With an extended wheelbase and a focus on interior comfort, the Model YL emerges as Elon Musk's bet to maintain leadership among family electric vehicles
The Tesla Model YL, an elongated, six-seater version of the world’s best-selling SUV, has been spotted in public tests in California for the first time. The registration of the prototype on the Interstate 280 highway indicates that the manufacturer may anticipate the debut of the model in the North American market, filling the vacuum left by the recent restructuring of the brand’s assembly line.
The move comes at a time of deep transition for Elon Musk’s company. This is because the Model S and Model X production lines are scheduled to close in the second quarter of 2026, making room for large-scale manufacturing of Optimus humanoid robots. In this scenario, the Model YL emerges as the logical successor for those looking for a large, high-tech family vehicle.
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Unlike the seven-seat variant offered previously, which sacrificed comfort in the last row, the Model YL prioritizes ergonomics. The model has a wheelbase of 3.04 m — an increase of 15 cm over the standard — and a total length of 4.97 m. The internal configuration follows the 2-2-2 layout, with adjustable individual seats in the second row, ensuring easy access to the back of the cabin.
The technical refinement is reinforced by a 16″ central screen, 8″ rear display and suspension system with continuous variable damping. For the first time in the lineup, Tesla introduces V2L (vehicle-to-load) technology, which allows you to use the energy stored in the car’s battery to power external electronic devices.
The Model YL is already successfully marketed in markets such as China and Australia, costing around US$ 52 thousand (approximately R$ 263 thousand in direct conversion). With European homologation completed and tests on American soil intensified, the official announcement in the US should take place in 2026, consolidating Tesla’s strategy of focusing on high-volume and profitable platforms.
