Tesla has quietly launched a stretched, six‑seat version of the Model Y in China for the 2026 model year, a pragmatic rework of the world’s best‑selling electric SUV aimed at buyers who need genuine third‑row space rather than the tightly packed seven‑seat option that has appeared in other markets. The new Model Y L – “L” for long‑wheelbase – is on sale in China now with first deliveries expected in September. While Tesla has not yet confirmed Australian pricing or timing, the company typically rolls such line‑wide changes out beyond a single market, so a local announcement appears likely in due course.
Key facts at a glance
- Market debut: China, orders open; first deliveries from September 2025 (2026 model year).
- Price in China: from CNY 339,000 (circa A$72,700 at current rates); Australian starting price is widely mooted at around A$74,500-A$75,000 plus on‑road costs.
- Seating: six seats (two front, two second‑row captain’s chairs, two in third row).
- Dimensions: 4,976 mm long, 1,920 mm wide, 1,668 mm tall; wheelbase 3,040 mm (wheelbase stretched by 150 mm).
- Powertrain (China spec): dual‑motor AWD – 142 kW front + 198 kW rear; combined 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
- Battery: 82 kWh NMC pack; CLTC tested range 751 km (China).
- Kerb mass: approximately 2,088 kg.
- Notable features: 16‑inch central screen, 18‑speaker audio with subwoofer, adaptive dampers (standard), extended curtain airbags covering third‑row occupants.
Why Tesla stretched the Model Y
Tesla’s previous seven‑seat Model Y variants simply squeezed a third row into the existing wheelbase, resulting in cramped accommodation that failed to satisfy some buyers – particularly in China, where interior space expectations differ markedly. For the Model Y L, engineers added a 150 mm extension to the wheelbase, increased headroom in the rear by 44 mm and revised body panels so the extra length is largely hidden. The result is a passenger area with much more usable third‑row space and a more comfortable second row, especially with the new captain’s chairs.
How the body and cabin change
The length increase is disguised primarily by longer rear doors, a lengthened roofline and a larger rear overhang. Visual cues include a black rear spoiler, new 19‑inch alloys, “Model YYY” badging and an optional Starlight Gold paint finish. Inside, Tesla has replaced the second‑row bench with two heated and ventilated captain’s chairs that offer electric armrests. The second row can slide fore and aft to prioritise legroom or cargo space, and the third row is heated as well.
Practicality and cargo
Second and third rows fold flat electrically, creating up to 2,539 litres of luggage volume – a significant advantage for families and long‑distance travellers. Tesla has also extended curtain airbags to cover third‑row occupants and added new pillar air vents to improve rear‑seat climate comfort. One compromise noted in early reports is the presence of a substantial central hump in the third‑row floor (about 100 mm high), which may intrude on foot space and slightly limit a really flat floor.
Infotainment, convenience and interior upgrades
Up front, Tesla has increased the central display to 16 inches (up from 15.6 inches) and revised the front seats to a single‑piece backrest with integrated headrests. Rear passengers keep an 8‑inch touchscreen (for rear‑seat controls) and dedicated vents. The Model Y L also benefits from a beefed‑up audio system: 18 speakers plus a subwoofer – four more speakers than the standard Model Y.
Performance, battery and range – read the fine print
China’s Model Y L is offered with a single dual‑motor AWD powertrain that delivers brisk acceleration (0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds) despite the vehicle weighing roughly 96 kg more than the five‑seat variant. Tesla quotes an 82 kWh nickel‑manganese‑cobalt (NMC) battery and a CLTC range of 751 km. It’s important to stress that CLTC is a permissive Chinese test cycle that tends to produce higher range figures than WLTP or EPA. Expect official Australian WLTP‑equivalent and EPA‑equivalent figures to be noticeably lower once local testing or specifications are published.
Ride and dynamics
To compensate for the increased mass and altered proportions, Tesla has retuned the suspension and fitted standard adaptive dampers. The Model Y L is also said to benefit from aerodynamic tweaks and new wheel designs that help offset some of the range penalty associated with the larger body.
