Summary
Tesla has launched a long-wheelbase, six-seat variant of the Model Y in China called the Model Y L, starting at ¥339,000 (~$47,200). It’s a 2–2–2 six-passenger layout with captain’s chairs in the second row and a compact third row. At the moment, Tesla indicates no U.S. launch plan, so American buyers should view the Y L primarily as a useful benchmark against three-row EVs sold in the U.S. (like Kia EV9) and against genuinely cheapest EVs that undercut it on price but aren’t six-seat family haulers.
What is the “Tesla six-passenger SUV $47,000” (Model Y L)?
Model Y L is a long-wheelbase Model Y with six seats (2–2–2 layout), aimed at Chinese buyers needing occasional third-row flexibility without stepping up to a larger luxury SUV. It launched in August 2025 at ¥339,000 and began first deliveries in September. Think of it as a stretched Model Y with added second-row captain’s chairs and a small third row that folds flat.
Key notes from launch coverage and early hands-on impressions:
- Price & positioning (China): Starts at ¥339,000 (~$47.2k)—about ¥25,500 (≈8%) above the five-seat Model Y Long Range AWD in China, which remains at ¥313,500.
- Layout: 2–2–2 with captain’s chairs in row two; compact row three suited best for kids or short hops. Early impressions call the third row “tight.”
- Availability: China-only for now, with indications it may never be produced for the U.S.
How the Model Y L differs from the regular Model Y
- Wheelbase & length: The Y L is longer than the regular Model Y, with extra wheelbase to carve out third-row room, captain’s chairs, and a slightly different interior feel.
- Seating: Y L = six seats (2–2–2). Regular Model Y in 2025 typically ships five seats in most markets; Tesla’s prior U.S. seven-seat option has been on-and-off and is not standard on refreshed models.
- Price context (China): Y L carries a premium over the standard Model Y LR AWD and a much larger premium over the base RWD Model Y (¥263,500).
Where it’s sold—and what it means for U.S. buyers
Tesla launched the Y L specifically for China—a market that favors long-wheelbase vehicles and multi-row layouts. Public comments suggest no U.S. plans at this time. U.S. shoppers seeking three rows should look at mainstream three-row EVs like the Kia EV9 (from $54,900 MSRP) or consider non-EV three-row crossovers if passenger capacity is a must on a tighter budget.
Why “$47,000” doesn’t make it the “cheapest EV”
The $47k headline price sounds aggressive for a six-seat EV, but it’s not the cheapest EV by a long shot—especially outside China. As context, BYD’s Seagull (a small hatch) has dropped well under $10,000 in China during price wars. In the U.S., Chevy’s Equinox EV has a starting MSRP around $33,600 (five seats, no third row). The takeaway: the Y L price is compelling for a six-seater, but it’s not a match for ultra-budget EV city cars or the lowest-price five-seat compacts.
Comparison/Table
Snapshot: Model Y L vs. popular alternatives (price & seats)
| Vehicle (market) | Base price (approx.) | Seats | Key takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model Y L (China) | ¥339,000 (~$47,200) | 6 | China-only six-seat Y with captain’s chairs; compact 3rd row. |
| Tesla Model Y LR AWD (China) | ¥313,500 (~$43,600) | 5 | Closest non-L benchmark; cheaper but no extra row. |
| Kia EV9 (U.S.) | $54,900 | 6–7 | True three-row family EV sold in the U.S.; larger footprint. |
| Chevy Equinox EV (U.S.) | $33,600 | 5 | Budget-oriented compact EV; no third row. |
| BYD Seagull (China) | ~¥55,800 (~$7,800) | 4–5 | One of the cheapest EVs anywhere; not a family 3-row. |
Availability note: As of today, Tesla signals no U.S. launch for Model Y L. Treat it as a China-market option that may never ship stateside.
Quick, illustrative TCO snapshot (U.S. perspective)
Assumptions for illustration only: 12,000 miles/year; electricity ~17.6¢/kWh (recent U.S. residential average); efficiency 3.0 mi/kWh typical of many mainstream EVs. Your results will vary by state rates, weather, driving, wheel size, and charging mix (home vs. public).
| Item (5-yr) | Example EV @ 3.0 mi/kWh | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Energy use | 20,000 kWh | 60,000 mi / 3.0 mi per kWh |
| Electricity cost | ~$3,520 | 20,000 kWh × $0.176/kWh (national avg) |
| Maintenance | Lower than ICE | Tires, brake fluid, cabin filters; no oil changes (varies) |
| Home charging | $500–$1,600 install | Typical Level-2 range; permits/electrical vary by home |
Why the table matters: Budget-focused shoppers comparing a hypothetical six-seat Y to U.S. EVs like EV9 or Equinox EV can ballpark energy costs, then layer in insurance, financing, incentives, and depreciation to reach a realistic TCO.
