Tesla suggests possible introduction of a 3-row Model Y variant in the future for its China market.
In a significant move, Tesla has announced plans to launch a seven-seat version of the facelifted Model Y in China, marking an expansion of seating options for the popular electric vehicle (EV) in the world's largest EV market. Deliveries of the seven-seat Model Y are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
This development comes after Reuters reported on September 3, 2024, that Tesla planned to build a six-seat version of the Model Y in China, although the specific timeline for this production has yet to be detailed.
Interestingly, Tesla's previous practice did not offer seat layout options for the Model Y. However, the US version of the long-range all-wheel-drive Model Y offers five- and seven-seat interior options.
Tesla's Chinese website currently lists the facelifted Model Y, offering two variants, the "Launch Series." The other Model Y variants in the US are available only in a five-seat option. However, the Chinese version of the facelifted Model Y will offer both five- and seven-seat options.
The seven-seat Model Y will feature a 2-3-2 three-row seat layout, similar to the US version. It's worth noting that the Model 3, which is currently on sale, does not have a seat layout option.
The strong demand for the Model Y in China was evident in June 2025 when Tesla experienced a rebound in sales, with a significant month-over-month jump in Model Y domestic retail sales to 38,588 units. This robust demand underscores the potential success of the seven-seat Model Y in the Chinese market.
Tesla is also working on new affordable models, potentially related to or derived from the Model Y platform, but these appear to be starting production primarily in the US in mid to late 2025 rather than China.
The exchange rate on September 3, 2024, was RMB 7.3320 per US dollar. The starting prices for the two variants of the facelifted Model Y in China are RMB 263,500 yuan ($35,940) for the rear-wheel-drive version and RMB 303,500 yuan ($42,920) for the all-wheel-drive version.
As Tesla continues to prioritise Autopilot technology and the development of robotaxis in the US, it seems that the focus on expanding seating options for the Model Y is primarily aimed at the Chinese market. It remains to be seen if Tesla will introduce similar seating options for the Model Y in other global markets.
- Tesla has announced plans to launch a seven-seat version of the facelifted Model Y in China, marking an expansion of seating options for the popular electric vehicle.
- Deliveries of the seven-seat Model Y are expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2025.
- In a departure from its previous practice, Tesla will offer both five- and seven-seat options for the Chinese version of the facelifted Model Y.
- The seven-seat Model Y will feature a 2-3-2 three-row seat layout, similar to the US version.
- The strong demand for the Model Y in China was evident in June 2025 when Tesla experienced a rebound in sales, with a significant month-over-month jump in Model Y domestic retail sales.
- The starting prices for the two variants of the facelifted Model Y in China are RMB 263,500 yuan ($35,940) for the rear-wheel-drive version and RMB 303,500 yuan ($42,920) for the all-wheel-drive version.
- As Tesla continues to prioritize Autopilot technology and the development of robotaxis in the US, it seems that the focus on expanding seating options for the Model Y is primarily aimed at the Chinese market, but it remains to be seen if similar seating options will be introduced in other global markets.
