Tesla Model Y L - My First Look! Great For Small Families

The Model Y L is a slightly enlarged, family-focused take on the best-selling Model Y rather than a rival to full-size SUVs, and its biggest surprise is a genuinely usable third row that fits a 6'1" adult with impressive knee room, although headroom is tight and improved by reclining. The cabin is nearly identical to the standard Model Y but adds captain's chairs, upgraded 50W cooled wireless charging, and a far better HVAC system with extra rear vents, which the reviewer calls worth the price. The top-spec version includes dual-motor AWD, a large estimated 84–88 kWh battery, 250 kW charging, and staggered wheels for extra rear load capacity. The host praises the car as extremely comfortable, quiet, and well-dialed-in, saying it "does nothing wrong" and explaining its broad appeal. Minor criticisms include less-premium seat material, third-row seats that can't fold from the third row, a sharp tailgate edge, and the fact that captain's chairs only increase seating by one compared to the standard Model Y. Overall, for a small extra cost, a family would pick this version, making it the Model Y the reviewer would choose.

• ▶ 1:43 Drew's first impression: the Model Y L is longer and taller than a standard Model Y, with significantly larger rear space; he fits in the rear at 6'1" with knee and headroom to spare.
• ▶ 2:30 The Model Y L isn't meant to compete with large SUVs like the R1S or EV9; it's a slightly larger, family-friendly take on the best-selling Model Y, using the same platform.
• ▶ 3:28 Exterior-wise, the Model Y L looks like a standard Model Y that's "blown up a little bit," with a visibly taller roof but the same front-end design.
• ▶ 4:29 Battery size is estimated at ~84–86 kWh (up to 88 kWh), likely using the new LG 5M cell, with 250 kW charging.
• ▶ 5:03 Dual motor all-wheel drive and a big battery are standard on this top-spec Model Y.
• ▶ 5:20 The staggered wheel setup (255 front / 275 rear) is designed for extra rear load capacity, though no payload sticker is displayed on the B-pillar.
• ▶ 6:04 The cabin is nearly identical to a standard Model Y, except for new seats that look like Performance-type seats but use a "grabby" material that feels less premium and may wear over time.
• ▶ 8:11 The host praises the new-generation Model Y as extremely comfortable, quiet, and well-dialed-in, calling it a car he "hates to love" because it does nothing wrong—explaining its broad appeal.
• ▶ 8:31 The wireless charging pad is upgraded to 50W with active cooling, addressing the previous charger's poor 36% efficiency and "phone heater" reputation, with plans to test it on a drive.
• [11:17-11:30] Second-row legroom and headroom are excellent; a 6'1" host has tons of headroom and the seat still has more travel even when fully stretched back.
• [11:32-11:42] The Model Y L only offers captain's chairs in the second row, gaining just one extra seat over the standard Model Y—a "bummer," but the right call for third-row access.
• [12:00-12:28] The HVAC/thermal system is a major upgrade over the standard Model Y, with B-pillar vents for both rear rows and additional vents under the rear screen, described as "worth almost every penny."
• ▶ 14:14 Host begins the third-row access test by adjusting all three rows of seats to match his 6'1" height.
• ▶ 14:26 The standard Model Y third row is described as "unbelievably tight" — you couldn't fit a person with legs back there.
• ▶ 14:52 He adjusts the second row forward, confirming there's "plenty of leg room" and that the adjustment was easy, setting up for the third-row entry test.
• ▶ 15:11 Entry via the center is doable but a bit awkward for a larger person.
• ▶ 15:21 Impressive knee room in the third row—knees clear the front seat without touching it.
• ▶ 15:32 Headroom is tight, but reclining the seat gives enough clearance for a 6'1" person.
• ▶ 15:43 A 6'1" passenger can fit in the Model Y L's third row, described as "pretty incredible" given the space.
• [15:59-16:18] The third row feels very similar to the Model X's—"near as makes no difference"—and overall is "really impressive," despite the Model X third row being criticized as "sucked anyway."
• [16:19-16:26] The host expected the third-row Model Y to be impractical, but after firsthand experience concludes, "This works."
• ▶ 16:24 Third row is genuinely functional: at 6'1", the presenter can sit across all three rows with enough room in the third row and extra room in the first two.
• ▶ 16:31 Third row includes thoughtful amenities: air vents, cup holders, USB ports, and rear lights; second row also has heated and cooled seats.
• ▶ 17:15 Strong family verdict: for a small extra cost over the standard Model Y, a family would choose this version, making it the Model Y for the presenter.
• ▶ 17:35 The third-row seat cannot be moved or folded from the third-row seating position itself—only the recline function is available from that seat.
• ▶ 17:47 The reviewer wishes the third-row seats moved forward, tilted, and folded up like a normal third-row vehicle, but notes the limitation is a minor annoyance, not a dealbreaker.
• ▶ 18:22 A key rear design difference: the glass comes all the way down to the lip of the tailgate on the Model Y L.