What this could mean for Australia
- Market fit: A six‑seat Model Y with a genuinely usable third row fills a gap for Australian families who want an EV with more room without moving up to a full‑size SUV. The configuration suits school runs, longer trips with luggage and buyers who prioritise passenger comfort.
- Pricing: Local estimates put the Model Y L’s starting price around A$74,500-A$75,000 plus on‑road costs – roughly an 8% premium over the five‑seat Long Range AWD equivalent. Final Australian specification, options and pricing will be confirmed when Tesla announces local availability.
- Competition: The Model Y L’s combination of range, tech and now improved interior flexibility will strengthen Tesla’s position in the family EV segment and may pressure other manufacturers to offer more spacious three‑row EVs that truly accommodate adults in the third row.
- Practical caveats: Australian buyers should watch for official WLTP/EPA range figures, towing capacity and payload figures (none of which have been confirmed for the Australian market yet), and the practicality of the third-row floor hump for taller or larger passengers.
Conclusion
The 2026 Tesla Model Y L represents a careful and pragmatic evolution of Tesla’s most popular model: a measured move to make the Model Y genuinely family‑friendly without the compromises of a shoehorned third row. For Australian buyers, the Model Y L promises the sort of interior space and flexibility many have wanted from a mid‑size EV – if the local price and range figures stack up when compared with the standard Model Y and rival offerings, it could become a compelling option for families and adventurous owners alike. Until Tesla confirms local specifications and pricing, prospective buyers should treat current figures as indicative and await official Australian data for range, towing, payload and on‑road pricing.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Is the Model Y L confirmed for Australia?
A: Not yet. Tesla has launched the Model Y L in China and begun deliveries there, but the company has not published Australian release dates or local pricing. Given Tesla’s global rollouts of major model updates, an Australian announcement is likely but unconfirmed.
Q: What will the Model Y L cost in Australia?
A: Australian pricing hasn’t been announced, but early estimates put the starting price around A$74,500-A$75,000 plus on‑road costs – approximately 8% more than the equivalent five‑seat Long Range AWD. Final local pricing will be set by Tesla.
Q: How many seats does the Model Y L have?
A: The Model Y L is a six‑seat SUV with two front seats, two second‑row captain’s chairs, and two third‑row seats.
Q: Why isn’t it a seven‑seater?
A: Tesla replaced the second‑row bench with two individual captain’s chairs to prioritise comfort for second‑ and third‑row passengers. That seating layout makes the vehicle a six‑seater rather than seven.
Q: How spacious is the third row?
A: The increased wheelbase and additional headroom make the third row more usable than the previous cramped seven‑seat option. However, reports indicate a central floor hump of about 100 mm that reduces flat‑floor space and could affect foot positioning for centre occupants.
Q: What is the real driving range likely to be in Australia?
A: Tesla quotes a CLTC range of 751 km for the Model Y L in China. CLTC tends to be more optimistic than WLTP or EPA. Expect noticeably lower WLTP/EPA figures in Australian or international testing; precise numbers will be published once Tesla confirms local specifications.
Q: What powertrain does the Model Y L use?
A: In China, the Model Y L uses a dual‑motor AWD setup (142 kW front, 198 kW rear) and an 82 kWh NMC battery, enabling 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Australian line‑up and powertrain options will be confirmed when Tesla announces local specs.
Q: Has Tesla changed the safety equipment?
A: Tesla has reportedly extended curtain airbags to cover third‑row occupants, and other passive and active safety tech is expected to be consistent with or improved upon compared with the standard Model Y. Full safety ratings for the Model Y L will depend on local testing bodies once the model is available in Australia.
Q: Will towing capacity change?
A: Tesla has not published towing or payload figures for the Model Y L in China. Australians should wait for official specifications, as towing and payload are regionally important for many buyers.
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