Although not a full-fledged midsize luxury SUV, the Tesla Model YL was introduced to offer Tesla buyers the option of a roomier third-row seat. This feature was lost with the cancellation of the larger Model X. Model YL, which has been available in other markets since last summer, will first go on sale in the U.S. as the Premium Launch Edition for $63,630.
appropriate size
You might not think so, but the YL’s dimensions are pretty close to the out-of-production Model X SUV. Compared to later models, the Model Y Premium is 2.7 inches shorter in length, just 0.3 inches shorter in height, and has a 3-inch longer wheelbase.
Both the X and YL carry up to six passengers in a 2+2+2 configuration. Headroom is generally generous, with the YL’s front row being 0.2 inches narrower and the second and third rows gaining 0.9 inches. Legroom is similarly competitive, measuring 41.2 inches, 39.8 inches, and 32.3 inches for the X and 41.8 inches, 39.7 inches, and 31.0 inches for the YL.
Both can carry about the same amount
There are significant differences in front-end packaging, with the more compact YL sacrificing some flank capacity. It can carry up to 4.1 cubic feet of cargo, but the X could carry an additional 2.4 cubic feet of cargo. Surprisingly, both three-row luxury SUVs feature 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.
However, with the third row folded flat, the YL has 38.0 cubic feet of cargo capacity, 2.8 cubic feet more than the X. That lead disappears behind the front seats, where the X has 2.4 cubic feet more than the YL’s 85.6 cubic feet. As another point of comparison, the standard five-passenger Model Y has 29.0 cubic feet of space behind the second row, and 71.4 cubic feet when folded.
sprint and range
What about performance and range? For now, all we can rely on is Tesla’s YL estimate, which in theory doesn’t exactly match X. The 325-mile range is 47 miles short of the Model X’s best record, and when comparing Tesla’s claims, the Y’s acceleration to 60 mph of 4.4 seconds is 0.6 seconds slower. (We’ll have independent numbers to compare when we test the Model YL for ourselves.) But the Model X’s larger original design gave it room for a more powerful electric motor that didn’t infringe on cargo volume, plus added space in the front for packaging HVAC components.
Basically a Model Y Premium with unique badging and space for 6 people
Model YL is equipped almost identically to the standard-length version with premium upgrades, except for the length extension and the addition of a third row. Inside, buyers can choose between an all-black or Zen Gray interior color and can expect a panoramic glass roof, extended storage center console, heated and ventilated first and second-row seats, a 16-inch infotainment screen for the front passenger, an 8.0-inch screen for the second row, and an 18-speaker audio system with a subwoofer.
Launch Series additions to the first example include door trim puddle lights with unique emblems, sill plates with Launch Series wording, interior microsuede trim, special exterior and interior badging, and floor mats. It also includes 12 months of fully autonomous driving (with supervision), plus Supercharging and premium connectivity.
The 2027 Tesla Model YL Premium can be ordered now from Tesla with a non-refundable deposit of $250, but deliveries are not expected to begin until sometime between October and November.
