car tech, and as with any Tesla it gets over-the-air updates, so the car is constantly improving without the need to visit a service centre.
Safety equipment includes nine airbags and a suite of driver-assistance features, including lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and blind-spot monitoring. The car also has high-resolution cameras all around it which provide a great view of the surroundings, although Tesla's more advanced Autopilot capabilities remain absent in India.
The technology is impressive, but the screen-centric interface requires some acclimatisation. Some buyers may find the learning curve frustrating, especially while driving. But for the tech-savvy buyers the Y L is aimed at, they will find this approach very appealing.
Model Y Performance and Refinement -
The Model Y L is offered in India with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, unlike the rear-wheel-drive only Model Y variant. Tesla does not officially list powertrain specifications, but it has an estimated combined system output of 514hp and 590Nm and the brand claims a 0-100kph time of 4.5 sec and a top speed of 201kph. We did a quick acceleration test and managed a 0-100kph time of 5.02sec, though we couldn’t test the top speed as our car was electronically limited to 120kph. For a family crossover which weighs 2,088kg, the performance is properly brisk.
Expectedly, acceleration feels very potent and as typical of any high-performance EV, the Model Y L pins you back into the seat. However, there is a certain progression to the power delivery and the added traction of the all wheel drive setup makes it feel manageable and not overwhelming. There are also two drive modes, Chill and Sport, the latter of which is exclusive for the Y L. And they have a corresponding effect on the response of the powertrain, with Sport obviously feeling much more immediate.
The added performance also makes overtaking on highways and closing gaps in traffic particularly effortless, as is reflected in the rolling acceleration figures. 20-80kph takes 2.85sec while 40-100kph is dispatched in just 2.94sec.
There are two levels of regenerative braking - Standard and Reduced. Standard is the stronger setting and best for use in the city as it functions like a one-pedal mode while Reduced is for highway use as it allows for some coasting. Notably, the deceleration in regen is also very progressive and blends well into and out of acceleration, so you won't mind using the standard mode for most of the time.
As with the standard Model Y, the Model Y L also impresses with its refinement. The cabin is superbly insulated from the outside world, thanks in part to the double glazed windows, with barely any road, tyre and wind noise filtering through into the cabin.
Model Y Mileage / Range and Efficiency -
Tesla claims a WLTP range of 681km, from the Model Y L’s 88kWh (estimated) NMC battery pack. That’s more than the standard RWD Model Y, for reference. It can also add up to 288km of range in 15 minutes when connected to a Tesla Supercharger, according to the company. Speaking of which, the electric crossover is capable of accepting up to 250kW on DC fast charging and 11kW on AC charging. As always, real world range will depend on driving conditions, speed, weather and other factors.
Model Y Ride Comfort and Handling -
The standard Model Y's ride and handling package is competent, although its low-speed ride is noticeably firm, especially on uneven surfaces. Tesla has made changes to the L's suspension, equipping it with adaptive dampers in a bid to improve comfort and body control.
This is a particularly relevant upgrade for a longer, heavier vehicle designed to carry more passengers. As with everything else, this is also controlled via the touchscreen with two settings available - Balanced and Rear Comfort. The latter softens things down and gives it a slightly plusher feel, while the former represents a good middle ground between ride comfort and handling, but the difference in the modes isn’t that great. Overall, there is still firmness to the ride but the Y L does feel more composed and avoids transmitting as much movement into the cabin as the standard Model Y.
The longer wheelbase also helps the car feel a bit more settled at speed, although manoeuvring in confined spaces is more cumbersome, and this is particularly amplified thanks to the rather poor turning circle. Like the standard Model Y's, the Y L’s steering is light and easy to use, but it isn’t particularly feelsome. There’s also three modes for the steering, which progressively add more weight. The handling too is more competent and predictable rather than entertaining. It doesn’t feel as agile as the Model Y but body movements do seem better controlled thanks to the adaptive dampers.
Model Y Value for Money -
Priced at Rs 61.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tesla Model Y L makes for a more compelling case than the standard Model Y despite costing 10 lakh more. It still costs a fair bit more than its most direct rivals, the BMW iX1 LWB and the BYD Sealion 7, but the Y L is more spacious with more seats. The Model Y L does have its compromises though. It’s over-reliant on the touchscreen for even basic functions and the large glasshouse means the cabin heats up easily. The larger dimensions, poor turning circle, low ground clearance and long wheelbase also mean it is more challenging to maneuver in the city and while parking.
But it brings a lot more to the table too. There’s more cabin space, the added versatility of a third row, a more potent dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel-drive and a higher claimed range as well. And it retains its strengths of being feature-packed, with excellent refinement and massive cargo space. Tesla says that buyers are now preferring to opt for the Y L over the Model Y considering all the additional things it brings, and that really doesn’t come as a surprise. So for buyers who want a spacious, quick, refined and cutting-edge electric crossover for the family, the Tesla Model Y L fits the bill.