The 2026 Tesla Cyber SUV?

When Will Tesla Launch

CyberVAN/CyberSUV

A vehicle that can resurrect the Cyber Platform

I cannot emphasize strongly enough how significant this revelation is. It appears that the truth about this enigmatic vehicle is about to be revealed, and if not, it should be developed and brought to market as soon as possible. Why? Everything wrong with the CyberTruck is right with the CyberVan.

This CyberVAN surpasses the CyberTruck in every way, shape, and form, delivering far more on its promise than the CyberTruck itself. Moreover, it successfully addresses and overcomes every drawback and shortcoming of the CyberTruck. Tesla’s introduction of this new form factor also presents an opportunity for them to not only reinvent the CyberTruck but also rectify the mistakes, failed promises, and delayed launch of the CyberTruck, while exceedingly delivering on their original Cyber platform promises. I would go so far as to say when history looks back on this time, it will be recognized that the CyberTruck was a beta test for the CyberVan.

Initially, I thought Tesla’s recently leaked vehicle from Tesla Master Plan 4 might be a Cyber SUV. However, after examining the leaked image and taking a closer look, I believe it might be a CyberVan with sliding doors! To illustrate this concept, I’ve created a graphic depicting what a Tesla CyberVan with sliding doors might look like (as pictured above). I find it to be extremely intriguing and compelling! Please note that ll my renderings of a CyberVAN make it IDENTICAL in all dimensions to a standard CyberTruck, so it's the exact same length, width and height, and would essentially be identical in every way with the exception sliding doors and rear wagon form factor.

Above, we get a glimpse of what an upcoming Tesla CyberVan might look like. Below, we see it as a Tesla CyberSUV with doors that could be either traditional swinging doors or sliding doors. Personally, I would prefer powered sliding mini-van-style doors, which would truly make it a complete replacement for the Model X.

My Dream Tesla SUV is a LUCID

Kind of, Sort of, but not really...

Sophia Loren once famously and profoundly quipped "You can't have it all—at the same time." My understanding is she wasn't saying you can't have it all. She was just saying, you can't have everything perfect at the same time, and that is kind of what this story reminds me of.

I originally published this story back on May 16, of 2025, and it was titled "What I Want in a 2026 Tesla Model X", and I included the original story lower down in this story to add context. 

Today, I watched the video review of the new LUCID GRAVITY SUV reviewed by MKBHD (seen below), and I couldn’t help but think, “That car is almost exactly what I want in an SUV. However, it sadly lacks Tesla FSD, which is a major dealbreaker for me. I would love it even more if there were built-in screens in the backs of the front seats instead of the lower single screen that all Teslas have.”  

In essence, I would like Tesla to replace the Model X with a form-factor similar to the LUCID vehicle depicted above. My preference would even extend to the idea of having sliding rear doors, reminiscent of a mini-van.

Maybe My Dream Tesla SUV May Come True?

Something really interesting and unusual just occurred when Tesla apparently leaked a potential new Cyber SUV or CyberVan in the screenshot pictured below which was originally discovered and published by Torquenews.com. 

This is a screenshot from a Tesla video that revealed their Tesla Master Plan 4, which came out a few days ago. Notice in the background, up on a shelf, we see small scale models of what definitely appear to be a Tesla CyberSUV or CyberVAN people mover.

In a recent interview on Jay Leno’s Garage, Tesla lead designer Franz von Holzhausen discussed the recently updated Tesla Plaid Model S. He casually mentioned, in what appears to be an off-hand remark, Tesla has been working on several new products that evolve their design language and should be released soon. This raises the question: is he referring to the Tesla CyberSUV or CyberVAN pictured above?

On a side note, this is a good interview, but Jay Leno's SOFTBALL QUESTIONS on the new Model S PLAID are TOTALLY LAME. The first question I would have asked, is "How is it the new Model S Plaid is $110K before taxes, and still lacks a power FRUNK?????? After all, the $80K CyberTruck comes standard with a power frunk?"

In my recent review of the newly updated Model S and X I point out how disappointed I am that what historically were the most technologically advanced vehicles on earth, have NOT added any real or meaningful innovation in years.

Flat Roof Top CyberSUV would make it easy to put a folding Camper shell on top. I think this render is very close to the one seen in the Tesla design studio.

