New Model Y Debuts, 3-Row Version Rumored

Tesla has rolled out an updated Model Y in China. Deliveries are expected to begin in March 2025. The refreshed version brings a few new features and a longer driving range. Right now, only the five-seat version is available. But online chatter suggests a possible three-row model could be on the way.

What’s New in the Model Y

The updated Model Y now has a front and rear light bar. This design follows some styling cues from the Cybertruck. Inside, the SUV includes new options like heated and ventilated seats. The long-range model now reaches 719 kilometers on a full charge, an increase from the previous 688 km.

Tesla’s Chinese site currently lists only five-seat models. But a selectable seating layout option has led to speculation about a future version with more seats.

Talk of a Three-Row Variant

There’s talk of a three-row, extended wheelbase version. It might enter production as early as May 2025 at Tesla’s Shanghai Gigafactory. This site can produce about one million vehicles a year.

A Chinese auto blogger who goes by 胖虎Shawn shared the claim. The larger version would likely target China’s MPV segment. This would place it in competition with models from companies like BYD. No solid details have been shared about its size, price, or release date.

Conflicting Codenames

Several reports mention internal project names linked to new Model Y versions. These have created some confusion. CnEVPost mentioned the name “E80.” This might refer to a basic version of the Model Y, and some think it could be the three-row model. It’s compared to the Cybertruck Long Range Rear Wheel Drive, which has fewer features.

Meanwhile, Reuters mentioned “E41.” That project points to a lower-cost Model Y, with production starting in 2026 at the same Shanghai factory. This model would cost about 20% less to build than current ones. It’s not clear if either codename is tied to the rumored three-row model or if they belong to separate projects.

So far, Tesla hasn’t confirmed anything about a larger Model Y. Most of the current information comes from social media posts and auto blogs. The company’s official site in China only lists the five-seat Model Y and current deals. Until Tesla says more, the three-row model remains a rumor.