A camouflaged Tesla Model Y L — the long-wheelbase, six-seat variant already on sale in international markets — has been spotted undergoing road testing in Palo Alto, California. It's the clearest signal yet that Tesla is actively preparing a U.S. launch for the stretched Model Y, even if no official announcement has come.
This sighting on April 23 in the San Francisco Bay Area follows earlier clues that North American production is in the works. Drone footage from March 23 reportedly showed Model Y L body shells at Gigafactory Texas — suggesting the Austin plant may be lined up to build the U.S. version rather than simply importing from China or Germany.
For those unfamiliar with the Model Y L, it's a meaningfully different vehicle from the standard five-seat Model Y. The wheelbase stretches to 3,040 mm — 150 mm longer than the standard car — and overall length grows to roughly 4,976 mm. That extra space goes toward a proper 2-2-2 captain's chair layout: six individual seats across three rows, with second-row chairs that are heated, ventilated, and power-adjustable. Third-row seats are heated as well. Curb weight comes in at approximately 2,088 kg, about 212 lbs heavier than the dual-motor AWD standard Model Y.
Tesla has not confirmed pricing, a launch date, or which trim levels will reach the U.S. market. But the combination of Gigafactory Texas body production, Bay Area road testing, and international influencer previews of the overseas model paints a consistent picture: the Model Y L is coming stateside, and the timeline is tightening. Families shopping in the three-row SUV segment — currently served by vehicles like the Kia EV9 and Rivian R1S — now have a genuine reason to wait before pulling the trigger.
Marcus covers Tesla's software releases, FSD rollouts, and OTA changes. Background in automotive engineering. Based in Austin.
Sources verified at publish time. Spotted an inaccuracy? Email editorial@basenor.com.
