A heavily camouflaged Tesla Model Y L was recently spotted darting along the test tracks at Tesla’s Fremont factory, providing the strongest evidence yet that stateside (and likely trial) production of the larger Model Y variant is officially underway.
The vehicle had black camouflage wrapped over its front and rear sections, much like the prototype version that was spotted testing on public U.S. roads for the first time ever earlier this spring on Interstate 280 in California. The fresh track testing was captured on camera in drone footage of the factory from last week.
Global Success and Specifications
The Model Y L first debuted in China last summer, where it arrived as a dedicated family-focused crossover option starting at 339,000 yuan (~$50,000 USD). The elongated variant features a notable 150mm (5.9-inch) extension to its wheelbase and measures 179mm (7 inches) longer than a standard Model Y.
This added frame length allows for a spacious 2-2-2 seating configuration spread out across three rows, giving larger families more seating capacity without changing the core platform. Beyond the roomier interior, the vehicle includes a larger 16-inch central touchscreen, adjustable captain’s chairs in the second row with heating and ventilation, and a comfort-tuned suspension setup.
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While originally limited to Chinese showrooms, Tesla has steadily expanded the Model Y L’s presence into new global markets. The vehicle officially launched in Australia and New Zealand in March, and its commercial footprint has since been expanding rapidly to markets across Asia.
Market Strategy for North America
A North American launch for the Model Y L would fill an important vacuum in Tesla’s lineup. After Tesla recently closed orders for its largest offering, the Model X, buyers have been left without a luxury three-row SUV alternative. The Model Y L bridges this gap perfectly, blending the mass-market price, manufacturing simplicity, and feature set of Tesla’s best-selling vehicle with the true multi-passenger space once reserved for the pricier Model X.
Elon Musk previously said that the three-row, six-seat Model Y L would not arrive in the North American market until late 2026, if ever. However, a raw structural frame was previously spotted inside Gigafactory Texas, and these back-to-back sightings in California suggest Tesla could be moving its internal timelines up to capture regional demand.
Given that track verification is well underway in Fremont, a formal launch announcement for the Model Y L in North America could arrive in the coming months. Furthermore, if a domestic launch does occur, a subsequent release in Europe may not be too far behind, especially since the Model Y L already received official EU type approval last year.
