Tesla has officially launched the Tesla Model Y L in the United States and Puerto Rico, introducing its stretched three-row, six-seat SUV as a new “Launch Series” model. The vehicle became configurable online on Thursday with a starting price of $61,990, placing it above Tesla’s own Model Y Performance and its two primary three-row electric SUV competitors.
What the Tesla Model Y L Offers
The Tesla Model Y L is an extended version of the company’s best-selling SUV. It increases the wheelbase by 150 mm (5.9 inches) to 3,040 mm and adds about 180 mm (7 inches) to the vehicle’s overall length, creating enough space for a third row of seating.
Rather than using a traditional seven-seat layout, Tesla has configured the SUV with a 2+2+2 seating arrangement. The second row features independent captain’s chairs equipped with heating, ventilation, powered armrests, and one-touch folding functionality.
The third row includes heated seats with power recline and child-seat anchors, offering seating designed for six occupants.
Performance, Range, and Features
Tesla says the Model Y L can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and delivers an EPA-estimated driving range of 325 miles. According to the company, the SUV is quicker than the standard Model Y while also offering more driving range than most three-row electric SUVs currently available, although it remains among the smallest vehicles in the segment.
The company also lists 89 cubic feet of cargo space, adaptive damping, staggered tires, upgraded acoustic glass, a 19-speaker audio system, a second-row 8-inch touchscreen, 50W cooled wireless charging pads, and FSD Supervised with integrated Grok AI.
A prototype intended for the U.S. market was spotted testing on American roads in April. Thursday’s launch confirms the U.S. arrival that Tesla had indicated for several months.
Pricing Takes Center Stage
Tesla first introduced the Model Y L in China in August 2025 with a starting price of roughly $47,000. Since then, the company has expanded availability to Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.
Analysts had expected the U.S. version to start at around $54,000, based on the approximately $4,000 premium the Model Y L carries over the standard Model Y in China. Instead, Tesla opened U.S. orders with a fully equipped, all-wheel-drive Launch Series priced at $61,990.
That pricing places the new model about $4,000 above the $57,990 Model Y Performance and roughly $22,000 above the $39,990 rear-wheel-drive Model Y.
Tesla has previously introduced new vehicle variants through higher-priced Launch Series editions before adding lower-cost trims. Whether additional, more affordable Model Y L versions become available will determine how competitive the SUV ultimately becomes.
How the Model Y L Fits Into the Three-Row EV Market
With its $61,990 Launch Series price, the Tesla Model Y L enters an increasingly competitive three-row electric family SUV segment.
The Kia EV9 starts at $54,900 with up to 304 miles of range, while the Hyundai Ioniq 9 starts at $58,955 with up to 335 miles of range. Both models are priced below the Model Y L Launch Series, although Tesla counters with a claimed 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds.
The new model also addresses a gap in Tesla’s lineup. The company added a third-row option to the standard Model Y in the United States in January and introduced a seven-seat Model Y in Europe in February, but neither offered what Tesla describes as genuine adult-friendly third-row space. The Model Y L serves as the company’s first model designed to provide six usable seats.
The launch establishes the Tesla Model Y L as the company’s newest three-row electric SUV in the United States and Puerto Rico, bringing an expanded cabin, six-seat configuration, and premium Launch Series positioning to Tesla’s lineup.
