Stretched three-row Model Y headed for Oz

TESLA has confirmed it is bringing its stretched – both in length and height – Model Y L to Australia this year, offering a three-row electric SUV locally for the first time since its Model X was discontinued back in 2023.

The announcement follows widespread speculation that the Chinese market model, produced at the Tesla Gigafactory in Shanghai, would make its way Down Under, and recent news that the L variant homologated for sale in Australia.

“Following from press reports regarding the homologation approvals in recent weeks and after much speculation since its launch in China, Tesla Australia & New Zealand confirms the 6 seat Model Y L will be coming to Australia and New Zealand in 2026,” the official announcement said.

While Tesla remained characteristically cryptic in its announcement, with no confirmation of local price, specifications or arrival date, it is expected to arrive within a few months based on the government approval.

It could also undercut every other three-row electric SUV on the market, likely to be priced between the Model Y Long-Range All-Wheel Drive ($58,900 + ORCs) and the top-spec Performance ($89,400 + ORCs) – meaning it could land somewhere in the mid-$70k range.

This estimate, based on the Chinese market pricing where the Model Y L is priced at ¥339,000 – or around $A70,000 – puts the model miles ahead of the nearest three-row EV competitors like the Kia EV9 ($97,000 + ORCs), Volvo EX90 ($124,000 + ORCs) and Hyundai Ioniq 9 ($119,750 + ORCs).

In terms of the size difference over a standard Model Y, the L variant has had its wheelbase stretched by 150mm, with a total length of 4969mm (up 177mm), and it’s 44mm taller with a roof height of 1668mm.

The seating configuration is a 2+2+2 arrangement, meaning it’s down on seven-seat options, but offers a walk-through cabin that provides fantastic access to the third row – likely to benefit families with baby seats most.

Powertrain details, based on local certification documents, are reported to include dual motors producing a combined 378kW and European approval data  – where the model has also been approved for sale – points to an 88.2kWh battery and WLTP driving range of 681km.

While Tesla’s local arm has remained tight-lipped about exactly when the model will land and how much it will cost, it has confirmed the Model Y L will receive a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and eight-year warranty on the battery.

Specific details about the Model Y L line-up, pricing and specifications are expected in the coming months, ahead of the model’s local launch.