Tesla Model Y seven-seater now built in right-hand drive, but no certainty for Australia
10/15/2024 09:00 PM
A third row of seats is now available in European Tesla Model Y SUVs, but it is yet to go on sale in Oceania – or China, where Australian stock is built.
The seven-seat version of the 2025 Tesla Model Y has gone on sale in the right-hand-drive UK market – as well as Europe – after four years of North American exclusivity.
But it is far from a certainty for Australia, as it is believed the European seven-seat Model Y is produced in Tesla’s Berlin, Germany factory – not Shanghai, China where Australian cars are made.
Tesla is yet to confirm Australian plans for the seven-seater – it has a policy of not commenting on future models – a variant that launches just months before a major facelift for the popular SUV due next year, codenamed ‘Juniper’.
MORE: 2025 Tesla Model Y update spotted testing
Last month’s reports that broke the news of the seven-seater’s global expansion suggested it would be launched in Asia and Oceania at a similar time to Europe.
This would suggest it will be produced in China, but this is yet to eventuate. Reports claim the electric motors in the seven-seater are produced in China, however.
As forecast, the seven-seat configuration is offered only on the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD), which carries 533-565km of driving range ratings based on European WLTP testing.
Priced at a £2500 ($AU4800) premium over the standard Long Range’s £51,990 ($AU100,000) drive-away sticker in the UK, the third row of seats is unchanged from the design offered in US models.
Occupants are offered USB-C charging ports and cupholders in the third row, which when in place reduce the boot capacity to 363 litres (measured to the roof), according to UK media.
The luggage area expands to 753L behind the second row when the third row is folded, or 2040L when the second and third rows of seats are stowed.
European government homologation documents reportedly list the seven-seater as 45kg heavier than the five-seater, but with a 70kg increase in the gross vehicle mass.
It means the payload of the seven-seater – the maximum weight of passengers and cargo the vehicle can carry – has only increased by 25kg, despite the addition of two more seating positions that could technically carry adults.
The addition of a third row of seating for the current Model Y comes months ahead of a substantial update for the SUV due early next year, which is set to bring exterior and interior improvements similar to the latest Model 3 sedan.
News agency Reutersreported earlier this year a six-seat Model Y is planned for the Chinese market late next year, based on the updated version.
It is unclear where this leaves the new configuration, and if a seven-seat variant will remain available in the European range for 2025.
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