Jay Leno has driven everything from century-old steam cars to modern electric supercars, but his latest test drive involved an unfamiliar experience. He climbed into the driver’s seat of a Tesla and left the steering wheel completely alone.
The occasion was the arrival of the 2027 Tesla Model Y L, a stretched, six-seat version of the company’s popular electric SUV. Its additional space and upgraded suspension make it an interesting family vehicle, although Leno was particularly curious about its driving technology.
For the latest episode of Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla chief designer Franz von Holzhausen and vehicle engineering vice president Lars Moravy brought along a Launch Series example. They explained the engineering changes before taking Leno onto public roads.
What followed was an unusual demonstration of Tesla’s supervised Full Self-Driving system. The car handled the steering, acceleration, and braking, leaving Leno to discover just how much responsibility still rests with the person behind the wheel.
A Bigger Model Y With Room for Six
The Model Y L gains approximately six inches in wheelbase and seven inches in overall length. Its second row features captain’s chairs, while third-row passengers receive roughly 5.5 inches of additional legroom.
Tesla claims the dual-motor SUV produces 496 horsepower, reaches 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and offers 332 miles of EPA-rated range. Despite its larger body, a carefully shaped rear spoiler helps achieve a claimed drag coefficient of 0.216.
Jay Leno Lets the Tesla Take Control
Once underway, Leno activated Full Self-Driving (Supervised) and kept his hands off the wheel. During the demonstration, the Model Y L even pulled over when an ambulance approached from the opposite direction.
Leno compared the experience to having a personal chauffeur, although Moravy emphasized that the system still requires an attentive driver. An interior camera monitors the driver’s gaze, and the person behind the wheel remains responsible for operating the vehicle.
Could You Leave the Driver’s Seat Empty?
Naturally, Leno wondered whether a heavy dog or a bag of cement could fool the occupancy sensors. Moravy explained that Tesla uses seat sensors, an interior camera, and in-cabin radar to determine whether someone is occupying the driver’s seat.
Leno also asked whether he could read a book or rely on the vehicle after drinking alcohol. The answer was clear: this Model Y L is not a driverless robotaxi, and its supervised system does not remove the driver’s legal responsibilities.
More Comfort, Less Driver Involvement
Beyond the automation, the Model Y L features adaptive suspension with a rear-comfort setting, additional cabin insulation, and improved climate control. Tesla also claims regenerative braking handles over 95 percent of typical deceleration, reducing brake-pad wear.
Leno eventually moved into the second row while Moravy occupied the driver’s seat, and the Tesla continued handling the drive. By the end, Leno described it as his first trip where nobody was actually driving, an experience that left him fascinated by the technology’s progress.