2027 Tesla Model Y L First Look: The Model X Replacement

Although not quite a true midsize luxury SUV, the Tesla Model Y L arrives to give Tesla buyers an option for a roomier third row, a feature which had been lost with the cancellation of the larger Model X model. Available in other markets since last summer, the Model Y L arrives first in America as the Premium Launch Edition for $63,630.

Right-Sized

While you might not think so, the Y L is fairly close in size to the discontinued Model X SUV. Compared to its late sibling, the Model Y Premium is 2.7 inches shorter in length, just 0.3 inch shorter in height, and rides on a wheelbase three inches longer.

Both the X and the Y L seat up to six passengers in a 2+2+2 configuration. Headroom is basically a tossup, with the Y L’s front row having 0.2 inch less and 0.9 inch more in both the second and third rows. Legroom is similarly competitive, with the X at 41.2 inches, 39.8, and 32.3 inches and the Y L at 41.8, 39.7, and 31.0 inches.

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You Can Haul Nearly as Much in Both

There is a major difference in the front-end packaging, and the more compact Y L gives up some frunk capacity. It can hold up to 4.1 cubic feet of cargo, while the X offered 2.4 additional cubes. Surprisingly, both three-row luxury SUVs are matched at 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row.

Fold that third row flat, however, and the Y L takes the advantage with 38.0 cubic feet of cargo volume, edging out the X by 2.8 cubic feet. That lead disappears behind the front seats, where the X offers 2.4 cubic feet more than the Y L’s 85.6 cubic feet. For another point of comparison, the standard five-seat Model Y has 29.0 cubic feet behind the second row and 71.4 cubic feet with it folded.

Sprinting and Range

What about performance and range? For now, we can only rely on Tesla’s estimates for the Y L, and on paper it does not quite match the X. Its 325 miles of range falls 27 miles short of the Model X’s best, and the Y’s 4.4-second sprint to 60 mph is 0.6 second slower when comparing Tesla’s claims. (We’ll have independent numbers to compare when we test the Model Y L ourselves.) But the Model X’s larger original design gave it room for more powerful electric motors that do not encroach on cargo volume, plus extra space up front to package HVAC components.

Basically, a Model Y Premium With Unique Badging and Room for Six

Aside from the extra length and the addition of a third row, the Model Y L is equipped much like a standard-length version with the Premium upgrade. Inside, buyers can choose between a all black or Zen Grey interior colors, as well as expect a panoramic glass roof, an extended-storage center console, heated and ventilated first- and second-row seats, a 16-inch infotainment screen for front passengers, an 8.0-inch screen for the second row, and an 18-speaker audio system with a subwoofer.

The Launch Series added to the initial examples brings door-trim puddle lights with a unique emblem, sill plates with Launch Series wording, microsuede trim inside, special exterior and interior badging, and floor mats. It also includes 12 months of Full Self-Driving (Supervised), plus Supercharging and Premium Connectivity.

You can order your 2027 Tesla Model Y L Premium now from Tesla with a nonrefundable $250 deposit, but deliveries are not expected to begin until sometime between October and November.