I was genuinely impressed when I first drove the Tesla Model Y, and the Model Y L takes things a step further. It may look almost identical to the standard Model Y, but it is longer and larger, which means you get more space and gets six seats, and an all-wheel-drive system with one electric motor powering each axle. Tesla also insists that the Model Y L is more than just a stretched version of the standard Model Y, and a day behind its wheel had me convinced that there is more to the Model Y L than its additional length suggests!
At first glance, the Model Y L retains the Model Y’s familiar design but look closer and you will notice longer rear doors, the extended roofline and larger rear quarter glass. These changes give it a more substantial appearance while retaining Tesla’s trademark clean, aerodynamic proportions. Admittedly, I’ve always found the odd-ball styling a little hard to get used to at first glance though eventually the design tends to grown on me, every time I drive a Tesla. At 4,969mm long the Model Y L is 179mm longer and has 150mm more distance between the axles given its wheelbase of 3,040mm, besides being 44mm taller than the Model Y.
And that additional real estate makes a considerable difference inside. The cabin follows Tesla’s familiar minimalist philosophy with almost no physical buttons or switches. A larger, 16-inch touchscreen takes centre stage, controlling almost every function, while second-row passengers get an 8.0-inch touchscreen that also looks equally crisp and bright. It gives the cabin a contemporary feel, though operating basic functions through the touchscreen takes some getting used to. But with that said, once you’re used to it, you tend to sub-consciously turn to the screen for anything and everything in the car and it actually feels convenient! The front seats get powered adjustment, heating, ventilation and extended thigh support, but the real deal is the second row.
Individual captain seats with heating, ventilation and electrically operated armrests lend the cabin a distinctly upmarket feel and seem to also offer the Model Y L an edge over the second row seating in most equally-priced German luxury SUVs. The Model Y L’s seats are spacious and comfortable, which should make the Model Y L particularly appealing to chauffeur-driven buyers looking for a premium, technology-led experience. Access to the third row is through the one-touch folding second-row seats, and space is understandably tighter here, so taller adults might find it restrictive on longer journeys. However, dedicated AC vents, cup holders, heated seats and powered recline make it more usable than an occasional emergency seating arrangement, particularly for children.
Equipment levels are impressive too. The Model Y L gets an 18-speaker audio system with a subwoofer, and the sound quality is excellent. Safety equipment includes nine airbags, eight exterior cameras and a comprehensive suite of driver assistance functions. Tesla’s Sentry Mode monitors potential threats when the car is parked, while Grok, the company’s AI assistant, can be accessed from all three rows through dedicated microphones.
The Model Y L is powered by an 88.2kWh battery powering dual electric motors, one on each axle. With combined outputs of 514PS and 590Nm, it is the most powerful Model Y offered in India. Tesla claims a 0-100kph time of just 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 201kmph and a WLTP range of 681km. DC fast charging is supported at up to a staggering 250kW, via Tesla’s superchargers. And just like the standard Model Y, the instant throttle response is addictive. Acceleration feels effortless, torque delivery is immediate and there is a remarkable ability to build speed without drama. The additional weight does little to dilute performance, while the all-wheel-drive system offers reassuring traction when accelerating hard. Pedal-to-metal action is thus grin-inducing, and in a manner that will stun your co-passengers but not make them car-sick, which is truly noteworthy.
Another important upgrade over the standard Model Y is the adaptive suspension on the Y L, with electronically controlled damping, which helps the Model Y L strike a better balance between ride comfort and handling. The car feels planted and stable at highway speeds, although the longer wheelbase and additional weight mean some agility has been traded in the interest of comfort and space. But considering that this is a 6-seat electric SUV designed to carry a family and its luggage, the compromise is understandable. More importantly, it remains surprisingly engaging to drive.
Priced at ₹61.99 lakh (ex-showroom), the Tesla Model Y L makes an interesting proposition in the Indian luxury car market. It undercuts established German luxury SUVs like the Mercedes-Benz GLC, BMW X3 and Audi Q5, while offering more outright performance, an additional row of seats and a claimed range of 681km per charge. On another note, the Model Y L appears to have also given Tesla India the momentum it needed. After a rather slow start following its entry into the Indian market just over a year ago, the brand has begun finding considerably more traction, with the arrival of the six-seater contributing to a significant improvement in sales. It is a reminder that Indian buyers are willing to embrace Tesla’s technology and proposition when the product is better aligned with their requirements.
And in the case of the Model Y L, it combines performance, space, technology and long-distance capability in a package that feels particularly relevant to Indian luxury car buyers. So if you are looking for a premium electric SUV that feels genuinely different without having to spend German luxury SUV money, this Tesla makes a very compelling case for itself, especially, given its price tag of ₹ 62 lakh ex-showroom.
Words Abhay Verma
Photography Saidatta Naik, Tanmay Vartak
