Model Y’s Three-Row Surprise Attack: Are William Li and Li Xiang Worried?

Tesla’s Model Y L ignites fierce competition in China’s three-row EV market against Li Auto i8 and NIO ONVO L90.

The six-seat Model Y has officially been announced, putting NIO and Li Auto on high alert.

Last night, Tesla posted on Weibo, stating, “Model Y L, see you this fall!” along with two images — one showing the side silhouette of the Model Y L and another of its rear logo. The new model has also officially entered China’s MIIT catalog.

As is typical of Tesla, the Model Y L is likely to go on sale directly through official channels without much fanfare or detailed introductions.

Despite its laid-back promotional strategy, this six-seat all-electric SUV has the potential to shake up the market for three-row EVs launching in 2025—because it’s a Tesla, and it’s already a dominant force in the ¥250,000 ($35,000) EV segment.

Within just two and a half hours of Tesla’s announcement, Li Xiang (of Li Auto), Shen Fei (of NIO), and William Li (of NIO) each reposted the Weibo post to promote their own six-seat electric SUVs. Though there were no direct challenges issued, the underlying message was clear: “Here comes a new Model Y—go ahead, compare it.”

So, are NIO and Li Auto ready to go head-to-head with the Model Y L?

Face-Off: Li Auto i8

The spotlight is on. Which car will face off against the Model Y L? Its competitors know best.

Li Xiang was the first to repost Tesla’s announcement, calling the Model Y L a “respectable six-seat EV SUV” and encouraging users looking for options in the ¥200,000–¥300,000 ($28,000–$42,000) range to take a look. He also took the opportunity to promote Li Auto’s own five-seat electric SUV, the Li Auto i6.

This comment sparked debate, not only over the subtext behind “respectable six-seat EV SUV” but also over Li Xiang’s implied pricing of the Model Y L.

Currently, the base Model Y starts at ¥263,500 ($36,890) for the single-motor version and ¥303,500 ($42,490) for the dual-motor version. Following Tesla’s usual pricing logic, the higher-positioned Model Y L is expected to cost above ¥300,000 ($42,000), with some insiders suggesting a price around ¥400,000 ($56,000).

Some netizens believe Li Xiang was downplaying the Model Y L by implying it would be priced in the ¥200,000–¥300,000 ($28,000–$42,000) range, though others argue he was referring to the upcoming i6.

However, the real contender to Model Y L from Li Auto is clearly the i8. The i6 is more likely aimed at the standard-wheelbase Model Y.

Let’s look at the Model Y L’s specs:

The new car measures 4976mm x 1920mm x 1668mm (L x W x H) with a wheelbase of 3040mm and curb weight of 2088kg. It features front and rear motors rated at 142kW and 198kW respectively, with a top speed of 201 km/h.

In line with @胖虎Shawn’s leak from earlier this week, the Model Y L’s wheelbase is 15cm longer than the standard Model Y, yet it still keeps the total length under 5 meters, which was unexpected.

When comparing wheelbases, the Li Auto i8’s 3050mm is very close to the Model Y L’s 3040mm, although its overall dimensions are larger. In contrast, the i6 has similar dimensions to the Model Y L, with a 40mm shorter wheelbase—but it’s a five-seater, making it fundamentally different in market positioning.

More importantly, pricing: The i8’s pre-sale price is listed between ¥350,000–¥400,000 ($49,000–$56,000). The current L8 sells for ¥321,800–¥379,800 ($45,050–$53,170), so the i8’s final price could end up ¥10,000–¥20,000 ($1,400–$2,800) higher, closely aligning with the estimated price range of the Model Y L.

Given the global popularity of the Model Y and its purely electric reputation (without the stigma of range extenders), the i8 must first demonstrate advantages in space.

We recently experienced the i8, though dynamic testing is still under embargo. What we can say is that the i8 maintains Li Auto’s consistent focus on third-row space. Compared to the Model Y L, the i8’s larger size theoretically gives it more room to work with.

For example, the i8’s seats offer strong wrapping support, with extended and thickened side bolsters on both seat cushions and backrests.

