Tesla Model Y L Premium AWD vs Long Range Premium RWD: Detailed Variant Comparison

Tesla entered the Indian market in 2025 with the launch of the Model Y. Recently, Tesla introduced a new L variant of the Model Y, featuring a longer body, three-row seating, and a design based on the standard Model Y. The Model Y is available in three variants: Premium RWD, L Premium AWD, and Long Range Premium RWD. This article compares the mid-spec L Premium AWD with the top-end Long Range Premium RWD to highlight the key differences and value additions.

Key Highlights

• Tesla Model Y L Premium AWD is Rs 5.90 lakh cheaper than Long Range Premium RWD
• L variant offers 6-seater layout and larger dimensions for added practicality
• Both variants share major features and safety equipment including ADAS and 360-degree cameras
• L variant provides 20 km more range and quicker acceleration than Long Range variant

Pricing and Variant Overview

The L Premium AWD variant undercuts the Long Range Premium RWD by Rs 5.90 lakh. The L variant offers a 6-seater configuration and all-wheel drive. Both variants share a minimalist design, but the L variant is more practical due to its three rows of seats and added features. Buyers may question if the higher price of the Long Range variant is justified, given the L variant's offerings.

Both variants come in six colour options, with five shared shades. The Silver shade differs slightly between models. All colours except Stealth Grey require an additional payment, ranging from Rs 95,000 to Rs 1.85 lakh.

Dimensions and Exterior Design

The L variant is larger than the Long Range variant, being longer, wider, and offering a greater wheelbase. This increase accommodates the three-row seating, though it results in less boot space compared to the Long Range variant. Both variants have the same width.

Design-wise, both SUVs follow Tesla's modern and minimalistic approach. They feature a blanked-off nose, slim LED daytime running lamps, and a full-width light strip. Both have 19-inch wheels, but the Model Y L gets new aerodynamic alloys and a more upright profile. At the rear, both have connected LED taillights and an integrated spoiler, but the L variant's spoiler is more pronounced.

Interior Features and Seating

Inside, both variants offer a minimalist cabin with a clean dashboard, soft-touch materials, and ambient lighting. An all-black interior is standard, with a dual-tone black-and-grey option available. Both have a large central touchscreen for controls, a three-spoke steering wheel, and an 8-inch rear touchscreen for passengers.

The main difference is seating. The Model Y L has a 6-seater layout with second-row captain seats and an additional third row, making it more practical for families. The standard version remains a 5-seater.

Equipment and Safety

Both variants feature a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen, 8-inch rear touchscreen, powered and heated seats, glass roof, ambient lighting, powered tailgate, heated steering wheel, power-adjustable AC vents, air purifier, and wireless phone chargers. The Long Range variant has a 9-speaker audio system, while the L variant offers an 18-speaker system with a subwoofer. The L variant lacks thigh extensions for the front seats, which the Long Range variant includes.

Safety features are standard across both variants. These include multiple airbags, parking sensors, 8 exterior cameras for a 360-degree view, in-built dashcam, ADAS with lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, ESC, electronic parking brake, all-wheel disc brakes, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming IRVM, and tyre pressure monitoring. Tesla also offers a Full Self Driving (FSD) package for an extra Rs 6 lakh.

Performance and Driving

Tesla has not disclosed battery size or power output. However, the L variant offers 20 km more range, more electric motors, and is 0.6 seconds quicker in the 0-100 kmph sprint. The L variant’s all-wheel drive setup offers better grip and performance.

Alternatives in the Segment

Other options in the segment include the Hyundai Ioniq 5, BMW iX1, Volvo EC40, Kia EV6, and BYD Sealion 7. Each offers unique features, from premium interiors to strong performance and advanced safety.