The Tesla Model Y could become an even more practical proposition for families, with reports emerging that a six-seat version of the electric SUV could launch as soon as 2025.
Reuters, citing two Tesla sources, reports the six-seat Model Y is due to enter production in China from late 2025. An updated five-seat Model Y will precede it early in 2025.
Given all Teslas sold in Australia are sourced from China, this potentially opens the door to a six-seat Model Y being offered locally.
While the US-built and delivered Model Y Long Range AWD offers a seven-seat option – for an extra US$2000 (A$2986) – the third row of seating is effectively only usable for children, given the SUV was designed for just five seats across two rows.
According to Reuters’ sources, Chinese customers would find the cramped third row unpopular, with one of the two informants saying “It’s not even large enough for a large-sized dog”.
It’s unclear, then, how Tesla could introduce a six-seat model that would appeal to Chinese buyers’ tastes without changing the overall size of the vehicle.
Tesla also sells the larger US-built Model X with the choice of five, six or seven seats in markets where the SUV is still available, and it’s possible a six-seat Model Y would adopt the more premium-feeling ‘2-2-2’ layout of its bigger sibling.
In the six-seat Model X, the two second-row chairs are separated to provide ample space for third-row occupants to walk through to their seats, rather than squeezing behind folding and sliding seats as is common in three-abreast second-row benches.
The publication adds Tesla’s suppliers have reportedly been told to prepare for a “double-digit’ increase in production of the Model Y in Shanghai, though the factory is currently awaiting approval to expand by 700,000 square metres.
The six-seat option will reportedly launch after the highly anticipated ‘Juniper’ facelift, due early next year and featuring design and equipment influence from the facelifted ‘Highland’ Model 3.
Now spied on multiple occasions, the Model Y Juniper is expected to adopt a full-width rear light bar connecting its tail lights, as well as sleeker headlights, new wheel designs, ambient interior lighting, and steering wheel-mounted indicator switches.
