- 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’ll increase 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 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 strains of what Tesla did when it refreshed the Mannequin 3 sedan.
In line with reviews, a three-row, seven-seater Mannequin Y will debut outdoors the US. 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 supplied a six-seater Mannequin Y anyplace, although. That’s an possibility reserved for its flagship car, the Mannequin X, which comes commonplace as a five-seater, however you possibly can 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” function particular person electrical changes and are extra comfy. They’re additionally most likely the coolest-looking rear seats of any automobile in manufacturing at present, particularly if you happen to get them with the white leather-based contrasting with the black base—they seem like they’re floating.
Nevertheless, 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 attraction of its already very talked-about crossover providing, too. Like with the Mannequin X, will probably be dearer than the seven-seat possibility, which can additionally come to China with the “Juniper” replace.
Nevertheless, probably the most vital features 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 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 out there in China embody the Nio ES8, the Li L8 vary extender and different automobiles. Most six-seaters are one dimension class above the Tesla Mannequin Y, so will probably be fascinating to see how Tesla will design the six-seater Mannequin Y, given the inside house constraints.
If Tesla have been a legacy automaker, it could most likely produce a long-wheelbase model of the mannequin to search out these additional inches of legroom. Nevertheless, because it’s not one, it gained’t contact the size 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 advised suppliers to arrange for “a double-digit enhance of Mannequin Y output” at its manufacturing facility in China, which additionally produces the Mannequin 3 for the native and European markets.