- 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 should enhance Mannequin Y gross sales.
Tesla is getting ready to launch a closely revised model of its hottest providing, the Mannequin Y, which is anticipated to be unveiled someday subsequent yr. The revised Mannequin Y, codenamed “Juniper,” will characteristic an up to date design, improved tech, extra comfort-oriented suspension and a revised inside alongside the strains of what Tesla did when it refreshed the Mannequin 3 sedan.
In keeping with studies, a three-row, seven-seater Mannequin Y will debut exterior america. The seven-seater possibility prices $2,000 within the States or $1,000 if you happen to 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 possibility reserved for its flagship car, the Mannequin X, which comes commonplace as a five-seater, however you’ll be able to flip it right into a six-seater by ticking the $6,500 possibility.
Curiously, it’s dearer than the seven-seater inside, which prices $3,500. Tesla will let you know that’s as a result of the 2 particular person “captain’s chairs” characteristic particular person electrical changes and are extra snug. They’re additionally most likely the coolest-looking rear seats of any automotive in manufacturing as we speak, particularly if you happen to get them with the white leather-based contrasting with the black base—they appear to be they’re floating.
Nonetheless, sitting within the second row of a six-seater Mannequin X is a bit awkward as a result of there are not 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 needs to increase the enchantment of its already extremely popular crossover providing, too. Like with the Mannequin X, it will likely be dearer than the seven-seat possibility, which can additionally come to China with the “Juniper” replace.
Nonetheless, one of the vital essential features that premium automotive 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 may have a really totally 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 accessible in China embrace the Nio ES8, the Li L8 vary extender and different autos. Most six-seaters are one measurement class above the Tesla Mannequin Y, so it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how Tesla will design the six-seater Mannequin Y, given the inside area constraints.
If Tesla had been a legacy automaker, it might most likely produce a long-wheelbase model of the mannequin to search out these further inches of legroom. Nonetheless, because it’s not one, it received’t contact the scale of the car, whose fastback-like roof additionally severely limits headroom within the third row. Even so, Tesla is getting ready for elevated demand for its revised Mannequin Y, and the supply article says it’s already informed suppliers to organize 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.
