Tesla has been making headlines recently with a decline in sales, both internationally and around the world. While there are a variety of reasons for this, at least part of that can be put down to the relative lack of choice, with only the mid-size Model 3 sedan and Model Y SUV available to local buyers.
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There is no larger sedan, no smaller sedan, no Roadster, no Cybertruck and, most relevant for Australia, no seven-seat SUV. Australians have demonstrated a love of family friendly SUVs, with record sales for the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X in 2024 and big sales expected for the new Toyota Prado in 2025.
In this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Tesla’s seven-seater plans.
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Is there currently a seven-seater option?
Is there expected to be a new Tesla seven-seater model soon?
Maybe. Tesla has no current public plans to bring back the Model X, as it no longer builds it in right-hand drive. But it does have a potential new 7 seater Tesla, in the form of the three-row Model Y that’s available in the US market.
What do we know about it so far?
The seven-seat Model Y has been available in the USA in the Long Range AWD variant since 2020. It features the same seat arrangement for the first two rows (two in the first row and three across the middle), with two extra seats where the boot would be.
When is it expected to be available?
Tesla traditionally reveals very little details about upcoming models, which makes it incredibly difficult to predict when, or even if, Tesla will launch its new models in Australia. However, a report from Reuters in late 2024 suggested the three-row Model Y will soon be produced in China for potential right-hand-drive markets.
How much is it expected to cost?
It’s too early to know any details on price, as the three-row Model Y isn’t confirmed for the Australian market. Tesla is also known to adjust its pricing to try and drive sales, so it’s impossible to predict the brand with accuracy.
However, what we can say is it’s likely to carry a small premium over the five-seat Model Y to account for the extra seats.
What are expected to be notable features?
You may have noticed we have referred to it as the ‘three-row Model Y’ as opposed to a seven-seater. That’s because the expectation is the Chinese-built variants will feature six-seats, spread across three rows of two.
There is a seven-seater version of the Model Y built in Germany for European markets, but that may not be an option for Tesla in Australia due to the logistics, production complexities and costs.
How will it compare to past models?
The biggest difference between the Tesla Model Y 7 seater Australia could see in the next few years, compared to the previous Model X will be size. The Model X was a large SUV while the Model Y is mid-sized.
The Model X also famously had the so-called ‘Falcon wing’ double-hinged doors that allowed for easier access to the third row. In contrast, the Model Y three-row has the conventional doors.
How does it compare to other seven seaters?
If the Tesla Model 7 three-row variant comes to Australia, besides only having six seats instead of seven, it will differ from key rivals in size. Instead of competing against the likes of the Ford Everest, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, it will be a much smaller SUV and be more directly rivalling the Nissan X-Trail and Mitsubishi Outlander.
The problem with the three-row Model Y is the extra seats appear to be both limited for space but also take up much of the luggage space.
Where can you find out more information about the impending Tesla seven-seater model?
If anything changes, we’ll let you know, so keep reading CarsGuide to stay up to date with everything happening in the motoring industry.
