Tesla could introduce a seven-seat version of its Model Y SUV to select markets as early as October this year, according to new information from one of the brand’s eagle-eyed followers.
Government documents have reportedly shown the Model Y seven-seater has been approved for sale in Europe, with reports estimating the new car could see a market launch next month in Europe, Asia and Oceania – including Australia.
That would put the global launch of a three-row option ahead of the anticipated Model Y facelift, codenamed Juniper, that’s due in 2025.
X (formerly Twitter) and TTF Forum user eivissa, who watches government databases for changes to Tesla models, reports the Model Y’s approval and details the seven-seater’s changes over the five-seat version.
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The forum post suggests the seven-seat Model Y will have an ’empty weight’ that is 45kg heavier than the five-seater, with a 45kg payload increase.
Consumption and range figures are said to be identical to the five-seater, these being 16.2kWh/100km on the combined cycle with 540km of range.
It’ll also reportedly continue to offer a 79kWh battery pack and dual-motor all-wheel drive.
Tesla has offered a seven-seat option with its Model Y in the United States since the vehicle’s launch in 2020 – for an extra US$2000 (A$2986) – though examples built in Germany and China for other markets have never offered such an option.
The discovery of the seven-seater Model Y option for the Long Range variant follows reports that Tesla could launch a six-seat version as early as 2025.
Reuters earlier this month reported the six-seat Model Y was due to enter production in China from late 2025, following the arrival of the ‘Juniper’ facelift.
Given all Teslas sold in Australia are sourced from China, this potentially opens the door to a six-seat Model Y being offered locally.
This could see the Tesla offer two seats in each row, similar to the Model X.
The seven-seat option in US-market Model Y, in contrast, features a three-seat second-row bench.
The third row offers limited headroom due to the sloping roofline.
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