• ▶ 18:25 There are now three different structural rear tailgate designs across the Model Y lineup.

• ▶ 18:27 The vehicle shown is the Model Y Premium, which has a different rear tailgate than the standard Model Y.

• ▶ 18:33 Buyers may encounter different rear hatch structures depending on which Model Y trim or variant they choose.

• ▶ 18:43 The "L" variant features a much larger bezel around the glass, paired with the rear spoiler.
• ▶ 18:56 The spoiler is not for downforce at the 201 km/h top speed, but likely for efficiency to break air off the back.
• ▶ 19:03 The spoiler gives the rear "Model Y Performance vibes" and visually completes the design.
• ▶ 19:18 The speaker notes the "Model Y L" badging, expresses mild confusion about its origin, but approves of it, saying it "works" and "looks cool."
• ▶ 19:29 The speaker explains that Chinese regulations require the brand name to be written in Chinese on the back of the car, in addition to the standard model designations.
• ▶ 19:46 At 6'1", the presenter can stand fully under the open tailgate, but estimates someone around 6'3" would risk hitting their head on the bottom edge.
• ▶ 19:53 The presenter notes the tailgate should ideally open higher for better clearance for taller users.
• ▶ 19:58 He warns about a notably sharp edge on the side of the tailgate, calling it a potential hazard for taller individuals when loading or standing near it.
• ▶ 20:04 The steep rake of the trunk lid hides extra material above the latching gasket, which is the key design detail providing third-row headroom.
• ▶ 20:29 Safety concern about heads being close to the roof glass is acknowledged, though a recent rocket debris incident suggests it would only indent "a little bit" and cause a headache, not catastrophic injury.
• ▶ 20:59 Third-row headroom is a tough compromise balancing efficiency and aerodynamics; average-height adults fall outside the "compromise zone," making the third row best suited for kids or shorter occupants.
• ▶ 21:40 With the seats folded, there is a mostly flat load floor and lots of usable cargo space, though the gap between the individual seats would need a platform for sleeping or bulkier items.
• ▶ 22:12 Underfloor storage is “super deep,” showcasing Tesla’s packaging efficiency; the presenter says the Model Y L “smokes everything on the market” for sheer space.
• ▶ 23:36 The Chinese-spec charging ports have no cover at all (DC on one side, AC on the other), and peak DC charging is 250 kW; real-world range will need EPA/independent testing rather than CLTC figures.
• ▶ 24:30 Final verdict: the Model Y L uniquely fills the need for a normal, smaller everyday electric crossover, with the third row, front trunk, and under-floor storage putting it in a segment of its own.
• ▶ 24:51 The host petitions to bring the Model Y L to the US, citing ease of charging, the best driver assistance system in North America, and the phone-based ownership experience, while also requesting a proper SUV.
• ▶ 26:36 Technical highlights: adaptive damping is a big upgrade, the cabin is super quiet with double glazing, rear seats are cooled, and the wireless charger went from 65% to 83% in 45 minutes while staying cold—"Tesla fixed the wireless charging."

• ▶ 0:00 Opening & First Impressions (0:00 - 3:49) - - Sponsor, welcome, first impressions, and why a larger family SUV is needed.
• ▶ 3:49 Exterior, Battery & Wheels (3:49 - 6:04) - - Exterior/frunk, top-spec battery/charging, and wheel/tire/payload details.
• ▶ 6:04 Cabin, Driving Impressions & Tech (6:04 - 9:50) - - Interior materials, driver seat/cabin tech, driving impressions, wireless charging, and familiar screen.
• ▶ 9:50 Second Row & Third-Row Design (9:50 - 14:14) - - Autopilot intro, second-row captain's chairs, third-row design/HVAC, value proposition, armrest, and fabrics.
• ▶ 14:14 Third-Row Access, Rear Design & Safety (14:14 - 21:21) - - Third-row fit/access, rear tailgate differences, trunk rake, and roof-glass safety.
• ▶ 21:21 Cargo, Charging & Range (21:21 - 24:33) - - Folding seats, underfloor storage, cubbies/subwoofer/powered seats, charging ports, and battery/range expectations.
• ▶ 24:33 Final Verdict & US Petition (24:33 - 27:25) - - Closing verdict and call to bring the Model Y L to the US.