Tesla Model YL six-seater moves closer to Australia

Tesla looks set to re-enter Australia’s three-row SUV market, with government approval documents revealing the arrival of a stretched six-seat Tesla Model YL.

The new variant expands on the hugely successful Tesla Model Y, currently Australia’s best-selling EV, by adding a longer wheelbase and an extra row of seats, effectively giving Tesla a family-focused alternative following the departure of the Tesla Model X in 2020.

The appearance in Australian Government certification documents suggests a local launch could happen as soon as this year.

▶️MORE: New Tesla Model Y 6 Seater Officially Enters Production in China

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What’s different about the Model YL?

The Model YL is not just a cosmetic update. Tesla has stretched the regular Model Y’s wheelbase by 150mm to 3040mm, pushing overall length to 4969mm — placing it squarely in large SUV territory.

For context, that makes it 3mm longer than a Toyota Kluger, though still shorter and narrower than the old Model X.

The additional length allows for:

• A third row of seating
• Two individual second-row captain’s chairs (replacing the standard bench)
• Increased luggage capacity

However, the Model Y’s sloping roofline remains, which may compromise headroom for adults in the third row.

Compared with the five-seat Model Y, the YL:

• Sits 34mm taller
• Gains 2mm of ground clearance (169mm total)
• Adds 96kg of kerb weight (now 2088kg)
• Expands total cargo volume to 2539 litres (up from 2138L)

It also features unique alloy wheels and exterior badging to distinguish it from the regular model.

▶️MORE: Tesla Model X vs Tesla Model Y Specs and Features Comparison

What powertrain and range can Australians expect?

Approval documents indicate the Australian-bound YL will use the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive system found in the Premium Long Range AWD variant.

Chinese regulatory filings confirm motor outputs of:

• 142kW (front)
• 198kW (rear)
• Combined output listed at 378kW

Tesla claims a 0–100km/h sprint of 4.5 seconds in overseas markets, slightly quicker than the current Australian Model Y Premium Long Range AWD (4.8 seconds).

European certification points to an 88kWh battery delivering up to 681km WLTP range. For comparison, the Australian five-seat Premium Long Range AWD is rated at 600km WLTP.

▶️MORE: 2025 Tesla Model Y price and specs

Tesla Model YL – Key Specifications (Australia expected)

Standard features in China include an 18-speaker sound system, 16-inch central touchscreen, 8.0-inch rear climate display, adaptive LED headlights and a power tailgate. The second-row captain’s chairs offer heating, ventilation and power adjustment, while the third row is both heated and power-folding.

Final Australian specifications are yet to be confirmed.

▶️MORE: Tesla Model 3 & Y Home Charging Guide (2025)

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What does this mean for Australia’s EV market?

The Model YL’s arrival would give Tesla its first three-row SUV offering locally in five years and position it directly against seven-seat combustion SUVs such as the Toyota Kluger, as well as emerging electric rivals.

It would also strengthen Tesla’s foothold in the family SUV segment at a time when competition is intensifying globally, particularly from Chinese brands like BYD, Xpeng and Xiaomi, all of which are rapidly expanding their EV portfolios.

For Australian buyers, the YL fills a notable gap. While there are now multiple electric SUVs on sale, genuine three-row EV options remain limited and often expensive. If priced similarly to China — where the YL commands roughly A$5500 more than the equivalent Model Y — it could offer a compelling step-up option for growing families.

The move also signals Tesla’s broader strategy: while the company has axed the Model S and Model X globally, it is doubling down on high-volume products like the Model Y and Model 3, refining them for new niches rather than launching entirely new nameplates.

If the Model YL lands at the right price, it could further entrench Tesla’s dominance in Australia’s EV market — and bring seven-seat practicality to the country’s most popular electric SUV.