Battle of the Teslas: Model Y L or Juniper, who takes the crown?
Here’s the lowdown on the new Tesla Model Y L rolled out of the Shanghai Gigafactory
Tesla Model Y L just dropped in China, popping up on their Model Y configurator Tuesday morning.
It’s priced at RMB 339,000 (about $47,180), and it’s got that vibe that, as Tesla fanboys claim, could make it a total “hit”, especially in the Asian MPV-dominated family car market.
Despite its longer body and higher weight – 2088kg vs 1992kg – the Model Y L is rated with 751km of claimed driving range in lenient CLTC lab testing, compared to 750km for its regular equivalent, from the same 82kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack.
Tesla Model Y L released in China: side-by-side comparison with updated Model Y
Quick lowdown on the Model Y L
The Model Y L is a stretched-out version of the Model Y, launched in China with some cool upgrades.
It’s aimed at families and outdoors people.
Its range, at 751 km CLTC range (probably around 327 miles EPA), zips from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds, and tops out at 130 mph.
It’s built for six passengers with a 2+2+2 setup, featuring comfy captain’s chairs in the second row.
Longer wheelbase
The wheelbase is about 6 inches longer, giving more legroom, and it boasts a massive 2,539 litres of storage when the seats are folded flat — perfect for camping or hauling gear.
The L variant comes with exclusive 19-inch Mecha Wheels with a star-like design and a Starlight Gold paint option for an extra RMB 12,000 (~$1,670).
Inside, it comes with a Dark Premium interior (Light Gray option coming later), electric armrests for second-row passengers, air vents for all rows, and beefed-up sound insulation for a quieter ride.
Side-by-Side: Tesla Model Y L vs. Latest Model Y
Here’s a breakdown comparing the new Model Y L to the latest standard Model Y, based on what’s out there.
| Feature | Tesla Model Y L (China) | Tesla Model Y (2026 Juniper, Global) |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Price | RMB 339,000 (~$47,180) | ~$44,990 (RWD, US) |
| Range | 751 km (467 miles, CLTC) ~327 miles EPA-estimated | 327 miles (EPA, Long Range AWD, 19" wheels) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km/h) | 4.5 seconds | 3.8 seconds (Long Range AWD) |
| Top Speed | 210 km/h (130 mph) | 127 mph (Long Range AWD, governor-limited) |
| Seating Capacity | 6 seats (2+2+2, second-row captain’s chairs) | 5 seats (2+3, optional 7-seat in US) |
| Wheelbase | ~119.8 in (6 in longer than standard) | 113.8 in |
| Storage Space | 2,539 L (89.6 cu ft) | 76.0 cu ft (5-seat) or 72.0 cu ft (7-seat) |
| Paint Options | Starlight Gold (+RMB 12,000), others not specified | 5 colors (e.g., Grey, Quicksilver, Ultra Red) |
| Wheel Options | 19-inch Mecha Wheels (star pattern) | 19-inch or 20-inch wheels |
| Interior Options | Dark Premium (Light Gray Premium coming later) | Black or White vegan suede, perforated |
| Interior Features | Electric armrests (2nd row), foldable second/third-row seats, air vents for all rows, black headliner, 18-speaker audio | Ventilated front seats, heated seats (front/rear), 8-inch rear touchscreen, ambient lighting, 15.4-inch main touchscreen |
| Weight | 2,088 kg | 1,993 kg |
| Sound Insulation | Optimised for reduced noise | Improved with acoustic glass, 66 dBA at 70 mph |
| Suspension | Continuous Damping Control | Retuned for smoother ride |
| Powertrain | Dual-motor AWD, 340 kW (456 hp) | Dual-motor AWD (397 hp) or single-motor RWD (295 hp) |
| Battery | 82 kWh NMC (LG) | 75 kWh (usable) |
What makes the Model Y L stand out
The Model Y L’s extended wheelbase is the star of the show, making it roomy enough for six adults to chill comfortably.
Every seat is heated and electrically adjustable, with the second row getting fancy electric armrests.
The second and third rows fold flat, great for camping or big loads. Air vents in all rows keep everyone cool, and the upgraded sound insulation makes it super quiet.
And it’s got a killer 18-speaker audio system and a larger 16” central display for that premium vibe.
How it compares to the latest Model Y (Juniper)
The standard Model Y (2026 Juniper refresh) is no slouch either.
It’s got a sleeker look with full-width light bars, a 327-mile EPA range (AWD, 19" wheels), and a quicker 3.8-second 0-100 km/h sprint for the Long Range AWD.
It’s mainly a 5-seater (7-seat option in the US), with a shorter 113.8-inch wheelbase and up to 76 cu ft of cargo space.
You get more paint choices (like Stealth Grey or Ultra Red) and wheel options (19 or 20 inches).
The interior’s upgraded with ventilated front seats, an 8-inch rear touchscreen, and ambient lighting, but it sticks to a 75 kWh battery and focuses on a refined ride with better suspension.
Key differences
Size & Seating: The Model Y L is longer and built for six with captain’s chairs, while the Juniper is more compact, typically seating five (or seven in the US). The L’s extra wheelbase makes it roomier for passengers and cargo.
Range & Power: The L’s 82 kWh battery gives it a slightly better CLTC range, but its EPA equivalent matches the Juniper’s. The Juniper’s AWD is faster (3.8s vs. 4.5s).
Features: The L has unique touches like electric armrests, third-row air vents, and Mecha Wheels, while the Juniper offers ventilated front seats, more colour options, and a rear touchscreen.
Price: The L’s pricier at ~$47,180 vs. the Juniper’s ~$44,990 (RWD), but it’s loaded with family-friendly extras.
Takeaways
The Model Y L is meant for bigger families or anyone needing extra space, especially with its six-seat setup and massive storage.
The Juniper’s a bit sportier and more affordable, with a sleek refresh that keeps it competitive.
It’s currently available only in China. If you want a roomy, premium EV, the Model Y L could be a viable option.
For everyone else, the Juniper’s still a solid pick with its own upgrades.
Note: Nothing is etched in stone. Some specs (like Juniper’s exact interior options or global Model Y L availability) might evolve, so check Tesla’s site for the latest.
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