Tesla’s latest addition to its lineup, the six-seat Model Y L, is proving to be a massive hit in China, with early demand far exceeding expectations. According to a local media report, citing a Tesla salesperson, since its launch on August 19, the long-wheelbase electric SUV has already generated 120,000 orders.
That equates to an average of close to 10,000 new orders per day. The first deliveries began on September 2, and Tesla expects the first large wave of customers to receive their vehicles in October.
A Timely Boost for Tesla in China
The surge of interest in the Model Y L comes at a crucial time. Tesla’s monthly sales in China had shown year-on-year declines for most of the past 11 months, highlighting the competitive pressure the company faces from domestic automakers. In August, Tesla sold 83,192 vehicles in China, according to the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA). While that represented a 22.5% increase compared to July, it was still 4% lower than the same month in 2024.
Industry analysts view the Model Y L as a potential turning point for Tesla in its largest international market. Deutsche Bank recently noted that Tesla’s order flow in August nearly doubled month-over-month, crediting the strong performance of the new long-wheelbase SUV.
Why the Model Y L Stands Out
Positioned as a more spacious, family-friendly option, the Model Y L offers seating for six with flexible rear-row configurations. Chinese customers are showing strong interest in larger vehicles, and Tesla’s new model fills that demand segment. Starting at ¥339,000 (C$65,600/US$46,900), the Model Y L is priced above the standard five-seat versions but brings added value for families seeking both range and roominess.
The five-seat versions of the Model Y carry short delivery estimates of 1–3 weeks, while new Model Y L customers are currently looking at October delivery windows.
