Tesla is officially bringing its roomiest SUV to more families outside of China. After months of anticipation, the automaker has finally opened orders for the larger, six-seater Model Y L in Australia and New Zealand. The expansion marks a major milestone for the vehicle, which has been a massive hit in the Chinese market since its debut last summer.
On social media, the regional Tesla account simply invited fans to “Meet Model Y L.” This model is Tesla’s first true family-focused SUV, offering a level of interior space that the standard Model Y simply can't match.
What Makes the Model Y L Different?
The "L" in the name stands for more than just a badge. As we detailed in our comprehensive deep dive last year, this variant features a wheelbase that has been stretched by 150 mm (5.9 inches) and an overall length that is 179 mm (7 inches) longer than the standard Model Y.
This extra room allows for a true 2-2-2 seating layout across three rows. The second row features two "captain’s chairs" with retractable armrests, making it much easier for passengers to climb into the third row. It also boasts a larger 16-inch central touchscreen, a comfort-oriented suspension with variable dampers, and a massive 2,530 liters of boot space when the rear seats are folded down.
Model Y L Now Available in Australia
The Model Y L is launching in Australia with a starting price of $74,900 AUD (roughly $53,000 USD) for the Premium AWD trim. This price point is notably lower than many industry experts were expecting, making it one of the most affordable three-row electric SUVs on the market.
Interestingly, this is the first Tesla in the region to feature Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, allowing owners to discharge up to 3.3 kW of power from the car to run external devices. It also claims a whopping 681 km of range on 19-inch wheels, which is a 13% increase over the current Long Range model. Buyers in Australia can also pick from a few unique options, including Cosmic Silver paint for $2,600 AUD and a Zen Grey interior for $1,500 AUD.
Where is the Model Y L Heading Next?
While Australia and New Zealand are the first to get the "L" outside of China, more regions are likely on the horizon. The vehicle received EU type approval late last year and was recently approved for launch in South Korea.
A North American launch is still the big mystery. Elon Musk previously mentioned that the six-seat variant might not reach the U.S. until late 2026, if ever. However, the situation has changed recently with Tesla’s announcement that it will discontinue the Model S and Model X later this year. Without the Model X, Tesla desperately needs a high-capacity SUV to fill the void in its lineup.
The arrival of the Model Y L in Australia suggests that Tesla is ready to take this family hauler global. For families who found the standard Model Y a bit too tight but didn't want the massive footprint (or sticker price) of a Model X, the "L" might just be the perfect middle ground.
