After years of waiting, the big Tesla has arrived: high-quality but expensive

Elon Musk is a vocal advocate for increasing the global birth rate, setting a personal example with approximately 13 children by unofficial counts. One might have expected him to prioritize the transportation needs of large families.

While Tesla previously offered the Model X minivan, it was a luxury vehicle starting at $90,000, and its production has since ceased. The optional "trunk seats" in the standard Tesla Model Y failed to meet expectations. Now, an extended version of the Model Y with six seats has arrived at a more accessible price point: the "L" (short for LONG).

Originally designed for the Chinese market, where 5-meter-plus electric crossovers with six or seven seats are status symbols, this model now enters the Israeli market. Will it shift the local demand for electric family vehicles?

Exterior Design

Externally, the Long version maintains the familiar lines of the Model Y, though proportions differ. The nose is nearly identical, featuring the new generation's signature thin light strip. The roof is 4 cm higher, the glass surface is larger, and the rear is more massive. The vehicle stretches to nearly 5 meters in length, with a wheelbase exceeding 3 meters—a 15 cm increase over the standard model.

Interior

Increased height and larger doors make entry easier. The second row features two separate, adjustable sports seats. Accessing the third row requires some flexibility, but it can accommodate two adults comfortably if the middle row is adjusted. However, passengers' heads remain under the exposed glass canopy—a recipe for overheating in the Israeli summer, as Tesla still lacks an original sunshade.

Controls are extremely minimalist; almost all functions, including seat and climate adjustments, are buried in touch menus. Build quality is high, noise insulation is impressive, and standard equipment includes ventilated seats, a 19-speaker sound system, and the ability to power household appliances from the vehicle's battery.

Engine and Range

The Long version features dual motors with a combined output of approximately 450 hp, achieving 0-100 km/h in 5 seconds. The 88 kWh battery offers a claimed range of up to 681 km. In real-world Israeli summer conditions, with heavy air conditioning use, we achieved approximately 450 km.

On the Road

The vehicle offers excellent directional stability on highways. The new variable damping suspension handles road imperfections well at speed, though it feels stiff over urban bumps. The increased length makes maneuvering in tight parking spaces more challenging than in the standard Model Y.

Price and Competitors

At 306,000 shekels, the Tesla Model Y Long is only 19,000 shekels more than the standard version, making it a natural upgrade for those considering the Y. Other market alternatives include:

1. BYD TANG: 327,000 shekels, 7 seats, luxurious interior, 518 hp.

2. Hyundai Ioniq 9: 354,000 shekels, massive dimensions, 3.13 m wheelbase, up to 620 km range.