Tesla’s Model Y L Secures 120,000 Orders, Averaging Nearly 10,000 Per Day

The Tesla Model Y L was launched on August 19 with a starting price of RMB 339,000 ($47,200) and began its first nationwide deliveries on September 3.

A Tesla sales representative in Beijing, China, revealed that daily orders for the newly launched Model Y L are averaging close to 10,000 units, with total orders now exceeding 120,000.

Since its debut on August 19, the large six-seat all-electric SUV—priced from RMB 339,000 ($47,500)—has quickly emerged as a market sensation and began nationwide deliveries on September 3.

According to the sales representative, despite its relatively high price point, the model’s larger cabin and flexible rear-seat configurations have made it particularly appealing to family buyers.

The strong demand comes at a time when Tesla is widely seen as hitting a growth ceiling in China. In the first half of 2025, the automaker sold 263,400 vehicles in the country, down 5.4% year-on-year, with its market share shrinking to 7.6% from a peak of 15% in 2020.

Meanwhile, Tesla has also adjusted the pricing of its Model 3 lineup. On September 1, the 830-km range version was cut from RMB 269,500 ($37,700) to RMB 259,500 ($36,300), narrowing the gap with the RMB 285,500 ($40,000) long-range dual-motor variant.

The company stressed that the price cut does not affect early buyers, as deliveries of initial Model 3 orders have yet to begin. Current purchase incentives include trade-in subsidies, discounted paint options, zero-interest financing for up to five years, and a charging benefits package, available through September 30.

The sales momentum of the Model Y L underscores the potential of large six-seat SUVs in China, but also highlights the urgency for Tesla to identify new growth drivers amid intensifying competition from domestic brands.

Models such as Li Auto’s i8, ONVO’s L90, and AITO’s M8 are closing the gap on Tesla in terms of features, pricing, and user experience, reshaping the market landscape.

Global headwinds are also adding pressure. Data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association shows Tesla’s EU sales plunged over 40% in July to just 6,600 units—its seventh straight monthly decline—while the region’s overall EV market grew 39% year-on-year.

In China, Tesla sold 83,192 vehicles (including exports) in August, down 4.04% from a year earlier but up 22.55% from July.

Between January and August, Tesla’s China sales totaled 515,600 units (including exports), a 12.24% drop from the same period last year. Following the data release, Tesla shares in the U.S. fell more than 2%.