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Electric
2026 Tesla Model Y L confirmed for Australia: 6-seat electric SUV details, specs, release date
RACV
March 11, 2026
The Tesla Model Y L will launch in Australia in 2026, offering extra room, three rows, a longer range and more. Here’s what to expect from Tesla’s practical new family SUV.
Tesla has confirmed that the new Tesla Model Y L SUV will launch in Australia in 2026, offering car buyers a bigger six-seater version of the popular Tesla Model Y EV.
The Tesla Model Y medium SUV is the biggest-selling electric car in Australia, and this more spacious and versatile three-row version is sure to boost its appeal. The long-wheelbase Model Y L is also primed to offer improved performance over the regular five-seat model, including a longer range.
From expected pricing and launch date in Australia to design, dimensions, powertrain, driving range and safety, here’s all the key details on the 2026 Tesla Model Y L.
2026 Tesla Model Y review | 🔎 RACV car reviews video
When does the Tesla Model Y L go on sale in Australia?
The Tesla Model Y L is set to become available in Australia during the second half of 2026 after recently receiving regulatory approval for sale in our market. In a statement, Tesla Australia confirmed “Model Y L will become available to customers looking for a six-seat electric SUV this year”.
The Model Y L will serve as a more affordable successor to the previous (bigger) Tesla Model X SUV, which offered a third row and allowed customers to specify a six- or seven-seater layout over the standard five-seater configuration. The Tesla Model X and Tesla Model S sedan were both discontinued in Australia in 2023 but are still available as used cars.
The 2026 Tesla Model Y L is set to launch in a single Premium Long Range All-Wheel Drive model grade, attracting a premium over the current equivalent five-seater Tesla Model Y that’s priced from $68,900 plus on-road costs.
We expect this to be around $5500, based on overseas pricing. The Chinese-market Model Y L attracts a ¥25,500 ($A5267) premium over the equivalent five-seater variant, while in Europe a seven-seat version of the Model Y (which will not be sold here) requires an extra €2500 ($A4144) over the five-seater variant. Tesla Australia says it will confirm pricing closer to launch.
At this stage, all major markets are only offering the three-row option in conjunction with a dual-motor/AWD powertrain. Other variants, including more affordable rear-wheel drive (RWD) versions, are yet to be confirmed. The Model Y L is built in China, as per all Tesla EVs currently sold in Australia.
The Tesla Model Y L will line up against other three-row battery-electric SUVs in Australia, including the Mercedes-Benz EQB (from $89,100 plus on-road costs) and the larger Kia EV9 (from $97,000 plus ORCs), Hyundai Ioniq 9 (from $119,750 plus ORCs) and Volvo EX90 (from $124,990 plus ORCs).
Six-seat layout of the Tesla Model Y L has two individual seats in the second row and a two-seater bench further astern.
2026 Tesla Model Y L design and specification
The 2026 Tesla Model Y L six-seater has a 2+2+2 layout and looks almost identical to the standard Model Y, but does have a longer roofline, corresponding extra rear quarter glass, revised rear spoiler and a unique design for the standard 19-inch alloy wheels.
Most important are the Model Y L dimensions, which Australian government regulatory documents show to be 4969mm long, 1920mm wide and 1668mm high, with a 3040mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 169mm.
In comparison, the regular Model Y is identical in width (1920mm) but doesn’t stand as tall – 1624mm in height (based on a 167mm running clearance) – and is quite a bit shorter at 4792mm long (-177mm), with a shorter 2890mm wheelbase (-150mm).
The longer length in wheelbase and the body overall provides crucial extra cabin room for the third row, which seats two occupants on a 50/50-split bench. In China, the third-row seats have heating and an electric folding function to easily extend the cargo area.
A panoramic glass roof assists with passenger comfort, however the retention of a heavily sloping roofline could compromise headroom. We’ll reserve judgment on this, and the available legroom, until we have a chance to test-drive the Model Y L.
The second row has two individual ‘captain’s chairs’ that in the Chinese market include heating and ventilation, as well as electric adjustment of the seat base and for folding down the backrests to create a large cargo area or room for passengers to sprawl out – and potentially sleep – when the vehicle is parked.
The two centre-row seats also have electric inboard armrests that can be lowered when not in use, and there’s room between the two seats for children to access the third row without using the seats’ tilt-slide function.
As per the regular Model Y, a touchscreen is provided behind the front centre console for second-row passengers to control their cabin climate zone and stream video content (via wireless headphones) or play video games. The Model Y L also appears to have adopted redesigned front seatbacks.
