Tesla has officially teased the long-anticipated Model Y L on Chinese social media. It’s a larger, six-seat version of Tesla’s best-selling electric SUV, produced in China, and strongly hints at a possible Australian launch in 2026.
Set to roll out of Tesla’s Giga Shanghai factory during the northern autumn (September to November), the Tesla Model Y L uses a stretched wheelbase for three-row seating for what is already the world’s top-selling EV.
Tesla hasn’t confirmed exports yet. But since the Model is being made in China, where Australia’s supply comes from, and Tesla Australia director Thom Drew has shown interest, a local launch looks likely. Drew earlier expressed strong interest in a higher-capacity version of the Model Y, calling it an “expanded vehicle” that he would “love to see.”
Larger dimensions
According to official filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the new Tesla Model Y L measures 4976mm in length, 186mm longer than the regular Model Y, with a 150mm wheelbase increase to 3040mm. It’s also 44mm taller (now 1668mm), although width remains unchanged at 1920mm.
The added size accommodates six seats across three rows, arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. Unlike the previously available seven-seat Model Y sold in the US, this longer version is expected to provide more comfort in the third row, though the sloping roofline may still limit headroom.
Performance and battery specs confirmed
The Tesla Model Y L will launch in a dual-motor AWD configuration. Power outputs are listed as 142 kW at the front axle and 198 kW at the rear, with energy supplied by a nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery sourced from LG Energy Solution.
Kerb weight is 2,088 kg, up 96 kg compared to the standard Long Range AWD Model Y, reflecting the larger body and added seating.
Expected pricing and market positioning
While official pricing is not yet available, Chinese sources indicate the Tesla Model Y L will carry a 27% premium over the standard Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD. If introduced in Australia, the six-seat version could be priced around $87,000 before on-road costs.
This would place it above the smaller seven-seat EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQB250+ (from $85,400 + ORCs) but below the larger, full-size Kia EV9 (from $97,000 + ORCs).
More Tesla Model Y variants on the way
Even as the Tesla Model Y L heads into production, Tesla isn’t done expanding the Model Y range. A new Performance variant is expected soon, and the company has previously confirmed plans for more affordable EVs based in part on existing platforms.
Earlier this year, the Model Y also received a design and tech refresh known as the ‘Juniper’ update.
Final thoughts
The Tesla Model Y L marks a significant addition to Tesla’s SUV lineup, offering the extra space many families and fleet buyers have been waiting for. With production already confirmed in China and strong interest from Tesla Australia, local buyers could soon get access to a three-row Tesla SUV for the first time since the Model X’s departure.
Whether it lands before year-end remains to be seen, but signs are promising.
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