Tesla Model Y L Six-Seater Cleared for Australia — A Bigger, Smarter Family EV Is Almost Here
Australia’s best-selling electric SUV is about to grow up.
Official government approval has quietly confirmed that a six-seat, long-wheelbase version of the Tesla Model Y is heading to local showrooms. The certification, listed on the Australian Department of Transport’s ROVER portal under Road Vehicle Standards documentation, signals that the expanded three-row variant — formally known as the Model Y L — is now cleared for sale.
No flashy reveal. No dramatic announcement.
Just paperwork. And sometimes, that’s all it takes.
A Longer, Taller, More Family-Focused Model Y
This isn’t a token update or a minor trim reshuffle. The new Model Y L is a genuine dimensional expansion.
Length stretches to 4,969mm, making it 177mm longer than the current Model Y sold in Australia. The wheelbase grows substantially too — up 150mm to 3,040mm — unlocking meaningful gains in second- and third-row space. Height also increases by roughly 50mm, while overall body length grows by close to 200mm compared to regular variants.
The result? A proper three-row layout.
Instead of squeezing in a compact third-row bench, Tesla has opted for a 2-2-2 seating configuration. That means second-row captain’s chairs replace the standard bench, creating a central walk-through aisle to the third row. Accessibility improves. Comfort rises. The cabin feels more lounge-like than utilitarian.
Unlike the occasionally tight seven-seat option seen overseas, this six-seat layout prioritises passenger comfort over sheer occupancy. It’s a deliberate shift toward premium family transport.
Powertrain: Dual Motors, Serious Output
Australian approval documents confirm a dual-motor all-wheel-drive configuration.
Total output is officially listed at 378kW, although real-world peak figures are expected to be slightly lower in practice. Power is distributed via a front motor rated at 142kW and a rear motor producing 198kW in overseas specifications.
Under the floor sits Tesla’s familiar nickel-manganese-cobalt battery pack, with approximately 84kWh gross capacity and around 82kWh usable. The pack is reportedly sourced from South Korea for Chinese-built vehicles — and Australian supply is expected to come from the same production stream.
Despite its added size and mass — with a tare weight of 2,088kg — performance remains brisk. Overseas figures suggest a 0–100km/h sprint of 4.5 seconds. Hardly sluggish for a three-row family SUV.
Range claims vary by testing standard. On Europe’s WLTP cycle, the six-seat Model Y L is projected to deliver up to 681km — notably higher than some existing Model Y variants. Under China’s CLTC system, estimates climb even further. Improved aerodynamics from the elongated body appear to play a role here.
Suspension, Wheels and Cabin Upgrades
The mechanical and interior refinements go beyond added seats.
The Model Y L rides on a staggered wheel setup, with 255/45R19 tyres at the front and 275/45R19 at the rear, enhancing rear-end traction under acceleration. Gross vehicle mass rises to 2,651kg to accommodate the additional passenger capacity.
Inside, the upgrades are tangible.
Second-row captain’s chairs include heating, ventilation, power adjustment and integrated armrests. The third row gains heated seating as well — a rare luxury in this segment. An 18-speaker premium audio system elevates the acoustic environment, while redesigned front seats with single-piece backrests improve support and aesthetics.
Continuously variable shock absorbers are expected to deliver a smoother, more composed ride, addressing one of the few criticisms occasionally levelled at earlier Model Y variants.
Juniper Design Language Makes Its Debut
Certification imagery confirms the integration of Tesla’s latest “Juniper” design evolution.
Expect slimmer headlights. A cleaner, more sculpted front fascia. At the rear, a full-width indirect light bar stretches across the tailgate, incorporating subtle Tesla branding for a more contemporary finish.
The aesthetic remains unmistakably Model Y — but sharper. More assertive. Marginally upmarket.
Interior revisions are likely to mirror updates introduced in the refreshed Model 3, maintaining Tesla’s minimalist architecture while refining materials and fit.
Pricing Expectations in Australia
Official pricing has yet to be announced.
For context, the current Model Y Long Range AWD begins around A$69,900 before on-road costs, while the Performance variant sits near A$89,400. Globally, additional seating configurations often attract a A$3,000–A$5,000 premium.
Factoring in the extended bodywork, upgraded cabin and suspension changes, industry projections place the Model Y L somewhere in the vicinity of A$78,000–A$87,000 before on-road costs.
If positioned correctly, it would neatly bridge the gap between existing Long Range and Performance grades — while undercutting larger, more expensive electric SUVs.
Why This Matters for Australia’s EV Market
The Model Y has been a dominant force in Australia’s electric vehicle surge. Introducing a dedicated six-seat configuration expands its reach into traditional seven-seat SUV territory — long dominated by combustion rivals.
For families who considered the Model X too expensive, or the standard Model Y too compact, this could be the sweet spot.
More space. Genuine third-row comfort. Familiar Tesla performance.
With regulatory approval now secured and Tesla’s typical quiet-launch strategy in play, the Model Y L could appear on the online configurator within weeks.
Australia’s EV market moves quickly. And this time, it just got a little bigger.
For more information about the Tesla Model Y L, please visit their official website.
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Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do! Enjoyed reading? You can buy me a coffee on PayPal ☕ → paypal.me/BadalBanjare
