New sightings at Giga Texas suggest that Tesla is preparing to fill a major gap in its North American lineup. A camouflaged, long-wheelbase Model Y L was recently spotted undergoing testing, hinting that a more spacious, family-friendly EV might be arriving sooner than expected.
1. Spotted at Giga Texas: The "Stretched" Prototype
Drone pilot Joe Tegtmeyer recently captured footage of Giga Texas showing a mysterious vehicle under a heavy car cover. The prototype's wheels were also masked with white vinyl, a common tactic used by Tesla to hide new designs.
From an aerial view, the vehicle’s shadow is notably longer than a standard Model Y. This follows previous reports of a Model Y L body-in-white being unboxed at the same facility.
Unlike the earlier "naked" chassis, this new sighting appears to be a fully assembled vehicle. This suggests that Tesla is moving past structural testing and into real-world performance evaluation on American soil.
2. What is Model Y L? 6 Seats & Extra Room
The Model Y L is essentially a "stretched" version of the world's best-selling SUV. It originally debuted in the Chinese market in mid-2025 to meet the high demand for multi-passenger vehicles.
By extending the body and wheelbase, Tesla has managed to fit a 2-2-2 seating configuration. This layout features independent Captain’s Chairs in the second row, providing far superior comfort compared to the cramped 7-seat option currently available in the U.S.
The model has already seen success across Asia and Oceania, proving that there is a global appetite for a mid-sized Tesla with a functional third row.
3. Filling the Gap: Replacing the Model X?
The timing of these sightings is critical. Tesla recently closed order books for the Model X, which was previously the only "true" three-row option in the fleet.
Without the Model X, many American consumers have expressed frustration over the lack of a spacious family EV. The Model Y L is perfectly positioned to fill this void.
More Affordable: While the Model X was a luxury-priced vehicle, the Model Y L is expected to start around $49,000 to $53,000.
Easier Access: The 6-seat layout with a center aisle makes it much easier for passengers to reach the third row.
Adult-Friendly: The extra 6 inches of wheelbase provides enough legroom for adults to remain comfortable even on longer trips.
4. Production and Launch Timeline
While it was initially rumored that these prototypes were imported from Giga Shanghai, the Model Y L spotted in California and Texas indicates a local manufacturing plan.
Due to current tariff regulations, Tesla would likely produce the North American version of the Model Y L at Giga Texas.
Key Dates to Watch:
Late 2025: Possible official announcement for the North American market.
Late 2026: Target for the start of mass production and initial deliveries.
Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor the testing progress at Giga Texas. Is the 6-seat Model Y L the family Tesla you've been waiting for?