Tesla China suggests possible introduction of a 3-row Model Y variant in the future
Tesla is set to offer six- and seven-seat versions of the Model Y in China, marking a significant expansion of the electric SUV's family-friendly options. Reports from Chinese media and Tesla firmware analysis confirm that a new seven-seater Model Y variant will be produced at Gigafactory Shanghai, with the six-seater version also confirmed in recent Tesla software updates.
The seven-seater Model Y is expected to offer configurations suitable for larger families, likely including a longer wheelbase version to accommodate extra seats and improve legroom compared to the current five-seater or seven-seat versions. The six-seater variant is expected to feature a unique 2-2-2 seating layout, possibly with captain's chairs in the second row and an aisle for better accessibility, making it a more comfortable and potentially more affordable alternative to the larger Model X SUV.
These new seating variants will not be limited to China; Tesla plans to offer them globally, including markets such as the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia, with right-hand drive versions also expected for countries like Australia.
Deliveries for the five-seat version of the facelifted Model Y, codenamed Juniper, in China are expected to begin in Q1 2025, with deliveries for the seven-seat version expected in Q4 2025. In contrast, Tesla is prioritizing Autopilot technology and the development of robotaxis in the US, with deliveries for the long-range all-wheel-drive Model Y offering both five- and seven-seat interior options.
The starting prices for the Chinese Model Y variants are RMB 263,500 yuan ($35,940) for the rear-wheel-drive version and RMB 303,500 yuan, with deliveries for the Model Y expected to begin in March. The addition of a six-seat model for the Model Y in China highlights increased competition domestically.
Tesla's Chinese website lists the facelifted Model Y, offering two "Launch Series" variants, while the US website does not yet list the facelifted Model Y. The seven-seat version of the facelifted Model Y in China will feature a 2-3-2 three-row seat layout, and the Model 3, currently on sale, does not have a seat layout option.
[1] [Tesla Model Y seven-seater variant to be produced in China by end of 2025, reports say](https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/05/tesla-model-y-seven-seater-variant-to-be-produced-in-china-by-end-of-2025-reports-say.html)
[2] [Tesla to Launch Six-Seat Model Y in China by Late 2025, Reports Say](https://www.motor1.com/news/517930/tesla-model-y-six-seat-china-2025/)
[3] [Tesla Model Y seven-seater variant to be produced in China, reports say](https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/tesla-model-y-seven-seater-variant-to-be-produced-in-china-reports-say)
[4] [Tesla Model Y seven-seater variant to be produced in China by end of 2025, reports say](https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-y-seven-seater-china-production/)
[5] [Tesla Model Y seven-seater variant to be produced in China by end of 2025, reports say](https://www.electrek.co/2022/12/05/tesla-model-y-seven-seater-china-production/)
- Tesla is set to produce a seven-seater variant of the Model Y in China, continuing to expand its family-friendly electric SUV options.
- Reports indicate that both six- and seven-seat versions of the Model Y will be part of the production line at Gigafactory Shanghai.
- The seven-seater Model Y is expected to cater to larger families, offering configurations with a longer wheelbase and improved legroom.
- The six-seater variant will feature a unique 2-2-2 seating layout, offering an affordable alternative to the larger Model X SUV.
- Tesla plans to offer these seating variants globally, including in the US, Europe, Australia, and Asia, with right-hand drive versions for countries like Australia.
- Deliveries for the five-seat version of the facelifted Model Y in China are expected to begin in Q1 2025, followed by the seven-seat version in Q4 2025.
- Tesla's automotive technology continues to make strides in China, as the company prepares to debut the seven-seater Model Y, marking another step forward in the electric-vehicle market.
