Tesla has launched the Model Y L, a six-seater SUV, in China. Its interior space, particularly its cramped three-row space, has drawn some media attention. A Chinese EV media called its third-row experience “abysmal“.
The Model Y L’s most significant changes from the refreshed Model Y are its lengthened body and extended wheelbase, transforming it into a six-seat configuration. Despite these modifications, the vehicle retains its distinctive coupe SUV silhouette, a design choice that has historically raised questions about the practicality of its interior, especially for rear passengers.
In an effort to showcase the Model Y L’s spaciousness, Grace Tao, Tesla’s Global Vice President responsible for government affairs, public relations, marketing, and branding in Greater China, shared a video today. In the video, she praised the vehicle’s “reasonable space layout, allowing the whole family, young and old, to travel with ease.” The promotional footage depicted six tall adults, each over 1.8 meters in height and weighing between 75 and 95 kilograms, successfully fitting into the Model Y L after some manoeuvring.
However, the video quickly drew mockery from some automotive bloggers. For instance, Navis-Slow Review (“Navis-慢点评测“), an influential reviewer with nearly 700,000 followers, posted a detailed critical response, stating, “It’s a bit abstract to insist on showing three rows with 1.8-meter tall people.” The blogger then systematically refuted Grace Tao’s video, highlighting several perceived compromises in seating comfort:
- First Row: Seats were reportedly pushed so far forward that they barely cleared the B-pillar, forcing occupants to choose between their knees hitting the dashboard or the steering wheel.
- Second Row: Passengers were shown in a “forced cross-legged” position, with their shins almost vertical, suggesting an uncomfortable posture.
- Third Row: Occupants’ thighs were depicted as completely suspended, leading to a “knees-to-chest” posture that could cause tailbone pain after a short period.
- Headroom: Even with these contortions, the blogger noted that third-row passengers’ heads still appeared to be uncomfortably close to, or even touching, the tailgate.
Editor’s comment
The contrasting views underscore the ongoing challenge for coupe SUVs to balance sleek design with practical interior space. As the Model Y L begins deliveries, real-world user experiences will ultimately determine whether its extended dimensions truly deliver on its promise of comfortable six-seater travel.
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