Without fanfare or a grand press conference, the Model Y L embarked on its journey with a single Weibo post. Staff in my social circle even joked, "Avoid driving to see the Model Y L; there's nowhere to park."

Truth be told, amidst the myriad of recent product launches, the Model Y L stands out for its low-key approach. There were no controversial press conferences or elaborate marketing strategies. From teasers to launch, just a few Weibo posts transformed it into a sought-after new product. Priced at 339,000 yuan, it directly challenges the Li Auto i8 and Ledao L90. So, can the Model Y L compete?

While dimensions have significantly improved, they are not superior to all competitors.

Honestly, if you don't place the Model Y L next to the Model Y, many may not discern the difference. The front and rear light clusters, as well as the surrounding design, remain consistent. However, the sides and rear exhibit notable differences. The Model Y L is taller with a stretched central cabin. The Model Y's bodyline dips markedly after the B-pillar, whereas the Model Y L's roofline extends further before dipping, offering better rear window visibility and a larger rear triangular window. Additionally, a rear spoiler has been added. Intriguingly, despite its larger size, the Model Y L boasts a lower drag coefficient than the Model Y.

In terms of appearance, the Model Y L is essentially a lengthened and raised version of the Model Y. Similarly, the Li Auto i8 follows this design philosophy, albeit derived from MEGA. For SUVs, the Model Y L might be a closer match.

Regarding body dimensions, the Model Y L measures 4976/1920/1668mm in length, width, and height, with a wheelbase of 3040mm. Compared to the Model Y, it is 179mm longer, the same width, 44mm taller, and has a 150mm longer wheelbase, generally enhancing passenger space.

However, compared to the Li Auto i8 and Ledao L90, the Model Y L lacks significant advantages. The Ledao L90 leads in length, width, height, and wheelbase, followed by the Li Auto i8. The Model Y L's dimensions are overshadowed by these competitors.

While the Model Y L is considerably larger than the Model Y, in a horizontal market comparison, it does not have significant advantages, raising concerns about the adequacy of its 6-seat layout.

Practicality and a sleek roofline often clash.

Now, let's delve into the Model Y L's interior. The entire center console largely maintains the minimalist style of the Model Y. However, the Model Y L has upgraded the central touchscreen, increasing it from 15.4 inches to 16 inches, with a resolution boost of about 30%. The infotainment system still utilizes an AMD Ryzen processor. Additionally, the front wireless charging panel supports up to 50W + 30W wireless fast charging and now includes air-cooled heat dissipation.

Moreover, the Model Y L has increased the number of cabin speakers from 16 in the Long Range All-Wheel Drive version to 19, including a subwoofer. A center console speaker and two overhead speakers have been added. The second row retains an 8-inch screen, suitable for watching movies. Each seat in the second and third rows has a charging port for convenient device charging.

However, compared to the Li Auto i8 and Ledao L90, the Model Y L still doesn't excel. Chinese new-energy vehicle brands at this price point often come with refrigerators, TVs, and numerous larger screens. But Tesla has never relied on lavish configurations. Many cars previously had higher specs than the Model Y, yet none outsold it.

Regarding seating space, the Model Y L features six seats in a 2+2+2 layout and a complete seat upgrade. The front seats sport a new dynamic design with adjustable headrests and leg rests, complete with heating and ventilation. The second row boasts two independent, electrically adjustable seats with armrests that recline up to 125 degrees, controllable via buttons and the screen. The third-row seats are also electrically adjustable with heating functions. Both rows can be electrically folded to expand storage, and the third row includes child safety seat anchors.

Regarding space, Tesla claims the third row comfortably accommodates individuals up to 187cm. The optimized roof structure of the Model Y L provides more headroom. With the width unchanged, Tesla has widened the lateral space at the rear by 20mm, ensuring ample space for the third row.

However, given its lack of size advantage, the third-row experience may not match that of the Li Auto i8 or the non-sloping-roof Ledao L90. I recommend personal experience before making a choice.

So, what is the Model Y L's biggest advantage? Keep reading!

Driving control and energy efficiency remain its strengths.

In terms of power, the Model Y L is equipped with a larger 82kWh battery pack, offering a range of 751km, similar to the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive. The new vehicle still uses a front AC induction asynchronous motor and a rear permanent magnet synchronous motor, with slightly increased power. The front motor outputs 142kW, the rear motor 198kW, for a total of 340kW.

While the Model Y L doesn't surpass the Li Auto i8 and Ledao L90 in overall power and size, its curb weight of just 2088kg enables a 0-100km/h acceleration of 4.5 seconds. Additionally, energy efficiency is a Tesla hallmark. The Model Y L consumes 12.8kWh/100km, significantly better than the Li Auto i8's 14.8kWh/100km and the Ledao L90's 15.4kWh/100km.

In terms of the chassis, the Model Y L retains the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link suspension but adds CDC continuously variable damping shock absorbers, lacking in the previous Model Y. Thus, the driving experience of the Model Y L is highly anticipated.

Conclusion

While the Model Y L doesn't excel in size and configuration compared to the Li Auto i8 and Ledao L90, its inherited "traditional advantages" become unique selling points. Honestly, the Model Y L isn't a standard six-seat electric SUV for households; it offers a driving experience focused on multi-person travel scenarios. By expanding usage scenarios from the original model, the Model Y L is poised for sales success.