Tesla appears to be preparing the long-wheelbase Model Y L for Europe. After launching the six-seat SUV in the United States, the company has now been spotted testing the Model Y L on a German test track, suggesting a European release could be just around the corner.
First Model Y L Prototype Spotted on European Roads
According to Carwow, a camouflaged Tesla Model Y L was recently photographed testing in Germany. The prototype featured black-and-white camouflage covering the front and rear fascias, while carrying German registration plates, indicating local validation testing.
The test vehicle was also equipped with 20-inch Uberhelix wheels without aerodynamic covers, a wheel option expected to be offered alongside the standard 19-inch wheels.
The sighting comes only days after Tesla officially introduced the Model Y L in North America, where deliveries are scheduled to begin this September from Gigafactory Texas.
Designed for Families: A True Three-Row Tesla SUV
The Model Y L is significantly larger than the standard Model Y, measuring approximately 196 inches (4,976 mm) in length—around seven inches longer than the regular version. The additional wheelbase allows Tesla to create a genuine three-row cabin featuring six individual seats arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration.
Unlike the optional third row found in the standard Model Y, the Model Y L is engineered specifically as a family-oriented vehicle, filling the gap left after Tesla discontinued the Model X in several markets.
Performance Remains Strong Despite the Larger Size
Although the Model Y L prioritizes passenger space, performance remains impressive.
- 0–100 km/h in approximately 4.5 seconds
- Top speed of 201 km/h
- Dual-motor all-wheel drive
Range is expected to closely match today's Model Y Long Range AWD. With the standard 19-inch wheels, the European WLTP rating is expected to approach 600 km. Vehicles equipped with the optional 20-inch Uberhelix wheels may lose roughly 10 km of estimated range.
Premium Interior with More Comfort for Every Passenger
Tesla has significantly upgraded the interior compared with the standard Model Y, especially for second- and third-row passengers.
Highlights include:
- Heated and ventilated front seats with powered thigh support
- Second-row captain's chairs with heating, ventilation, powered armrests, and one-touch folding
- Heated third-row seats with power recline and child-seat anchors
- 16-inch front touchscreen
- 8-inch rear passenger display
- 19-speaker premium sound system
- 50W actively cooled wireless phone chargers
- Up to 89 cubic feet of cargo capacity with seats folded
Battery Configuration Still Unclear for Europe
One question remains unanswered: which battery pack Europe will receive.
Current Model Y L production varies by factory:
- Gigafactory Shanghai uses an 88 kWh battery pack.
- Gigafactory Texas builds the U.S. version with an 83 kWh battery.
It is not yet known whether Giga Berlin will manufacture the Model Y L locally or whether European deliveries will initially be imported from another factory.
European Launch Could Happen Soon
Tesla already received European type approval for the Model Y L late last year, meaning regulatory hurdles have largely been cleared.
Historically, Tesla opened orders in the U.S. roughly two months after the first camouflaged prototypes appeared during testing. If Europe follows a similar schedule, reservations could begin once production preparation at Gigafactory Berlin is finalized.
The Model Y L first debuted in China before expanding to Australia, New Zealand, and several Asian markets. While it sits between the Long Range AWD and Performance models in China, Tesla positioned it as the flagship Model Y in the United States.
Expected European Pricing
If Tesla adopts the same strategy in Europe, the Model Y L is expected to become the most expensive Model Y variant available.
Industry estimates currently place the starting price at approximately €66,990, potentially accompanied by a limited Launch Series edition that includes additional premium features.
What This Means for Tesla Buyers
The appearance of the Model Y L in Germany strongly suggests Tesla is entering the final stages of European validation. With increasing demand for spacious electric family SUVs, the Model Y L could become one of Tesla's most important launches in Europe this year.
For buyers who need six genuine seats without stepping into a full-size luxury SUV, the Model Y L may finally provide the practical solution many Tesla owners have been waiting for.