Practical Steps / Checklist (for budget-minded first-time EV shoppers)
- Clarify your “third-row” need. If you need regular adult-sized third-row space, look at true three-row SUVs (e.g., EV9 in the U.S.). If you only occasionally haul two extra kids, a compact third row (like Y L’s) might suffice—if it were available in your market.
- Confirm market availability. The Model Y L is China-only for now; plan around what’s actually sold in your region.
- Budget against real electricity prices. Check your state’s current residential ¢/kWh and compute your household cost per mile.
- Cross-shop by seating + cargo first, then range. A five-seat Equinox EV may save you ~$10–$20k over three-row EVs; a three-row EV9 offers space but costs more upfront.
- Test-sit the third row. Even within “three-row” EVs, seat height, footwell depth, and headroom vary widely; bring car seats if relevant. (Early hands-ons say Y L’s third row is tight.)
- Mind charging access. If you can’t install Level-2 at home or reliably access fast charging, your day-to-day experience will differ—and TCO may rise.
- Watch policy & incentives. Incentives and tariffs shift quickly; confirm eligibility before you price a build.
Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
- Chasing the lowest sticker without fit-for-purpose space. A “cheapest EV” like BYD’s Seagull proves how low prices can go—but it’s not a six-seat family car. Define your use case first, then price.
- Assuming China pricing equals U.S. pricing. Taxes, tariffs, shipping, and trim differences mean a ¥339k China price doesn’t translate 1:1 to U.S. MSRP.
- Overestimating the third row. Compact third rows work in a pinch; they’re rarely comfortable for teens/adults on long rides. Check in person; don’t rely on photos.
- Ignoring electricity rates. Your state’s cents-per-kWh can swing energy costs by 2–3×. Run the math with local rates.
- Assuming a U.S. launch. Tesla has suggested the Y L may never come to the U.S.—don’t plan around it.
FAQ
1) Is the “Tesla six-passenger SUV $47,000” real?
Yes—in China. It’s the Model Y L, a six-seat, long-wheelbase Model Y that launched around ¥339,000 (~$47,200).
2) Will the Model Y L come to the U.S.?
Unlikely in the near term. There are public indications it may never be produced for the U.S. market.
3) How big is the third row?
Small. Early testers describe it as tight and child-oriented, not adult-friendly for long trips.
4) How does the Y L compare to a Kia EV9?
EV9 is a true three-row SUV sold in the U.S. with 6–7 seats and a starting price around $54,900—larger and roomier, but more expensive than the Y L’s China price.
5) Is $47k anywhere near the “cheapest EV” price?
No. The cheapest EVs in China (e.g., small city cars) can be under $10,000, but they offer far less space, range, and power.
6) How should I estimate EV energy costs for TCO?
Find your local ¢/kWh and divide your annual miles by your EV’s mi/kWh to estimate kWh per year. Multiply by your rate. National averages hover in the high teens per kWh, but vary widely by state.
7) What are credible alternatives if I need a six- or seven-seater in the U.S. now?
Look at Kia EV9 (three-row EV), or consider hybrid/ICE three-row crossovers if budget is tight. Chevy Equinox EV is cheaper but five seats only.
Related: Tesla lawsuit: What owners and shoppers need to know
Conclusion
If your search query was “Tesla six-passenger SUV $47,000”, you’re looking at the China-only Model Y L—a stretched, six-seat Model Y built to squeeze in a compact third row and keep pricing under the psychological $50k mark. It’s a clever regional play, but not a U.S. product today. For Americans, the relevant cross-shop is simple: if you need real three-row space, compare the Kia EV9 and other U.S.-market three-row SUVs; if you’re optimizing price, five-seat EVs like the Equinox EV can undercut the Y L’s China price by a wide margin—though you’ll forgo that third row. In short: let the Y L sharpen your expectations for packaging and value, then buy the EV that fits your market, your family, and your math.
