Tesla has officially introduced a seven-seat configuration for its Model Y Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive (AWD) in Europe, a move that comes as the electric vehicle manufacturer seeks to bolster sales in a region that experienced a decline in deliveries last year.
The announcement was made via Tesla’s official X account (formerly Twitter), stating: “Model Y Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive now available w/ 7-seat configuration in Europe.”
New Seating Configuration Adds Practicality
This updated configuration adds a third row of seating, adopting a 2+3+2 layout. For buyers in markets like Germany, this option is available for an additional €2,500, which approximates to $A4,150.
The inclusion of a third row comes with a trade-off in cargo space. With all seven seats in use, the boot capacity is reduced to 381 litres, a notable decrease compared to the five-seat version. However, the third-row seats can be folded flat when not needed, offering flexibility for different cargo and passenger requirements.
The seven-seat Model Y configuration is expected to commence deliveries to European customers in April. While this update addresses the need for increased passenger capacity, it appears that some potential buyers, particularly in markets like Australia, are keenly awaiting the arrival of a larger variant.
Model Y L Steals the Spotlight for Some Buyers
While the introduction of the seven-seat Model Y has been welcomed by some existing owners, a significant portion of the online discussion suggests a stronger demand for the anticipated Model Y L. This larger model is reportedly destined for markets including Australia.
The sentiment was evident in the replies to Tesla’s announcement on X, with one of the top comments stating: “That’s very nice, but everyone is waiting on the Model YL.”
The UK branch of Tesla enthusiasts, Tesla Owners UK, also expressed a preference for the larger model, tweeting: “No thanks @tesla_uk, we want the 6 seat MY L.” This indicates a clear preference among some segments of the market for increased space over the compact third-row offered in the European 7-seater.
Key Differences in Dimensions and Design
Historically, the seven-seat Model Y has seen intermittent availability in the United States, but European and other international markets have largely been without this option until now. Previous reports from November suggested that this seven-seat variant, equipped with an AWD powertrain, was likely to be manufactured in Europe specifically for those regional markets.
The newly launched European seven-seat Model Y adheres to the standard Model Y dimensions, measuring 4.79 metres in length. This contrasts with recent reports concerning the Australian-bound Model Y L, which is expected to have an extended wheelbase and measure approximately 4.96 metres. This increase in length for the Model Y L is anticipated to provide more substantial space in both the rear seating area and the boot.
The success of this compact seven-seat configuration in revitalizing European sales for Tesla remains to be seen. However, in markets such as Australia, the focus and expectation are predominantly centered on the larger Model Y L, which promises to cater more effectively to the needs of growing families requiring significantly more interior volume.
About the Author: Riz Akhtar is the founder of carloop, based in Melbourne, Australia. He specializes in Australian EV data, insight reports, and trends. As a mechanical engineer with seven years of experience in building transport infrastructure, Akhtar has a deep passion for automobiles, particularly electric vehicles, and is committed to reducing transport emissions in Australia. He currently drives a red Tesla Model 3.