The i8 also provides generous third-row space. When trunk luggage is minimal, the backrests can recline significantly. However, the seat angle is fairly flat and firm. If the trunk is fully packed, the third-row seatbacks must be adjusted to a more upright position, which can force taller passengers into a cramped, upright posture — almost like sitting on a small stool.

Therefore, the Model Y L’s smaller size requires Tesla to maximize spatial design to remain competitive with direct rivals like the i8.

Li Auto has also refined its vehicles with user-friendly details: hidden and quiet air vents, door slots for phones, tiered dashboards, light-colored steering wheels, and features from the MEGA like a 21.4-inch rear screen and in-car fridge.

The Model Y L retains a sloping roofline and is smaller than the i8, which may limit its third-row and trunk capacity. One leaked comparison photo suggests a smaller trunk in the Model Y L, though third-row dimensions remain unknown.

Insiders also claim the Model Y L will offer not only more space than the standard version but also longer range and a more premium interior. Tesla’s minimalist design may evolve in this update.

Performance-wise, the Model Y L’s 142+198kW dual-motor setup may fall short of the i8’s 150+250kW, but the i8’s heavier weight (2580–2610kg vs. Model Y L’s 2088kg) could level the playing field.

Notably, Li Auto equips the i8 with full-suite city-driving assistance, which could pose a challenge to Tesla’s FSD system, especially given its high price and regional regulation limitations.

Overall, the Li Auto i8 is positioned as a native Chinese three-row EV with advantages in space, features, and specs. However, Tesla’s brand perception, especially regarding safety, remains a psychological and practical hurdle.

Undercut Strategy: ONVO L90

Following its pre-sale launch, the ONVO L90 has captured attention with its price, size, and features, positioning it as an unbeatable value in “comparison wars.”

Both Shen Fei and William Li reposted Tesla’s Weibo post, emphasizing the ONVO L90’s spacious interior and the growing infrastructure and innovation that support large pure electric SUVs.

With a pre-sale price starting at ¥279,900 ($39,190) or ¥193,900 ($27,150) with BaaS (battery subscription), the ONVO L90 focuses on size.

At 5100mm in length and with a 3110mm wheelbase, it’s the largest of the three (Tesla, Li Auto, ONVO), yet priced the lowest.

Beyond features like zero-gravity second-row seats and over 1m of legroom for all passengers, the L90 offers a combined front and rear trunk capacity of 670L without folding down the third row—including a massive 240L front trunk.

The slogan “Every seat is VIP, 6 people, 10 suitcases, no problem” sums up the L90’s key selling point.

William Li also pointed out the importance of charging and swapping infrastructure and in-house R&D. As of now, NIO has built 3,402 battery swap stations, contributing to the L90’s competitive pricing.

Where the ONVO L90 and Li Auto i8 differ most from the Model Y L is in EV powertrain system (battery, motor, and electronic control) and smart tech.

The L90 uses an 85kWh pack with a 605km CLTC range—less than the i8’s 90.1kWh pack and minimum 670km range. However, NIO’s battery swap network helps mitigate that gap. Li Auto’s recently completed “9×9 Expressway Grid” Ultra-charging network ensures i8’s 5C fast-charging potential.

The new Model Y dual-motor variant with a 78.4kWh battery delivers 719km of range. With its lighter weight and smaller body, the Model Y L may offer even better range than both competitors.

On the ADAS front, the i8 uses the 700TOPS Thor-U chip and Li Auto’s next-gen architecture Mind VLA. ONVO L90 features a 254TOPS Orin X chip and a vision-based solution.

Although ONVO’s promotional efforts align with those of Li Auto and Tesla, its pricing clearly targets a lower segment.

The ¥300,000 ($42,000) threshold is often a psychological barrier for buyers, and a ¥30,000–¥50,000 ($4,200–$7,000) price difference can sway many consumers.

ONVO and NIO seem determined to capture this group with spacious interiors, 900V architecture, BaaS, and charging convenience.

Beyond today’s three main players, others like IM Motors LS9 and AITO M8 EV are also preparing for battle.

So, with China’s domestic three-row EV market already heating up, does Tesla’s China-tailored Model Y L still hold an advantage?