The American electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has finally launched the Model Y L, the long wheelbase and three-row version of the Model Y that is a battery-electric compact crossover SUV, with the price of $61,990 (₹59.07 lakh). It comes with a seating capacity of six people in a two-two-two layout. Compared to its main rival, the Kia EV9 Light RWD, it is US$7,090 costlier. Let’s have a closer look at it.
Dimensions and space
The length is 4,790 mm with a 2,890 mm wheelbase; compared to the standard model, it has 179 mm more length and a 150 mm longer wheelbase. Its width is 1,982 mm, remaining the same affordable option, and its height is 1,624 mm, a 44 mm increase from the one available for sale with 5 people seating capacity. The third-row variant has 169 mm of ground clearance, just mm more than the variant with a two-row layout.
Thanks to the wheelbase of 2890 mm, all occupants get ample legroom to sit comfortably. The three-row version of the Model Y looks quite spacious and enhances comfort for the driver and passengers. Behind the third row there’s a small boot space; by folding the last row seat, it increases the cargo capacity by 2,520 liters (89 cu ft) and makes it convenient to carry multiple big pieces of luggage when only 4 people are traveling.
Motor setup and performance
Notably, it has a permanent magnet synchronous motor on the rear axle. It is mated with a single-speed automatic transmission, and thus the motor, which is primary, moves the wheels by getting power from the battery pack. The front also has a motor, an asynchronous motor, but it acts as a secondary motor, which helps in increasing traction, acceleration, and stability.
The maximum power output and peak torque for the front motor are 137 kW and 219 Nm, respectively; the rear one is 194 kW and 340 Nm. They generate the combined power of 331 kW (444 hp). To accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (around 97 km/h), it takes 4.4 seconds; compared to the EV9 Light RWD from Kia, it takes 3.3 seconds less time, and it can reach the maximum speed of 125 mph (201 km/h).
Battery pack and charging
Under the floor, it has an 88.2 kWh lithium-ion NMC (nickel manganese cobalt) battery pack from the LG Energy Solution. When the battery pack is fully charged, it gives the 325 miles (523 km) EPA-certified range. Meanwhile, its competitor EV9 Light RWD comes with a 76.1 kWh battery pack and offers a range of 230 miles, 95 miles less.
The long-wheelbase version of Model Y is also built on 400-volt electrical architecture and can support a 250 kW Tesla Supercharger, which adds the range of 288 km (179 miles) with just 15 minutes of charging. Reportedly, for 10 to 80 percent charging, the DC charger takes 28 minutes.
Features and technology
Get a 15.4-inch touchscreen at the center of the dashboard and 8-inch units for the second row; they are integrated with a 19-speaker premium audio system to ensure an immersive audio experience inside the cabin. The screens support over-the-air software updates and an integrated Grok AI assistant. Also get a 50W dual-cooled wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C charging ports.
The front traditional and second captain seats are ventilated and heated; the second row seats also have powered armrests. Other notable features are tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a 360-degree camera system, blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, full-width front and rear LED light bars, and matrix LED headlights.
Underpinning and braking
It is built on Tesla’s updated Model Y (Juniper) platform, which also underpins Model 3. Features an all-wheel drive drivetrain with two electric motors on each axle. It comes with adaptive damping suspension to ensure better comfort for all because it adjusts the damper in real time by monitoring road condition, speed, and braking.
The front and rear suspension are double-wishbone and multi-link independent, respectively. Available with EPS, which gives a lighter feel for easy parking and U-turns at lower speeds and is heavier at high speeds to ensure better stability and confidence for highway cruising. The ventilated disc manages braking for all wheels, and for safety, it also comes with ABS, EBD, ESC, and traction control.