by CHEN Xiaotong
Tesla on August 19 launched the long-wheelbase Model Y L on its China website, priced from 339,000 yuan (US$46,400) with deliveries scheduled for September.
Buyers are offered financing plans starting at 99,900 yuan (US$13,700) down with three years' interest-free, or 45,900 yuan (US$6,300) down with five years' low-interest loans, along with paint subsidies and charging perks worth about 30,000 yuan (US$4,100).
The Model Y L features a 179mm longer body and a 150mm extended wheelbase, redesigned six-seat layout with heating and ventilation across rows, and a total storage space of 2,539 liters. Equipped with dual-motor all-wheel drive, it accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and offers up to 751 km range on an 82kWh battery.
Rival carmakers have already moved into the segment. Nio's sub-brand Onvo launched its six-seat L90 at 265,800 yuan (US,400) on July 31, delivering over 4,000 units in its first 10 days. Li Auto's i8, priced at 339,800 yuan (US,500), begins nationwide deliveries on August 20 with pre-orders exceeding 30,000.
With Tesla joining the fray, the once-niche six-seat EV SUV category is becoming one of the most hotly contested segments in China’s premium electric vehicle market.
