- Tesla is testing the long-wheelbase Mannequin Y in Europe.
- The SUV has been stretched to permit a much bigger third row.
- A ducktail-style rear spoiler marks out the rear design.
Regardless of getting a facelift earlier this 12 months, the previously dominant Mannequin Y has seen demand sagging, however Tesla has some methods up its sleeve to assist seize patrons’ consideration. One is a Efficiency variant, one thing absent from the electrical crossover’s lineup for the reason that spring. One other is a primary entry-level trim. After which there’s this: the long-wheelbase Mannequin Y L.
The L is already on sale in China and is because of make its European debut later this 12 months. It good points round 6 inches (150 mm) of wheelbase over the 113.8 inches (2,890 mm) on the present Mannequin Y that’s used so as to add a 3rd row of seats, most probably in a 2+2+2 configuration.
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Though each US and European Mannequin Ys had been beforehand out there with the choice of a 3rd row, it was fairly cramped because the wheelbase was the identical and the characteristic wasn’t provided on the facelifted ‘Juniper’. Bringing a 3rd row again, solely this time with further legroom, ought to enhance the take-up price and is significant in Europe, as a result of the Mannequin X was just lately discontinued within the area.
The general form of the L is similar to the inventory Mannequin Y’s, however the L’s stretch is clear within the form of the rear door. On the SWB variant the wheelarch cuts a giant chunk out of the door, however on the L the shutline is nearly in entrance of the wheel. From the B pillar ahead, nonetheless, the 2 Mannequin Ys can be similar, each that includes the brand new LED gentle bar and slim headlights that arrived with the February facelift.
There’s one other little L giveaway, although, one that you just’ll spot even when you don’t get a have a look at the longer profile. And it’s a element that appears prefer it should be fitted to the range-topping Mannequin Y Efficiency that’s additionally attributable to launch later this 12 months. As a substitute of a flat spoiler jutting out from beneath the rear window on the hatch, the L will get a ducktail spoiler worthy of an entry in a BMW tuner’s catalog.
Maybe the L’s subtly totally different form calls for extra stability at excessive speeds, not that it’s any speedier than the common Mannequin Y. Actually, attributable to a slight enhance in curb weight it ought to, in concept, be fractionally slower than the dual-motor, AWD short-wheelbase mannequin, which Tesla says can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds.