Tesla fills the family SUV gap with new Model Y L
Tesla to launch a family-friendly six-seat version of its best-selling Model Y electric SUV.
Tesla is poised to plug a glaring gap in its lineup by introducing a more family-friendly six-seat long-wheelbase version of its best-selling Model Y SUV later this year.
Aussie fans of the EV-only marque have been left frustrated by the lack of a three-row SUV option since the demise of the seven-seat Model X in 2023, but all is set to be forgiven with confirmation that the brand will soon launch its six-seat Model Y L.
Speculation has been rife in motoring circles for months that Tesla would add the six-seat Model Y L to its lineup, following the variant’s launch in China in August 2025. Tesla Australia has now confirmed the Model Y L will find its way Down Under later this year.
Larger dimensions, more versatility
The Model Y L is produced at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai for the Chinese market.
It’s larger than the standard five-seat Model Y in length and height, with the additional size afforded via a longer wheelbase to accommodate a third row of seats.
The current Tesla Model Y is available only in a two-row five-seat configuration, with the increased versatility of the Model Y L aimed at family buyers wanting more room and extra seats from what is Australia’s best‑selling electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model Y L with its three rows of seats.
Overseas statistics show the stretched six‑seater Model Y L rides on a 3,040mm wheelbase – 150mm longer than the standard vehicle – while its 4,969mm overall length is 177mm longer.
The vehicle features longer rear doors to allow easier access to the third row, while the interior is arranged in a 2+2+2 layout featuring individual second-row captain’s chairs with armrests and two extra seats in the third row.
Other possible inclusions based on Chinese specifications include an 8.0‑inch rear screen, 18‑speaker sound system, and power‑folding, heated second- and third‑row seats.
Expected performance, pricing and Australia impact
It’s likely the new model will feature a dual-motor AWD setup paired with an 82kWh battery, which should deliver a range of up to 680km (WLTP).
Sales of Tesla’s Model Y have bounced back strongly in 2026 after a lull last year as buyers waited for the ‘Juniper’ update which arrived in May 2025. February sales of 2,791 vehicles were enough to see the Model Y retain its grip on the title of Australia’s best‑selling EV, and it was the third best-selling vehicle overall behind the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.
No pricing details or launch dates have yet been provided, but the standard wheelbase Model Y range currently starts at $58,900 for the Premium Rear‑Wheel Drive variant, rising to $68,900 for the Premium Long Range All‑Wheel Drive, and topping out at $89,400 for the Performance All‑Wheel Drive.
Based on this, it’s likely Tesla will position its new variant between the Premium Long Range AWD and the Performance AWD.
More articles
Related topics
Things to note
The information in this article has been prepared for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or specific advice to any particular person. Any advice contained in the document is general advice, not intended as legal advice or professional advice and does not take into account any person’s particular circumstances. Before acting on anything based on this advice you should consider its appropriateness to you, having regard to your objectives and needs.
Insurance Products (excluding Travel Insurance) are issued by RACQ Insurance Limited ABN 50 009 704 152 (RACQI) and arranged by RACQ Distribution Services Pty Ltd (RDS) ABN 35 116 361 650, AFSL 567130 and RDS' authorised representatives (including RACQ Operations Pty Ltd ABN 80 009 663 414, AR No. 234978 (RACQO)). Conditions, limits and exclusions apply.
Any advice provided by RDS and RACQO is general advice only and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and you will need to consider whether the advice is appropriate for you. Read the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before making a purchase decision on the product. You can also access our Target Market Determinations on this website.
RDS receives a commission from RACQI for the policies it arranges. RACQO receives fees paid for services it provides to RDS. Further details about remuneration are available on request prior to purchasing.
Banking and loan products issued by Members Banking Group Limited ABN 83 087 651 054 AFSL/Australian credit licence 241195 trading as RACQ Bank. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending policies apply. This is general advice only and may not be right for you. This information does not take your personal objectives, circumstances or needs into account. Read the disclosure documents for your selected product or service, including the Financial Services Guide and the Terms and Conditions, and consider if appropriate for you before deciding.
Except for RACQ Bank, any RACQ entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of RACQ Bank. RACQ Bank does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
RACQ Bank subscribes to the Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice which establishes higher standards than the law requires. The Code reflects modern consumer expectations and developments in approaches to issues such as consumer vulnerability, guarantors, and supporting customers through financial hardship. Please read our Customer Owned Banking Code of Practice page for more information.
RACQ Operations Pty Ltd (ABN 80 009 663 414 AR 000234978) and Members Travel Group Pty Ltd (ABN 45 144 538 803 AR 000432492) are acting as an Authorised Representative of the issuer of the insurance, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd. (ABN 80 000 438 291 AFSL 246 548). Any advice set out above is general in nature only, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before purchasing any travel products, please consider the RACQ Travel Insurance Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determinations (TMDs) that apply to these products. Whilst the PDS outlines the Terms and Conditions of these products, the TMDs outline the intended class of customers that comprise the target market for these travel products. This will allow you to consider which products best suit your objectives, financial situation and needs and consider the products appropriateness to your personal circumstances. TMDs also outline matters involving the distribution and the review of these products. The PDS, Supplementary PDS and TMDs for each travel product can be found here.