Car manufacturers often tease the market with their upcoming models by sending test mules on public roads, creating hype that often helps their sales and marketing departments.
We’re not saying they don’t use test mules for testing, we’re just hinting at a clever strategy likely used by automakers, such as in this case, where a Tesla YL with a longer wheelbase was spotted testing in the San Francisco Bay Area, which, according to the company’s CEO, Elon Musk, would never be sold in the U.S.
However, a report by Electrek suggests Tesla is preparing to launch the YL in the North American market, and Musk’s statement was “never a serious position.”
The YL could actually fill a crucial spot in the market, given its capacity to seat six adults, and Tesla’s test run “signals a much more advanced stage” of its imminent launch.
Tesla YL Testing on Interstate 280
The Tesla Model YL test mule was spotted on Interstate 280 in the San Francisco Bay Area, according to Michael R Carroll, who shared the image of the vehicle on X. This is reportedly the first sighting of the six-seater SUV in North America. Describing the vehicle, he wrote:
“First Model YL mule sighting in North America? I took this on I-280 NB this afternoon. It’s a looong boi.”
The Model YL is visibly longer than the Model Y. This stretch of highway between Tesla’s Palo Alto headquarters and its Fremont factory has been frequented by Tesla’s test mules ahead of launch, another point that hints at an American launch in the near future.
Electrek stated further that Tesla had “shipped test units from China to its Austin facility” from photos captured by a drone pilot of “Model YL bodies-in-white wrapped in blue plastic at Gigafactory Texas” last month, thereby strengthening the possibility of Tesla’s plans to pitch the vehicle for sale in the U.S. market.
Elon Musk’s Statements Contradict Report
Last year, Musk revealed that the Model YL might never make it to U.S. shores on the basis that a six-seater variant was not necessary. Even if it did arrive, production would not begin until the end of 2026. Electrek quoted his statement:
“This variant of the Model Y doesn’t start production in the US until the end of next year. Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving in America.”
Considering Musk’s revelation, Tesla is on track for the production of the Model YL at the end of this year. The vehicle was first launched in China in August 2025 with a longer wheelbase of 5.9 inches over the Model Y. It can comfortably seat six people, given the “2-2-2 captain’s chair seating configuration.”
Beyond China, the Model YL has made its way to New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia, most recently landing in India. With the Model Y offering an optional third row in the U.S., does the YL fill a big gap in the market?
Why The Model YL Could be Perfect For The U.S. Market
Although the standard Model Y offers an optional third row, the space is not sufficient to seat two adults comfortably, whereas the Model YL fills that shortcoming with its extended wheelbase.
The YL makes more sense when you consider Tesla’s plans to discontinue the Model S and Model X later this year, thereby creating a gap in its lineup for buyers who require more space and won’t be satisfied by what the Model Y has to offer.
The timing seems right because after the discontinuation of Model S and Model X, Tesla could bring in the Model YL as its only offering capable of seating six adults comfortably.
First Model YL mule sighting in North America? I took this on I-280 NB this afternoon. It’s a looong boi… CC: @SawyerMerritt pic.twitter.com/Yr54eDJVOE
— Michael R Carroll (@michaelrcarroll) April 23, 2026