I can't help but wonder if the Tesla Cyber SUV concepts  pictured above and below is what Franz was talking about, when he said Tesla would soon be introducing new products? If Tesla introduces this vehicle soon, it would likely overcome the two Achilles heal issues that currently plague the CyberTruck, which are Low Range with only 325 miles, and a horrendous/nonsensical rear view mirror system. 

If the second and third row of seats in this vehicle were designed in such a way that they could easily fold flat like in the new Chinese market only Tesla Model YL, it would result in a much larger usable bed area than a CyberTruck. For instance, it should be able to hold 4x8 sheets of plywood easily, without having to stick out the back, where the CyberTruck bed is only 4x6 feet. If done correctly, this could also create a huge sleeping area in the back for camping, which can't be done in the CyberTruck.

Pictured above we see a photo of the second and third row seats in the Chinese market only Tesla Model YL, which are folded down. If the Tesla CyberVan has a similar seating configuration, it would open up a world of opportunities for storage and camping.

The CyberTruck uses a video camera on the back of the CyberTruck that easily becomes unusable when it drives in rain, but a CyberSUV could use a real standard rear view mirror, like a Model S, 3, X or Y does. Also, if this vehicle were to have at least 400 miles of range, that would make it infinitely better. 500 miles of range would be far more ideal, and I think that is within the realm of possibility.

As a designer, I seriously can't figure out what the hell happened to Tesla design recently. Yes, the Model Y, is amazing, and the best selling car on earth, but the S and X and CyberTruck have had no love over the past year and a half or more. 

My intuition suggests that Tesla has a secret weapon up its sleeve, and my best guess is that they will soon launch the CyberSUV or CyberVan. These vehicles will essentially be CyberTrucks, but instead of a bed with a sliding tonneau cover, they will feature a lift-back with a large third-row seat. 

If Tesla designs this vehicle well, it will also provide owners with a convenient way to camp in their vehicle. 

Additionally, with its flat roof, it will allow them to easily set up a large foldable tent on top if they wish.    

After I wrote this story I noticed the image below that shows a Urander Tent on top of a CyberTruck, along with the support system that creates a flat top surface for the tent to rest upon and I would not help but notice it's profile/silhouette/shape was remarkably similar to the one pictured above.

Just for fun, I made the following renders that would show what my now classic JAKEe CyberTruck Wrap style might look like on the CyberSUV, and it looks pretty good. I wrapped the bottom and extended the window to give it more of a dramatic and framed look.

I couldn't make up my mind which way I liked the window shape better, so I tried both ways: I think the version above with the added window wrap extension make it look more like a police truck, and the version below looks more modern, directional and geometrical.

Below is my original article I mentioned earlier (Originally published in May of 2025) on what I want in an ultimate Tesla SUV, that ideally will replace their Model X:

What I Want In a 2026 Tesla Model X

In the past I've written about how I would love to see a Tesla CyberVan based upon the Model X platform.

Below is an image I put together that shows what I was hoping we will see with the next generation Tesla Model X. This vehicle can comfortably seat 6 passengers, or could also come in a seven seater model. This Model X is 1.5 feet longer than the current Model X in order to accommodate the third row occupants by giving them plenty of legroom. It also replaces the ridiculously ill-designed Falcon wing doors with sliding rear side doors like you would find a standard minivan.

NOTE: Just for frame-of-reference I am adding this paragraph and the hero shot below from the beginning of this story, as it appears Tesla might essentially make my dream SUV or VAN, but using the CyberTruck design language, which would be awesome!!!

I would like to see this model feature 4-wheel steering like the CyberTruck, which should result in an overall decreased turning radius when compared to the current standard wheelbase Model X, along with bi-directional charging and steer-by-wire. Tesla is planning on coming out with a revised new Model S and X pretty soon, and I hope they make these updates. Also, I hope wireless charing will be standard on the new Tesla Models.

This is essentially like a Model X had a baby with a CyberTruck. While a current Model X can accommodate 2 adults in the front, the back seats are too narrow and too close to the doors, so they feel claustrophobic. 

The current 6 seater is nice as it has the center walkway located between the 2 rear captains chairs, but the third row seats only work for small children. By making an elongated Model X, with a much larger third row seats, which could comfortably accommodate 2 or 3 adults, would be ideal, and would also add much more rear cargo space.

