Tesla's 6-Seat Model Y L Spotted Under Covers at Giga Texas

A recent sighting at Gigafactory Texas suggests a long-anticipated family-focused Tesla may be approaching a U.S. debut. Drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer (@JoeTegtmeyer) captured footage of a covered vehicle in a test lot alongside a standard Model Y and a Cybertruck.

“Giga Texas has a new “mystery” car under a cover & the wheels also masked off with white vinyl. Fortunately I was able to get a top-down view of this one,” Tegtmeyer said. Although fully wrapped, the top-down view shows a footprint longer than the base Model Y and a stretched wheelbase, strongly indicating the six-seat Model Y L.

Giga Texas has a new “mystery” car under a cover & the wheels also masked off with white vinyl. Fortunately I was able to get a top-down view of this one next to another Model Y & a @Cybertruck for comparison.

Any ideas what this might be? 😎 pic.twitter.com/nDckUKlrnI

— Joe Tegtmeyer 🚀 🤠🛸😎 (@JoeTegtmeyer) May 6, 2026

A Closer Look at the Model Y L

The Model Y L is essentially a stretched version of the best-selling SUV, debuting in China last summer for roughly $49,000 USD. It targets families who find the standard Model Y’s third row too tight. By adding 7 inches to overall length and about 6 inches to the wheelbase, Tesla created a true 2-2-2 seating layout.

Unlike the seven-seater sold in North America, the Model Y L equips comfortable, adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row and a roomier third row. It also features a more premium interior with a larger 16-inch central touchscreen and a suspension tuned for a smoother ride. After an initial China-only period, the vehicle expanded to Australia, New Zealand, and at least nine new Asian markets as of April 2026.

Why This Sighting is a Big Deal

This discovery follows a separate sighting late last month, when a partially camouflaged Model Y L was observed testing on U.S. roads for the first time on Interstate 280 in California. Spotting a fully assembled unit at the Texas factory indicates progress beyond early validation toward production planning for the North American market.

Is the Timeline Shifting?

Elon Musk previously stated that the six-seat Model Y L wouldn’t make it to the U.S. until late 2026, if ever. Tesla has also officially closed orders for the Model X, which was the roomiest option in the lineup. Without a dedicated family hauler, the company risks losing buyers to rivals like Rivian or Kia. Bringing the Model Y L to the U.S. sooner could help keep those customers in the brand’s ecosystem while they wait for the “way cooler than a minivan” SUV Musk recently teased.

The Model Y L received EU type approval in December but has not yet launched in the region. With U.S. sightings arriving in quick succession — first as just a frame at Giga Texas, then on a California highway, and now fully built at the factory where Model Ys are produced — the “late 2026” timeline appears conservative. An official launch date has not been announced, but the covered vehicle at Giga Texas is strong evidence that news could be imminent.