- Tesla is reportedly engaged on a six-seater model of the Mannequin Y to assist it discover patrons in China.
- A number of premium SUVs in China supply a six-seat configuration, which is perceived as extra premium, and Tesla thinks it can increase Mannequin Y gross sales.
Tesla is making 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 function an up to date design, improved tech, extra comfort-oriented suspension and a revised inside alongside the traces of what Tesla did when it refreshed the Mannequin 3 sedan.
Based on experiences, a three-row, seven-seater Mannequin Y will debut outdoors america. The seven-seater possibility prices $2,000 within the States or $1,000 when you 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 normal as a five-seater, however you possibly can flip it right into a six-seater by ticking the $6,500 possibility.
Curiously, it’s costlier 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 snug. They’re additionally in all probability the coolest-looking rear seats of any automotive in manufacturing at the moment, particularly when you 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 supply a six-seat configuration, and Tesla desires to increase the enchantment of its already extremely popular crossover providing, too. Like with the Mannequin X, it is going to be costlier than the seven-seat possibility, which can additionally come to China with the “Juniper” replace.
Nonetheless, one of the vital vital elements that premium automotive patrons 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 method that permits for more room 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 autos. Most six-seaters are one measurement class above the Tesla Mannequin Y, so it is going to be fascinating to see how Tesla will design the six-seater Mannequin Y, given the inside house constraints.
If Tesla had been a legacy automaker, it might in all probability 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 making 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 unit in China, which additionally produces the Mannequin 3 for the native and European markets.