Li Auto Figured it out with their new i8

After I wrote this entire article, I discovered that the Chinese company, Li Auto had essentially taken the Tesla Model X to the next level and perfected it. The Chinese Li Auto i8 is pictured below next to a Tesla Model X. 

As we see in the image below, the i8 is basically a longer Model X, which a wagon back that increases cargo space and ads a much larger and useful third row that can comfortably sit 2 adults. Also, the Li Auto has a more cab forward design, which contributes to its useful cabin space area. Overall the Li Auto i8 is:

Tesla Model X  dimensions v. Li Auto i8

Length: Li i8 is 1.9 inches (~5 cm) longer.

Width: The Model X is 1.5 inches (~4cm) wider without mirrors. 

Height: Li i8 is 2.2 inches (~5.6 cm) taller (offering better headroom).

Wheelbase Li i8 is 5.5 inches (~14 cm) longer. 

I find it to be embarrassing that a Chinese company could essentially copy the Model X and make it way better, but Tesla themselves are stuck on stupid and can't figure out how to easily improve the Model X? I mean this is NOT rocket science...Also, Tesla seriously needs to get rid of the falcon wing door, which are a complete nightmare. Yes, they make it easier to put a small child in their child seat, but they are are ridiculously overpriced and unnecessary, and often function incorrectly, not to mention they are a hazard in many ways.

As we see in the image of i8 interior below, it can comfortably fit 6 full sized adults.

If Tesla is going to keep producing the Model X, they need to completely redesign it from the ground up. If they were to do so, it would make complete sense to make it similar in all dimensions to the Li Auto i8, but swap out the doors with sliding mini-van style doors.

I recently took this photo of this Toyota Sienna Hybrid minivan, and essentially it's pretty close to what I would love to see Tesla make a similar model to as far as form-factor, as it has rear side doors that slide open and closed.

The upcoming LUCID GRAVITY really does kind of look like the Toyota Sienna Minivan pictured above, but way cooler, and it features 4 wheel steering, but for me it's not an option as it lacks FSD. If it had Tesla FSD, I would buy it.

The space for larger Luxury EV SUV's is heating up, and below we see the soon to market South Korean Genesis GV90 made by Hyundai, which looks pretty damed cool. This design also makes it evident that within 5 years, this form-factor with forward facing front seats with a steering wheel will essentially become obsolete, as vehicle form-factor will transform into an autonomous pod on wheels, and then the seats will offer much more extended leg room. If you look at the image below, if somebody was sitting in the front seat when it is reversed like this, their legs will interfere with the person sitting across from them, but if the form-factor were elongated by several feet, this issue would be resolved.

The following is excerpted from an article I published 5 years ago on TeslaMagazine.org titled "Thoughts on the future of Autonomous Vehicles." This section illustrates exactly what I am referring to with the future form-factors of autonomous EV's with wireless charging:

Just to be crystal-clear, my point is automobile form-factors as we have known them for more than the past century with front facing front seats will soon become obsolete and will be replaced with vehicles that have rear facing front seats, are 100% autonomous and feature wireless charing. My assumption is within about 5-7 years, this new form-factor will completely replace vehicles as we have known them. Keep in mind what you are about to read below, I published 5 years ago:

I just completed a fascinating https://t.co/3G7FUCfdyF story which showcases and discusses Tesla’s potentially upcoming CyberVan and/or CyberSUV: https://t.co/LjqxrIQbEI pic.twitter.com/PUInCV9cvm

— Jake Ehrlich (@JakeEhrlich) September 6, 2025

ONE MORE THANG

Sawyer Merritt is my favorite Tesla analyst and journalist, so when he responded with his comment on my story on the "CyberTruck Owners Only" Facebook Group, it made my day. I included Sawyers comment below:

I wrote a detailed response to Sawyer and decided to include it below, as I think it reiterates the essence of my argument for the value proposition behind a Tesla CyberVAN:

Hi Sawyer! 

Thanks for sharing your kind and insightful words. I have long been a fan of your work and amazing research, so I was pleasantly surprised to see your erudite comment. I agree with everything you said, and in my detailed article on TeslaMagazine.org, I mentioned that a CyberVAN with sliding doors could not only resurrect the Cyber Platform, but could also deliver on the original promise of the CyberTruck itself.

