17 March, 2026
tesla-launches-affordable-six-seater-model-y-with-advanced-features-in-australia

Tesla has opened orders for its new six-seater Model Y L in Australia, marking a significant expansion of its electric vehicle lineup. The new variant is available on Tesla’s Australian configurator, featuring an impressive range and a spacious three-row SUV design. Priced at $74,900 before on-road costs, the Model Y L is unexpectedly affordable, making it the most economical three-row electric SUV with more than five seats in the market.

The Model Y L offers a remarkable 681 km range on 19-inch wheels, thanks to its large Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) battery pack. This represents a 14% increase in range compared to other Model Y variants, positioning it as the longest-range Model Y to date. Additionally, it introduces Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology in Australia, with a 3.3 kW discharge rate, allowing the vehicle to power external devices.

Performance and Safety Features

The Model Y L’s powertrain includes an all-wheel-drive setup, delivering up to 378 kW of power and 590 Nm of torque. This enables the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5 seconds, reaching a top speed of 201 km/h. Safety remains a priority, with the vehicle earning a 5-star ANCAP rating, reinforcing its status as one of the safest family SUVs available.

Enhancing the driving experience, the Model Y L is equipped with Tesla’s premium audio system, featuring 18 speakers and a subwoofer, surpassing the 15-speaker systems found in other Model Y variants. Buyers can choose from five exterior paint colors and one interior option, allowing for personalization.

  • Diamond Black – $1,500
  • Glacier Blue – $1,500
  • Stealth Grey – $1,900
  • Cosmic Silver – $2,600
  • Ultra Red – $2,600
  • Interior Trim: Zen Grey – $1,500

Design and Comfort

The Model Y L was initially launched in China in August last year, where it quickly gained popularity among families seeking a spacious electric SUV. It features a new seating configuration compared to the standard Model Y, which was refreshed earlier in 2025. The interior includes adjustable headrests for the front seats, enhancing comfort for both the driver and front passenger.

The second row is equipped with two “captain’s chairs” featuring retractable armrests, providing more space than the standard Model Y. These armrests, unique to the Model Y L, can be controlled via the rear seat screen or a button on the seat cushion, facilitating easier access to the third row. The third row includes two seats with cup holders, offering reasonable space for passengers.

“Having reviewed the car in Guangzhou, China, in December last year, it’s quite a good design, and I can see how families wanting more space and tech could really feel at home.”

Practicality and Market Impact

The Model Y L’s second and third-row seats can be folded down using buttons in the boot, providing over 2,530 litres of boot space, a substantial amount in the mid-size SUV segment. This is aided by the car’s extended wheelbase, which is 177 mm longer than the standard Model Y, bringing the vehicle’s length to nearly 5 metres.

On the road, the Model Y L features continuously variable dampers, similar to those found in the Model 3 and Model Y Performance variants. This development follows Tesla’s ongoing efforts to expand its market presence with versatile and affordable electric vehicles. The introduction of the Model Y L in Australia is expected to influence the competitive landscape, challenging more expensive family electric SUVs.

First customer deliveries of the Model Y L in Australia are anticipated in the second quarter of 2026. As Tesla continues to innovate and expand its offerings, the Model Y L stands out as a practical, spacious, and technologically advanced option for families. Observers are keen to see how this model performs on local roads and how it compares to other electric SUVs in the market.