- Tesla is reportedly engaged on a six-seater model of the Mannequin Y to assist it discover consumers in China.
- A number of premium SUVs in China provide a six-seat configuration, which is perceived as extra premium, and Tesla thinks it’s going to increase Mannequin Y gross sales.
Tesla is making ready to launch a closely revised model of its hottest providing, the Mannequin Y, which is anticipated to be unveiled someday subsequent 12 months. The revised Mannequin Y, codenamed “Juniper,” will function an up to date design, improved tech, extra comfort-oriented suspension and a revised inside alongside the traces of what Tesla did when it refreshed the Mannequin 3 sedan.
In keeping with studies, a three-row, seven-seater Mannequin Y will debut outdoors the US. The seven-seater choice prices $2,000 within the States or $1,000 in the event you pair it with different particular choices (like one of many non-standard exterior colours).
Tesla has by no means provided a six-seater Mannequin Y wherever, although. That’s an choice reserved for its flagship automobile, the Mannequin X, which comes customary as a five-seater, however you may flip it right into a six-seater by ticking the $6,500 choice.
Curiously, it’s dearer than the seven-seater inside, which prices $3,500. Tesla will inform you that’s as a result of the 2 particular person “captain’s chairs” function particular person electrical changes and are extra snug. They’re additionally in all probability the coolest-looking rear seats of any automobile in manufacturing in the present day, particularly in the event you get them with the white leather-based contrasting with the black base—they seem like they’re floating.
Nonetheless, sitting within the second row of a six-seater Mannequin X is a bit awkward as a result of there aren’t any armrests, and this robs the second-row expertise of some consolation.
We’re unsure how Tesla will do it within the Mannequin Y, however Reuters says a six-seater model specifically made for China is in improvement. A number of premium electrical SUVs provide a six-seat configuration, and Tesla desires to develop the attraction of its already very talked-about crossover providing, too. Like with the Mannequin X, it is going to be dearer than the seven-seat choice, which can additionally come to China with the “Juniper” replace.
Nonetheless, probably the most essential points that premium automobile consumers in China search for is rear legroom. The Mannequin Y with 5 seats is pretty roomy within the rear, however the one with seven seats is a bit tight, particularly within the third row. The six-seat Mannequin Y might have a really completely different seating configuration, with the second row positioned in a means that enables for extra space within the third row.
Some six-seater electrical SUVs already out there in China embody the Nio ES8, the Li L8 vary extender and different autos. Most six-seaters are one dimension class above the Tesla Mannequin Y, so it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how Tesla will design the six-seater Mannequin Y, given the inside house constraints.
If Tesla had been a legacy automaker, it will in all probability produce a long-wheelbase model of the mannequin to seek out these further inches of legroom. Nonetheless, because it’s not one, it gained’t contact the scale of the automobile, whose fastback-like roof additionally severely limits headroom within the third row. Even so, Tesla is making ready for elevated demand for its revised Mannequin Y, and the supply article says it’s already advised suppliers to arrange for “a double-digit improve of Mannequin Y output” at its manufacturing unit in China, which additionally produces the Mannequin 3 for the native and European markets.
