The Model Y L presents larger dimensions and interior upgrades—longer wheelbase, more comfortable seats, a more spacious third row, and B-pillar vents—targeting U.S. family demand for more space. Tesla's only somewhat related announcement is the Robovan, which is years away and dependent on Full Self-Driving because it lacks conventional controls. Elon Musk indicated U.S. production of the Model Y L won't start until the end of next year and said it might never arrive in the U.S. because of the advent of self-driving. Production, regulatory, and manufacturing hurdles could delay mass availability.
In the past, I have personally written a handful of articles about what Tesla owners have been wanting in the United States: a full-sized SUV, or at least a vehicle that is larger than the Model Y but less of a crossover than the Model X. Tesla is missing one type of vehicle in its lineup and fans want it fast The only thing that Tesla has announced that even slightly matches this sort of idea is the Robovan, which is, optimistically, several years off because it lacks a steering wheel and pedals and will require Full Self-Driving to be fully autonomous. Even if Tesla launches FSD next year, it will take a year or two to figure out manufacturing, go through regulatory hurdles with the EPA, and eventually enter mass production for customers.
The Model Y L has a variety of big changes that would be advantageous for the U.S. market, including a longer wheelbase, more comfortable seats, a third row that appears to be more spacious than Tesla's six-seat Model Y that it previously offered, B-Pillar vents for rear passengers, and more. However, Musk said it won't come to the U.S. until next year, and that it "might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America."
This variant of the Model Y doesn't start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America. - Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 20, 2025
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