Overview

THE Tesla Model Y L introduces a new body style to the popular mid-sized SUV family.

While the Y L looks similar to any other Model Y – the top-selling EV in the country – it has an extra 150mm between its front and rear wheels, stretching the body and allowing Tesla to add a third row of seats, taking capacity to six (they’re arranged in a 2-2-2 layout).

The extra space ushers in a six-seat configuration with second-row captain’s chairs and two additional seats in the third row. All six seats are power operated and heated, while the front and second-row seats also feature ventilation.

Officially called the Tesla Model Y L Premium All-Wheel Drive, the longer version isn’t simply a stretched Model Y. The wheelbase grows to 3040mm and the body length increases to 4969mm, while the roofline is also slightly taller to help improve rear headroom.

Tesla has also expanded the Model Y’s strong safety credentials with innovative third-row side head airbags. Rather than extending the curtain airbags further back - the common approach in most three-row SUVs – the Model Y L deploys independent airbags designed specifically to protect the heads of third-row occupants.

The Model Y L has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

The larger body also allows Tesla to fit a longer NMC lithium-ion battery, increasing the WLTP driving range to 681km, up from 600km in the regular Model Y Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive.

It employs the same dual motors as the regular Model Y LR, producing 378kW and 590Nm, for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 5.0 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds slower than its shorter sibling.

Charging capability is equally impressive. The Model Y L supports 11kW AC charging, while DC fast charging peaks at 250kW, allowing a 10–80 per cent recharge in around 25-30 minutes.

And, of course, the Model Y L can tap into Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network.

Another new feature is vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability – the first Tesla in Australia to offer the technology that has long been available on many rivals.

Using an adaptor connected to the charging port (an integrated powerpoint in the cabin would be far handier), the Model Y L can supply up to 3.3kW of power to household appliances or even charge another electric vehicle.

Other upgrades include a unique tailgate with a lower-mounted central brake light integrated into the spoiler and a new exterior colour called Cosmic Silver, which is currently exclusive to the Model Y L.

There are also fresh 19-inch wheels with a staggered layout; the front tyres are 255mm wide while the rears are 275mm.

Inside, the cabin continues Tesla’s minimalist approach, centred around a 16-inch touchscreen and an additional 8-inch rear display for second-row passengers.

There’s no instrument cluster, with the speedo and other driver information incorporated into the right-hand side of the screen.

There’s a comprehensive level of standard gear, too, including a vast panoramic sunroof (shade covers cost extra), faux leather trim, heated steering wheel and matrix LED high beams.

The Model Y L is priced from $74,900 plus on-road costs – representing a $6000 premium over the regular Model Y Long Range - with deliveries expected from the second quarter of 2026.

Driving Impressions

Before we hit the road, let’s take a seat … or six.

It’s terrific that Tesla has added an extra row to the Model Y artillery.

But in Aussie carparks dominated by seven-seat SUVs the Y L’s six-seat capacity is a man down.

Sure, those middle row captain’s chairs are beautifully presented and comfy. And the electric arm central arm rests that pop up at the press of a button are a nice touch.

But families might find a middle row bench with three seats more useful.

Still, at least it makes access to the third row easy; the slimmer among us can dart between the two seats. Or you can give a single press of the backrest controller to fold it flat to make things a tad easier (it also slides the front seat forward to ensure no clashes).

Unsurprisingly given this is a mid-sized SUV, the third row is best left to little ones.

Having heating and electric adjustment to all seven seats – there are even buttons to fold the seat from the boot – is impressive given the price level of the Y L.

Equally, having ventilation for four of the six seats is impressive and combines with that middle row infotainment screen to make the back seat something of a haven for kids.

All six seats also get their own USB-C charging port, ensuring everyone can keep devices powered.

At first glance, the Model Y L looks very similar to the regular Model Y. Up to the B-pillar the two vehicles share much of their structure, but from there rearwards the longer wheelbase stretches the body and subtly alters the proportions.

The result is a slightly more hunched look compared with the standard Model Y, helped by the redesigned roofline and revised rear spoiler that integrates the central brake light lower into the tailgate.

Inside, the biggest difference is obviously the aforementioned seating layout.

Tesla has also redesigned the cupholders, adding a soft, squidgy surround that better grips bottles and cups. It’s a small detail but one that works well in practice.

The cabin remains dominated by Tesla’s large central touchscreen, which controls most vehicle functions.

There’s also a neat upgrade to the wireless phone charging pad: the driver’s side charger now provides 50W of power and includes a cooling vent designed to keep phones from overheating during fast charging, while the passenger side remains at 30W.

The Model Y L offers two suspension modes – Balanced and Rear Comfort – the latter subtly softening the ride to prioritise comfort for passengers in the back.

On the road, the driving experience is very similar to a regular Model Y. Steering remains accurate, acceleration is effortless and the overall chassis balance feels composed and well sorted.

However, the longer wheelbase does bring some subtle benefits. The car feels slightly more settled over bumps and less prone to pitching motions; it makes speed humps that little bit more relaxed.

The Model Y L weighs 2088kg, which is 96kg heavier than the regular Model Y Long Range, but without a back-to-back comparison it’s anything but deficient.

It still feels brisk in a straight line and surprisingly athletic through corners for a six-seat SUV.

Tesla claims a 0–100km/h time of 5.0 seconds, only marginally slower than the 4.8 seconds claimed for the regular Long Range version – and five seconds is still plenty quick for a family hauler.

Grip is also impressive thanks to the new Continental tyres, which provide reassuring traction in both wet and dry conditions.

Practicality is one of the reasons buyers will be drawn to the Model Y L. The space behind the third row is modest, but Tesla includes a useful underfloor storage compartment that can easily swallow a couple of small bags.

There are also 116 litres of storage in the front trunk, or frunk. Fold the third row and cargo capacity expands to 1076 litres, while folding the second row increases that to 2423 litres, although the floor isn’t completely flat because of the individual middle-row seats.

The Model Y L is also rated to tow up to 1588kg.

Rear visibility is not quite as good as in the regular Model Y, largely due to what seems like a higher rear window and the additional headrests that intrude slightly into the rearward sightline.

One highlight inside the cabin is the 19-speaker audio system, which includes 18 speakers plus a subwoofer. Tesla’s have always had great sound systems and the quality on this one is top notch, with punchy bass and a broad dynamic range.

Ultimately, the Model Y L builds on the strengths of Tesla’s most popular SUV while adding a new level of practicality.

By stretching the body and introducing a six-seat layout, Tesla has created a compelling option for families wanting more passenger capacity without stepping up to the much larger – and far more expensive – Model X.