Tesla is reportedly set to launch a seven-seat version of its Model Y SUV in select markets as soon as October, based on insights from a keen observer of the brand.
Documents from government sources indicate that the Model Y with seven seats has received approval for sale in Europe, with projections suggesting it could hit the market next month across Europe, Asia, and Oceania, including Australia.
This rollout would precede the anticipated redesign of the Model Y, codenamed Juniper, expected in 2025.
X (formerly Twitter) and TTF Forum user eivissa has tracked government databases to reveal that the Model Y has been cleared for this new variant, highlighting differences between the seven-seat and five-seat versions.
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The forum post notes that the seven-seat Model Y will have an ’empty weight’ that is 45 kg heavier than the five-seater, along with a 45 kg increase in payload capacity.
Consumption and range figures are expected to remain unchanged from the five-seat variant, with rates of 16.2 kWh/100 km on the combined cycle and a range of 540 km.
Additionally, it is likely to retain the 79 kWh battery pack and dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.
Since the Model Y’s launch in 2020, a seven-seat option has been available in the United States for an additional cost of US$2000 (approximately A$2986), but versions manufactured in Germany and China for other regions have not included this feature.
The revelation of the seven-seat Model Y option for the Long Range variant coincides with discussions that Tesla may also release a six-seat model as early as 2025.
Reuters recently reported that production of the six-seat Model Y is expected to begin in China by late 2025, coinciding with the launch of the Juniper facelift.
Since all Teslas sold in Australia are imported from China, this development raises the possibility of a six-seat Model Y becoming available locally.
This model might feature two seats per row, similar to the Model X.
In contrast, the seven-seat option available in the US market Model Y has a three-seat bench in the second row.
The design of the third row may result in limited headroom due to the vehicle’s sloping roofline.
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