Is Tesla’s New Model Y L Really Worth $62,000?

It was just a matter of time. The new Tesla Model Y L Premium is now available in the US. It came out in China last year, and for a while many though the new version would not be available in the US. Now it is. For a pricey $62,000.

This is the price of the “Launch Series” model. Which includes AWD, any paint and wheel you want at no extra cost. That means the regular “Premium” model could start at around $56,000 when it becomes available.

This is not a new Tesla model at all. Just a slightly longer version of the familiar Model Y. With 3 rows of seats, but actually just one more available seat. 2+2+2 instead of 2+3. This is not a regular 3 row 7 seater vehicle. And while the 3rd row seems to have some decent legroom (At least in the official Tesla photos), head room seems similar to what you get in the new Honda Prelude. Which is basically nothing an adult should be subjected to. Heads will also bake under the rear glass hatch. 

No matter how you option it or not, the new longer version will probably be around $8,000 more than the “regular” Model Y Premium. For just one more seat. The difference in China between the Y and Y L is just about $4000. Which actually makes much more sense. If you option a regular Model Y Premium with AWD, upgraded wheels and the most expensive paint option, it will cost you $54,000. While the loaded Y L Launch is $8000 more. 

Of course the car is also longer than the regular Y by about 6 inches. But is that really worth $8,000? Other than the length, Tesla claims you get a more comfortable ride, with adapting damping standard. Otherwise, everything else seems pretty much the same as the Model Y Premium.

If you really need something larger than a Model Y you can also get a Hyundai Ioniq 9, starting at $59,000, for a larger and roomier vehicle. Or a Kia EV9. Or wait for the new Toyota Highlander EV.

I guess the Model Y L will appeal to hard core Tesla fans who won’t even consider anything else than a Tesla. And who need to carry one more human squeezed under a glass hatch and welcome the extra 6 inches. 

I am not sure how many of these Tesla is hoping to sell in the US. And a “semi-new” model from a brand brand who claims they won’t in the car business for long, (providing “transportation as a service” instead) sounds a bit dicey to me……