The Tesla Model YL is already on sale in China and is expected to hit the European market soon. Inside China Auto recently reviewed the vehicle, praising its handling but pointing out some compromises. While the driving dynamics stood out positively, the bouncy ride and awkward third-row seating make it less ideal compared to other three-row crossovers available in China.
Tesla has been on a streak of low-effort model refreshes lately. Just last week, the company introduced Standard versions of the Model 3 and Model Y. These trims are designed to be more affordable but sacrifice several creature comforts in the process. Shortly before these launches, Tesla released an important new variant of the Model Y—the Model YL—a six-seater long-wheelbase version targeted especially at the Chinese market. In China, three-row electrified crossovers and SUVs are growing increasingly popular among the middle class.
Mark Rainford of the YouTube channel Inside China Auto had the chance to drive the Model YL and shared his thoughts. His opinion was somewhat mixed. There are many positives about the Model YL, but some features feel underdeveloped when compared to leading Chinese three-row crossovers.
One notable highlight is the Model Y’s driving dynamics. Rainford commented, “Soft suspension, light steering, not engaging to drive—you can put nearly every Chinese car in that bucket.” This observation matches other experiences, with some exceptions such as the sportier Zeekr 007 and the smooth, soft-riding Nio ES6. However, he added that in the Model Y, “every input that you make feels like it’s making an impact on the road. The balance and the poise of the car is just excellent.”
Despite the driving positives, there are several drawbacks. The third-row seating is notably cramped, with limited legroom and headrests placed very close to the rear glass. Additionally, the seats sit low to the floor, making them less comfortable. Competing three-row EV crossovers in this category typically offer more traditional, spacious seating arrangements that provide better comfort and protection from sunlight. Combined with a very stiff ride, the Model YL’s third row falls short on comfort.
Inside, Tesla uses vegan leather and a highly responsive central screen, but competitors are offering more luxurious features. For example, the Li Auto L8 comes with genuine Nappa leather and dual screens. While the Model Y’s second-row seats feature powered armrests, they lack common premium features like seat cushion tilt or zero-gravity reclining, which are now popular in this segment. Additionally, the Li Auto L8 offers an optional fold-down theater-style screen capable of running gaming consoles, whereas Tesla’s setup includes only a small, low-mounted screen on the center console.
Still, Rainford remains optimistic about the Model YL’s prospects. He believes Tesla’s strong brand reputation and excellent driving dynamics could allow the Model YL to find modest success in China. “In China, the brand is what does the talking. Most buyers don’t even research the competition at all,” he said.
Whether this brand loyalty will be enough to sway buyers away from more spacious and comfortable three-row crossovers remains to be seen. It is unclear if Tesla plans to introduce the Model Y long-wheelbase version to the United States. However, it is likely to debut in European markets soon. We’ll wait to see how buyers there respond.
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https://insideevs.com/news/776199/tesla-model-y-three-china/