Tesla Model Y L Spotted at Gigafactory Texas; U.S. Launch Soon?

Tesla’s long-wheelbase Model Y L may be nearing a North American debut. This week, a frame believed to be for the Model Y L was seen at Gigafactory Texas, suggesting Tesla could be preparing its Austin site for a new production line.

The sighting was reported by drone pilot and Giga Texas watcher Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer), who posted a photo of a larger vehicle body wrapped in plastic. "Well this is interesting at Giga Texas today … what do YOU think this is?" he wrote, prompting speculation that the stretched SUV is headed to the United States.

Stretched and Spotted in Austin

The Model Y L is Tesla’s first true attempt at a family-focused "lifestyle" SUV. It resembles the standard Model Y but has a 150mm (5.9-inch) longer wheelbase and is about 7 inches longer overall. The added length enables a 2-2-2 seating layout, delivering third-row legroom and easier access via second-row captain's chairs.

Elon Musk previously indicated the six-seat Model Y L wouldn't arrive in the U.S. until late 2026, if ever, but the timing may be shifting. Tesla is discontinuing the Model S and Model X later this year, which will leave the company without a high-capacity, three-row model.

Global Rollout Hits Thailand

While North America awaits official news, the Model Y L’s international rollout is accelerating. After debuting as a China-exclusive last summer, the variant reached Australia and New Zealand earlier this month.

Now Thailand has officially joined. Earlier today, Tesla Thailand confirmed the launch of the 6-seat Model Y L in the region. The Thai configuration lists a 0–100 km/h time of just 5 seconds and an "Adaptive Suspension" aimed at a quieter, smoother ride. The vehicle also holds EU type approval and a sales approval in South Korea.

Tesla Model Y L Specs: More Than Just a Stretch

Beyond the longer body, the cabin receives a premium refresh, including a larger 16-inch central touchscreen and up to 2,539 liters of storage with the seats folded.

Range of up to 681 km (WLTP)
Full 2-2-2 seating with adjustable headrests and second-row captain's chairs
Upgraded 19-speaker audio system (up from 15 on the Long Range)
Continuously variable dampers for better comfort

The standard Model Y’s optional seven-seat arrangement has long been criticized for limited adult space; the "L" variant addresses this with its stretched body and dedicated six-seat configuration. A frame is now physically present in Austin.