Tesla confirms six-seat Model Y L for Australia

Tesla has confirmed that its stretched Tesla Model Y L will arrive in Australia in 2026, giving the brand a long-awaited three-row electric SUV option for local buyers.

The new variant expands on the hugely popular Tesla Model Y by adding extra cabin space and a six-seat layout, targeting families who want the practicality of a larger SUV without stepping into the premium price bracket traditionally associated with three-row electric vehicles.

While Tesla has yet to reveal final Australian pricing or a precise launch timeline, government approval documents earlier this year strongly hinted the vehicle was already on track for local release.

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What makes the Model Y L different?

The Model Y L is essentially a stretched version of Tesla’s best-selling SUV.

Engineers have extended the wheelbase by 150mm, bringing it to 3040mm, which allows the addition of a third row and a more spacious second row.

Instead of the traditional bench seat found in the standard Model Y, the longer version features two second-row captain’s chairs, giving the interior a more premium, lounge-like layout.

Other key dimensional changes include:

• Overall length increases to 4969mm
• Ride height increases by 34mm
• Ground clearance rises slightly to 169mm
• Cargo capacity grows to 2539 litres

Despite the larger body, the vehicle retains the same width as the regular Model Y.

The stretched proportions place it squarely in the large SUV segment, almost identical in length to the Toyota Kluger.

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Performance and range: What do we know so far?

Tesla hasn’t published full specifications yet, but regulatory filings reveal the Model Y L shares its drivetrain with the Premium Long Range AWD variant.

That means dual electric motors delivering a combined 378kW of power, providing impressive performance for a family-focused SUV.

Chinese regulatory data suggests the front and rear motors produce:

• 142kW front motor
• 198kW rear motor

Tesla claims the Model Y L can accelerate from 0–100km/h in around 4.5 seconds, making it quicker than many petrol performance SUVs.

An 88kWh battery pack is expected to deliver up to 681km of driving range (WLTP).

For comparison, the current Australian-market Model Y Long Range offers around 600km WLTP range.

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Why the Model Y L could be a hit in Australia’s EV market

Three-row electric SUVs remain relatively rare in Australia particularly below the $100,000 mark.

At the moment, buyers looking for a family-sized electric SUV are largely limited to options such as:

• Mercedes-Benz EQB
• Kia EV9

However, both occupy very different price brackets and segments.

Based on overseas pricing, the Model Y L could arrive in Australia only slightly above the existing Model Y Long Range, which currently starts at $68,900 before on-road costs.

If that pricing strategy holds, Tesla could effectively create a new segment: affordable three-row EV SUVs.

This would likely place pressure on traditional carmakers to accelerate their own family-sized electric SUV offerings.

What features will Australian buyers get?

While final specifications for Australia are still to be confirmed, overseas versions indicate a strong technology package.

Standard equipment is expected to include:

• 16-inch central touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-inch rear passenger touchscreen
• 18-speaker premium audio system
• Adaptive LED headlights
• Power tailgate

Second-row captain’s chairs also feature heating, ventilation and electric adjustment, while the third-row seats are heated and power-folding.

Tesla has also reportedly revised the suspension system with continuously variable damping to better handle the larger body.

A big moment for Tesla families in Australia

The Model Y L will mark Tesla’s return to the three-row SUV segment locally after the Tesla Model X disappeared from Australian showrooms in 2020.

Unlike the much larger and more expensive Model X, the Model Y L is designed to target mainstream family buyers.

With the Model Y already among Australia’s best-selling EVs, a practical six-seat version could further cement Tesla’s dominance in the country’s rapidly expanding electric SUV market.