Equipment levels are expected to be similar to the equivalent short-wheelbase Model Y in Australia, spanning high-level infotainment tech, wrap-around ambient interior lighting, premium materials, hands-free tailgate opening and a high-end stereo. The Chinese version has an 18-speaker audio system with subwoofer, upgraded with extra speakers for the third row.
Maximum cargo space throughout the Tesla Model Y L is listed at 2539 litres, 401L more than the regular short-wheelbase Model Y (2138L).
Tesla says it has also upgraded the suspension for the Model Y L, which includes fitment of continuously variable damping “that adapts to road conditions, effectively filtering vibrations and improving grip and stability for more precise handling”.
The front and rear wheel track measures 1656mm and 1624mm respectively, up 20mm at the front but 12mm narrower compared to the regular Model Y (1636mm front/rear). The tyres are also staggered: 255/45R19 front and 275/45R19 rear, with 19-inch rims the only size available at this stage. The five-seat Model Y runs on 255/45R19 tyres front/rear as standard but also has an optional 20-inch wheel and tyre combination.
Maximum braked towing capacity for the Model Y L is 1588kg (750kg unbraked), which is identical to five-seater variants.
Since January 2026, new Tesla Model Y and Model 3 EVs have come with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, with the high-voltage battery warranty extending to eight years or 192,000km, whichever comes first, for Long Range and Performance variants (160,000km standard RWD). The Tesla Model Y L will have the same warranty terms and conditions.
Improved aerodynamics help give the Tesla Model Y L a longer range compared to the regular Model Y.
The Tesla Model Y L has a longer 3040mm wheelbase (+150mm), creating more cabin room.
The Tesla Model Y L offers extra versatility as well as more interior space.
Unique badge with triple Y graphic denotes three rows in the Tesla Model Y L.
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What is the power and EV range of Tesla Model Y L?
The 2026 Tesla Model Y L is set to launch in Australia with the US electric car brand’s familiar long-range dual-motor powertrain with all-wheel drive.
Tesla does not typically provide e-motor output figures for its EVs, and other key specs such as high-voltage battery capacity, but Australian government regulatory documents list combined net engine power at 378kW. Other reports point to front/rear electric motor outputs of 142kW and 198kW respectively.
Tesla’s Chinese website details basic specs that include a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds – 0.3sec quicker than the standard Model Y, despite the long-wheelbase L being heavier at 2088kg tare mass (+96kg). Its nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery, which is believed to have a circa 84kWh capacity, provides a claimed range of up to 751km on the generous Chinese CLTC combined test cycle when running on the standard 19-inch wheels. European reports suggest a more realistic 681km on the WLTP test cycle.
Tesla claims a 600km WLTP range for the current Model Y Long Range AWD sold in Australia. Improved aerodynamics appear to have contributed to gains achieved with the Model Y L. The company says the extended roofline and other revisions at the rear end provide aero benefits that reduce energy consumption and increase the cruising range. The Model Y L’s rear spoiler is also said to increase downforce and enhance performance.
As per the regular Model Y, the battery can handle DC charging up to 250kW. At that speed, up to 266km of range can be added in as little as 15 minutes, based on Tesla figures.
Second row in Tesla Model Y L has two individual seats, allowing a centre aisle.
Rear touchscreen remains on Tesla Model Y L, nestled in between revised front seats.
Tesla Model Y L is familiar up front, but drivers will welcome adaptive damping suspension.
Tesla Model Y L bodyshell shows the extra length in the SUV, which should also be just as safe as the 5-seater.
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Is the Tesla Model Y L as safe as the 5-seat Model Y?
The bigger-bodied 2026 Tesla Model Y L has undergone rigorous safety and durability testing, according to Tesla. All three rows are equipped with airbags, although the curtain airbag does not extend to the third row – it stops at the second-row seats. Instead, individual airbags are mounted in the rear seats at the window side position, providing side and head protection.
As with the regular Model Y, the battery pack is mounted in the chassis to keep the centre of gravity low and reduce the risk of rollover.
As RACV has reported, the latest Tesla Model Y was rated the safest car tested in 2025 by Australia’s independent safety authority, ANCAP, so we’d anticipate similar performance from the long-wheelbase version.
Among the wide range of advanced driver assistance technology is an advanced speed assistance system, autonomous emergency braking (car-to-car, vulnerable road user, junction and backover), and lane departure warning and emergency lane keeping.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
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