Tesla Model YL: the electric SUV criticized for its third row of “appalling” seats

The Tesla Model YL has just arrived in the brand’s shops in China. This stretched version of the electric SUV is exclusive to the Chinese market and offers a third row of seats.

Chinese media Dianchetong was able to approach the latest Tesla model and collect the impressions of the curious people who came to discover it, apparently numerous.

If Tesla had already proposed a Seven -seater version From its classic Y model, including in France, the YL Model, whose wheelbase gains 15 cm, is a six -seat model with two seats at each rank.

In rank two, there are therefore two individual seats, still heated and ventilated. They even each earn an electrically adjustable armrest. These armrests are retractable in order to access the third row of seats. Access to rank three, however, is not the wealthiest, especially due to ten centimeters’ walking, deplores Dianchetong.

A generous leg space, but a very limited roof guard

Once installed in rank three, the 1.70 m journalist benefits from a leg space of about 30 cm, much more generous than on the old seven -seater version of Model Y. In addition, this space is modular since it is possible to advance or back down the seats of the Row two. It is also possible to spend a leg in the space between the two seats in the row two, notes Dianchetong. The Chinese media also appreciates the presence of charging, ventilation, cup holders and speakers in third row.

However, everything is not pink in the rear seats. First of all, Dianchetong Note that the seats are small and not very comfortable, without real support for the thighs. “Such a configuration can only be used in the event of an emergency”deplores Dianchetong. Admittedly, many cars with three rows of seats are only entitled to small strapontines at the rear, but certain models of the Chinese market, accustomed to large minivans and vans, offer much better habitability.

Moreover, “As the Tesla Model YL keeps the silhouette of a cut SUV, the space between the head and the rear window is very reduced”deplores Dianchetong. “The first time I sat in the third row, I felt like I was in a convertible car”quips a man who came to be interested in the YL model. This extended version is however 44 mm higher than a classic Y model. Nevertheless, its pavilion line remains fleeting, favoring aerodynamics to the detriment of habitability.

This very limited roof guard grows Dianchetong To wonder about the ability of the rear window to filter sunlight and its ultraviolet rays. The media notes that it already had trouble filtering the lighting of the shop, fearing a burning sensation in view of the low space between the heads of the passengers and the rear window.

Finally, the volume of trunk with all the seats in place is given for 116 l, “Barely sufficient for daily journeys”. However, a sub-coffre remains available and can accommodate two backpacks, note Dianchetong. In addition, it is possible to fold the seats with row three electrically, as is already possible for row two since the restyling of Model Y.

These different defects push Dianchetong to qualify the experience in the third row of the Model YL of“A terrible”. The American SUV does not seem to offer particularly interesting services in the face of certain Chinese rivals with similar prices, such as onvo L90 and Li Auto i8.

The YL Model is launched in China at a price of ¥ 339,000 (around € 40,500), or ¥ 25,500 (around 3050 €) more than the Model y Great Autonomy with all -wheel drive. The higher capacity of its battery allows the YL Model, also equipped with two electric motors, to display a range comparable to that of this high -end version of the classic Y model (751 km according to the very optimistic Chinese Cycle CLTC).

Want to save even more? Discover Our promo codes Selected for you.