Specifically:

-BED STORAGE SPACE: The CyberTruck bed is only 4 x 6 feet, thus it can’t fit a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood or drywall in the bed with the lift gate closed, but a CyberVan could easily fit 4 x 8 sheets as there is no pass-through barrier and nothing to interfere with them.

-CAMPING: Users can’t camp in the CyberTruck as the bed is too small, and most importantly, the bed is not heated or cooled like the cabin of every other Tesla. With the CyberVAN, not only would you have HVAC access to fresh, warm, or cool air, but you could fit a much longer mattress in the back for sleeping. Not to mention, sleeping in a CyberVAN in public places would be much safer and quieter than sleeping in a tent on top of a CyberTruck. Also, the owners would not have to climb up a ladder to reach the tent on top of a CyberTruck. 

-REAR SEAT COMFORT: The CyberTruck is limited to 5 passengers, but the CyberVAN could comfortably seat 8, or even 9 with a front bench seat. Tesla could even make an extended wheelbase model that could fit a total of 12, like a Suburban. The rear seats in the CyberTruck are fixed and cannot recline at all, so for long rides, since they are fixed in a completely upright position, they can get uncomfortable. A CyberVAN could easily allow the second row seats to recline, and even so with the third row of seats.

-NO MORE DEFECTIVE REAR VIEW MIRROR: The design of the CyberTruck rear view mirror system is completely defective. If you drive a CyberTruck on a normal rainy day, the rear camera will easily and regularly get covered so it becomes useless as it will get covered with dirty water that gets kicked up onto the rear camera lens. It’s beyond ironic that the CyberTruck has a washer on the front camera but not on the back camera, where it needs it most. Personally, I am shocked that Tesla has not addressed this by putting a digital rear view mirror in the vehicle with a top mounted rear camera. This would be an easy fix, but as a designer myself, I am extremely frustrated with the fact that Tesla designed such a great vehicle with the CyberTruck, but then seemingly abandoned it by making zero meaningful improvements on it after a year and a half. Ironically, the beauty of a CyberVAN is that it could use a conventional mirrored rear view mirror which should function properly.

-RANGE: Tesla made a HUGE mistake by only putting in a 325-mile range battery. At a minimum, it should have been 400 or 500, as originally promised. That external battery pack that was $15K and destroyed 1/3 of the bed space was an insult to Tesla customers, but with a CyberVAN and the newest 4680 batteries, Tesla could easily hit 400 miles of range, if not 500, which would be ideal.

-NO FALCON WING DOORS: Even Elon admitted the Falcon Wing doors on the Model X were his greatest blunder. I think it’s shocking they still sell the X with these highly defective doors, which are a complete nightmare to live with in the real world. Elon’s original argument for the Falcon Wing Doors was that they would make it easy to remove and place small children in child seats, especially if a car parked too close to your Model X.  So try opening a Falcon Wing door on a taller sidewalk, and try not to have it hit your head or face, even IF it extends all the way. With mini-van style doors on a CyberVAN, it will completely eliminate this challenge. Basically, a CyberVAN would replace the Model X as the ultimate Tesla station wagon for families.

-POWER FRUNK: How ironic is it  the $80K CyberTruck has a power frunk, but the new flagship  Model S and Model X, which are way more expensive, lack this very useful feature? I agree with you that Tesla should keep all the features the CyberTruck offers with the CyberVAN. Franz is a really great designer in many ways, so he has to have been up to something over the past couple of years beyond refreshing the S, 3, X, and Y. Since he has completely ignored updating the CyberTruck, I assume he has been focused on the CyberVAN, which would explain what he was talking about in the recent Jay Leno video interview, when he said he was working on extending Tesla’s design language.

Also, if you take a really close look at the screenshot from the Tesla Master Plan 4 video that shows the models in Franz’s design studio, if you look at them closely, it almost appears they have a longer sliding rear side door.

Many larger families would benefit from a CyberVAN, but I think there are many people who would simply prefer its form factor, as minivans are so useful and utilitarian, not to mention people like command seating where they sit up high when they drive.

Of course, I cover all these details and much more in my TeslaMagazine.org article which I assume you read. If not, here is a direct link to the detailed story: https://www.teslamagazine.org/2025/09/the-2026-tesla-cyber-suv.html

Once again Sawyer, thanks so much for sharing your invaluable insight!

Cheers!

Jake :-)