The new Tesla Model Y L is about to start deliveries in the U.S., and when it does, customers could find the larger six-seat electric SUV travels farther on a single charge than its official range rating.
Edmunds recently put the 2027 Model Y L through its EV Range Test, where it travelled an impressive 358 miles (576 km) on a single charge. If you’re counting, that is 38 miles (61 km), or 11.8%, more than Tesla’s 320 mile (515 km) estimate for the version equipped with 20-inch wheels.
Not only did it comfortably exceed its range rating, the result makes the Model Y L travelled further than any other Model Y variant Edmunds has tested.
That performance is particularly impressive given the Model Y L is the heaviest variant of the electric SUV – weighing about 300 pounds (162 kg) more than the other variants.
Tesla finds efficiency gains despite larger size
Several changes appear to have helped the Model Y L overcome its added weight. The extended wheelbase SUV has a drag coefficient of just 0.216, making it more aerodynamic than the standard Model Y. Tesla achieved the improvement through changes to the body, rear spoiler and wheel design.
Tesla has also upgraded the glass roof, which allows 30% less solar energy into the cabin. That reduces the workload on the climate control system, potentially providing meaningful energy savings over longer trips.
Finally, the Model Y L has a slightly larger battery at approximately 83 kWh, about 4% larger than the regular Model Y’s pack. Tesla was able to do this thank to the longer wheelbase, which gave the automaker additional room to lengthen the battery modules and fit more cells.
Those changes helped the Model Y L average 25.1 kWh/100 miles (155 Wh/km) during the test.
Edmunds uses a standardized route consisting of 60% city and 40% highway driving, with an average speed of around 40 mph.
While the Model Y L currently holds the title of longest range Model Y, there is still one variant that could dethrone the six-seat SUV – Edmunds has yet to test the current Model Y Premium RWD, which Tesla estimates at 357 miles (574 km).
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