Tesla's Six-Seat Model Y May Not Be Launched in US Due to Autonomous Vehicle Advancements.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk said the six-seat Model Y may not be launched in the US due to the rise of autonomous vehicles. The six-seat variant, dubbed the Model Y L, will start production in the US at the end of next year, but Musk noted that it might not be necessary given the advent of self-driving technology. The Model Y L will be launched in China in September with a starting price of 339,000 yuan ($47,182).

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has revealed that the six-seat Model Y L, a new variant of the popular electric SUV, may not be launched in the US despite its successful debut in China. The Model Y L, which features an extended body and six seats, will start production in the US at the end of 2026, but Musk has expressed skepticism about its necessity in the face of advancing autonomous vehicle technology.

The Model Y L was launched in China on September 1, 2025, with a starting price of 339,000 yuan ($47,182). The variant is designed to counter competition from local Chinese manufacturers and respond to declining demand for electric vehicles. Musk's focus on autonomous technology has led him to believe that the Model Y L may not be necessary in the US market, where he predicts that self-driving vehicles will become the norm over the next decade.

Musk has been vocal about his belief that Tesla's future lies in autonomous driving, and his decisions have reflected this. He has canceled new models, such as the highly anticipated $25,000 Tesla, because he believed it wouldn't be needed due to the advent of autonomy. Musk's focus on autonomy has also led to changes in Tesla's designs and features, such as removing the gear and turn signal stalks.

The Model Y L's delayed US launch comes as Tesla faces fierce competition in China from local EV players like BYD, Xiaomi, and Xpeng. In the US, where Chinese EVs are not available due to high tariffs, Tesla has increasingly focused on its robotaxi and ride-hailing services. The company launched its first robotaxi service, which is currently invite-only, in Austin in June.

Musk's decision to delay the Model Y L's US launch has drawn criticism from some industry observers. Doug T, a Tesla influencer, argued that Musk's belief that Tesla will have a true self-driving car within the next five years is "ridiculous." T also noted that Tesla is not even in the top 10 autonomous driving programs and is still struggling with basic navigation.

Despite Musk's focus on autonomy, the Model Y L could potentially undercut the few existing 6-seater and third-row electric SUV options in the US and prove popular. However, Musk's delay in launching the model may limit its market potential.

References:
[1] https://electrek.co/2025/08/20/elon-musk-tesla-might-never-bring-its-new-model-yl-to-us-reason-stupid/
[2] https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-teslas-model-y-might-never-come-to-us-2025-8
[3] https://www.marketscreener.com/news/tesla-model-y-l-now-available-in-china-ce7c51ddde89f022