China-Exclusive Tesla Model Y L to Debut AI Voice Assistant Powered by Deepseek, Bytedance

Tesla has introduced a long-wheelbase, three-row version of the Model Y exclusively in China, in an attempt to cater to the needs of the local market and reverse its declining sales figures even as homegrown rivals rise in popularity. The company announced its RMB 339,000 price (approximately $47,180 or ₹41.31 lakh before taxes), which came in below local analysts’ expectations, and opened pre-orders on August 19. Deliveries to customers are expected to begin in September, but some units have already arrived at showrooms across the country.

In another effort to boost its appeal and catch up with what local players currently offer, Tesla has now shared details of a new AI-powered interactive in-car voice assistant, which will be powered by Deepseek and Bytedance. Interestingly, while Tesla CEO Elon Musk has repeatedly announced that his own AI assistant Grok is coming to vehicles in the US and other countries, regulations in China prevent it from being localised or offered there.

Tesla will use Bytedance’s Volcano Engine cloud hosting service and will use its Doubao AI model for voice commands related to in-car operations such as changing climate control settings or setting a destination for the navigation system. In addition, Deepseek AI will be used to power more interactive AI voice chats, allowing drivers to get information from the wider Internet. 

According to local media reports, hands-free voice commands will be supported using a wake word such as “Hey Tesla”, rather than pressing a button on the steering wheel, as current Tesla owners around the world might be used to. Following the Model Y L, it is expected that these capabilities will roll out to other Tesla models in China. It is not yet clear whether the company is planning to offer this AI implementation in other regions in the future.

The Tesla Model Y L comes at a premium to the standard five-seat Model Y. It’s 179mm longer and 44mm taller, with exactly the same width. Luggage space is 2,539 litres. It also comes in a new exclusive gold colour. The second and third rows of seats can be folded down electronically. All seats are heated, but only the front two rows are ventilated. 

Also read: Tesla's Advanced Autopilot Features, Full Self Driving Not Yet Approved for India

It features an 82kWh battery, and Tesla claims 751km range (CLTC) which is actually a tiny fraction higher than the 750km claimed range of the existing Model Y Long Range variant. The company also says it has developed a new, improved sound system for the larger Model Y, with 18 speakers and a subwoofer. 

The company also hopes to boost sales of its Model 3 in China, with a long-range model that is also exclusive there. Interestingly, buyers in China can also now choose to add a physical stalk for turn indicator controls – a feature that Tesla removed with a recent facelift. This China-exclusive option comes at an additional cost, and does not include headlight or windshield washing controls.

Tesla only just launched in India with the standard Model Y and its first superchargers, and it is unlikely that the long wheelbase version will be introduced here anytime soon. In response to fan questions about a potential launch in the US, CEO Elon Musk stated on his own social media that it would not happen before late 2026 if ever, and that he doesn’t see a need for it given his focus on autonomous driving.