Tesla launched the Model Y L, a 6-seater electric SUV, in China on 19/8. The car's interior space, especially the third row, has attracted media attention. One Chinese electric vehicle media outlet called the third-row experience "terrible".
The biggest changes to the Model Y L compared to the newer Model Y are a lengthened body and extended wheelbase, resulting in a 6-seat configuration. Despite these changes, the car retains its signature coupe SUV styling, a design choice that has raised questions about the practicality of its interior space, especially for rear passengers.
To demonstrate the Model Y L's spaciousness, Grace Tao, Tesla's global vice president of external relations, shared a video. In the video, she praised the "reasonable spatial layout," allowing families, from young children to seniors, to travel comfortably. The promotional footage showed six adults over 1.8 m tall and weighing 75-87 kg seated in the Model Y L.
However, the video quickly drew ridicule from some auto bloggers. For instance, Navis-Slow Review, an influential critic with nearly 700,000 followers, posted a detailed rebuttal, criticizing the video as "abstract in its attempt to showcase three rows of seats with people 1.8 m tall." The blogger then analyzed Tao's video, pointing out several comfort flaws.
The front seats were pushed too far forward, forcing occupants to choose between having their knees touch the dashboard or the steering wheel. In the second row, passengers were forced to cross their legs or sit without comfortably extending them. In the third row, passengers sat with their "knees to their chests." The blogger also noted that headroom in the third row was uncomfortable, with passengers' heads close to or even touching the tailgate.
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Tesla Model L electric vehicle on display at a shopping mall in China. Photo: SEC |
Tesla Model L electric vehicle on display at a shopping mall in China. Photo: SEC
Earlier, EV Insights, a Chinese auto media channel, focused on reviewing the Model Y L's third row, revealing its discomfort. Specifically, when entering the third row, there's a center ridge about 100 mm high that can obstruct passengers.
The third-row seats were described as "small benches," suitable only for emergencies. Because the Model Y L retains the coupe SUV design, headroom is limited to slightly more than a fist's width between the head and the rear window for a 1.7 m tall person, raising concerns about head injuries on bumpy roads.
EV Insights concluded that the Model Y L's third row fails to meet expectations, primarily due to Tesla's adherence to the coupe SUV body style. This design maintains the Model Y's distinctive look but compromises passenger comfort.
A review published on Autohome on 21/8, titled "I don't know if the third row is comfortable, but it must be a headache: Tesla Model Y L really calls for rationality," also focused on the third row.
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Passenger in the third row of the Model Y with knees touching the front seatback. Photo: Autohome |
Passenger in the third row of the Model Y with knees touching the front seatback. Photo: Autohome
The article stated that while the Model Y L's first two rows are adjusted for the comfort of 1.75 m tall adults, the third row is cramped, with virtually no legroom. "The third-row space created is really uncomfortable, regardless of aesthetics," the article said.
CarNewsChina commented that these contrasting perspectives highlight the ongoing challenge for coupe SUVs in balancing sleek design with practical interior space. As Model Y L deliveries begin, actual user experiences will determine whether the car's extended dimensions truly deliver on the promise of a comfortable ride.
My Anh
