A Tesla enthusiast claims to have uncovered information indicating that the company is developing a new Model Y variant featuring a six-passenger layout, facilitated by a newly developed software upgrade.
In our previous report, we revealed that Tesla hinted at a forthcoming seven-passenger configuration for its latest Model Y offering, as disclosed through interactions with potential customers.
Prior to its design refresh earlier this year, the automaker offered a 7-seat configuration for the Model Y. The phenomenon was hardly a topic of conversation.
Now, you’ll be taught that Tesla is capable of accommodating a 6-seat configuration, a feature that would be novel for the Model Y. Tesla has always offered a 6-seater configuration exclusively on its Model X, distinguishing it from other models.
A self-proclaimed Tesla hacker, notorious for uncovering forthcoming features by dissecting the code in newly released Tesla software updates, took credit for the discovery.
“The long-awaited Mannequin Y’s rumored six-seat configuration has finally been spotted in a firmware reveal.”
Rumors surrounding the 6-seat Mannequin Y have swirled for some time, primarily confined to whispers within China’s automotive circles; these speculative claims centered on a potential extended-wheelbase variant of the model, ultimately shelved before production began.
Now, inexperienced notes suggest that his research implies the newly introduced model is unlikely to be exclusive to the Chinese market.
While the concept of a Mannequin Y 6-seater might be unclear at first glance, it’s plausible that this vehicle would adopt a 2+2+2 layout, featuring captain seats in the middle section, mirroring the Mannequin X design.
Electrek’s Take
That is attention-grabbing. While inexperienced developers may be exploring its potential within the codebase, there remains no official confirmation that this feature will be made available to the public. I’ll review it once I’ve seen it.
If I’m going to shell out my hard-earned cash for a Tesla Model Y, I’d expect a 2+2+2 seating arrangement with captain’s chairs in the middle to be accompanied by a longer wheelbase? In most instances, something is getting compressed or squished.
The initial Mannequin Y’s third row was already somewhat compact, making it suitable primarily for children or petite adults. While a 2+2+2 configuration offers more space in the third row, I’m genuinely interested to examine the second-row layout of the Mannequin Y once that’s been implemented.