Tesla introduces the six-seat Model Y Long Wheelbase in the US with a price tag of $61,990.

      Tesla has introduced the six-seat Model Y Long Wheelbase in the U.S. at a starting price of $61,990, which includes a year of Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and complimentary Supercharging. The Model Y Long Wheelbase, a stretched version of the best-selling electric vehicle, is now available in the United States and Puerto Rico, featuring a third row of seats. This marks Tesla’s most significant expansion of the Model Y since its redesign earlier this year. The Launch Series is priced at $61,990 and offers 12 months of Full Self-Driving, free Supercharging, and any available exterior color, interior configuration, or wheel option at no extra cost. Production is currently taking place at Giga Texas in Austin, with first customer deliveries anticipated in September.

      The most significant updates are found in the interior. The second row features captain’s chairs that are heated and ventilated, replacing the traditional bench, while the third row includes heated reclining seats with one-touch folding and child-seat anchors. Tesla claims the vehicle’s interior provides 89 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for luggage even with all six seats in use.

      The vehicle is seven inches longer than the standard Model Y and includes a larger rear tailgate and bigger windows to enhance visibility for passengers in all rows. Performance specifications indicate an estimated range of 325 miles and a zero to sixty time of under four and a half seconds, complemented by adaptive damping, staggered tires, improved acoustic glass, and revised suspension. An enhanced airflow system aims to maintain comfort in the three-row cabin during longer trips.

      The tech package features a 16-inch touchscreen at the front, an eight-inch display for second-row passengers, a 19-speaker audio system, and 50-watt wireless charging pads with active cooling. Additionally, Tesla has incorporated its Grok AI assistant into the vehicle, along with the FSD system. After the one-year introductory period for Full Self-Driving, the subscription will cost $99 per month.

      This launch occurs amidst growing competition in the electric SUV market. Rivian recently started delivering its R2 SUV for about $58,000, while Xiaomi's YU7 is offering a lower price than the standard Model Y in China, with enhanced range and features that Tesla does not offer at any price. At nearly $62,000, the Long Wheelbase model aims to attract buyers with its six-seat configuration, included autonomous driving technology, and access to the Supercharger network, even as competition rapidly increases.