Tesla’s stretched, six-seat Model Y raises the bar for family-focused full electric SUVs in Australia.
Tesla has never been a brand that does things in half measures. When it decides to build something, it builds it on its own terms, with its own philosophy, and largely without apology. The new Model Y L is no different. It takes everything that made the standard Model Y Australia’s best-selling EV and stretches it, literally and figuratively, into a genuine three-row family hauler. After spending several days behind the wheel, it is clear this is not just a longer Model Y. It is a more capable one.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price (before on-roads) | $74,900 |
| Variant | Dual Motor AWD only |
| Power | 378 kW |
| Torque | 590 Nm |
| 0-100 km/h | 5.0 seconds |
| Estimated Battery Capacity | ~88 kWh (NMC) |
| WLTP Range | 681 km |
| AC Charging | Up to 11 kW |
| DC Fast Charging | Up to 250 kW |
| V2L | 3.3 kW |
| Towing (braked) | 1,588 kg |
| Towing (unbraked) | 750 kg |
| Payload | 563 kg |
| Boot (all rows up) | 420 L |
| Boot (3rd row folded) | 1,760 L |
| Boot (all rows folded) | 2,423 L |
| Frunk | 116 L |
| Seating | 6 (captain’s chairs, row 2) |
| Ground Clearance | 169 mm |
| Length | 4,970 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3,040 mm |
Size and Dimensions
At 4.97 metres long, 2.13 metres wide and 1.67 metres tall, the Model Y L is a substantial machine. It is 177 mm longer than the standard Model Y, 44 mm taller, and rides on a wheelbase that is 150 mm longer at 3.04 metres. Those are meaningful gains, not cosmetic ones, and they translate directly into usable interior space. The Model Y L sits on 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels with staggered tyre sizing, 255/45 up front and 275/45 at the rear, and provides 169 mm of ground clearance. Towing capacity is rated at 1,588 kg braked and 750 kg unbraked, with a payload of 563 kg.
Powertrain and Performance
The Model Y L is available in a single variant at launch: dual-motor all-wheel drive. The two motors combine to produce 378 kW and 590 Nm, enough to dispatch the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.0 seconds. Battery capacity is not officially stated by Tesla, but is estimated at around 88 kWh with NMC chemistry. The official WLTP range figure sits at 681 km. Pricing starts at $74,900 before options and on-road costs.
Charging
On AC, the Model Y L charges at up to 11 kW. On DC, it is rated at 250 kW peak. To put that to the test, I used the in-screen navigation to pre-condition the battery en route to a Tesla Supercharger — the correct way to set up a fast-charging session in any Tesla. Arriving with 57 per cent state of charge, I was pulling around 126 kW. A later session at 33 per cent yielded approximately 202 kW. Getting the full 250 kW likely requires arriving below 20 per cent, which is a reasonable expectation for any lithium chemistry battery. The Supercharger process itself remains one of the most seamless charging experiences available in Australia — plug in, walk away, charge is billed automatically.
The Model Y L also introduces something new for Tesla in Australia: V2L. The system offers up to 3.3 kW of vehicle-to-load power sharing. Compatibility with third-party V2L adapters may vary, and a dedicated Tesla adapter could be required for reliable operation.
Interior and Practicality
Step inside and the familiar Tesla minimalism greets you. One central screen handles everything from navigation and gear selection to the glovebox release. There is no driver’s display, no HUD. It is a deliberate choice, and one that most occupants adapt to quickly. The front seats offer power adjustment, under-thigh support, lumbar adjustment, heating and ventilation. Both are comfortable over extended stints despite an initially firm feel.
The middle row is where the Model Y L separates itself from every other Tesla in Australia. Two individual captain’s chairs replace the standard bench seat, each with ISOFIX and top tether points, power adjustment, and an electronically raising and lowering armrest. Legroom is generous. A B-pillar air vent and secondary touchscreen round out the row.
That secondary screen gives rear passengers control over climate settings for both the middle and third rows, third-row seat heating, front passenger seat adjustment, media playback, and access to Netflix and YouTube. Bluetooth Classic controllers (PlayStation controllers work, Xbox controllers do not) can be paired for gaming. For long drives with children aboard, it is a genuinely useful feature.
The third row accommodates two passengers and includes ISOFIX and top tethers, individual headrests, armrests, cup holders, C-pillar air vents, power recline, and a pair of USB-C charging ports outputting around 25W each. At 5 feet 11 inches, I found it comfortable for solo use. Two adults would be a squeeze, but two teenagers or younger children will manage well.
Boot capacity with all three rows in place is 420 litres, a solid figure for a three-row SUV. Drop the third row and that rises to 1,760 litres. Fold both rear rows and the Model Y L opens up to 2,423 litres. A hidden underfloor storage compartment adds further flexibility.
The Tesla Experience
Tesla’s broader ownership ecosystem remains a genuine differentiator. No key required — the phone app handles everything. The Supercharger network is the most reliable fast-charging infrastructure available to Australian EV owners. The in-built navigation accounts for charging stops on long trips, calculates arrival state of charge, and estimates charging duration. It is designed around the vehicle from the ground up, not bolted onto an existing platform.
The infotainment system has expanded its app offering to include YouTube Music alongside Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Audible and Amazon Music. The absence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay remains a conversation point, but the native suite has matured to the point where the gap is narrowing for most users. The one notable omission from the native mapping system is user-reported hazard flagging — speed cameras, mobile units, road works — the kind of real-time community data that Waze handles well. It is the one area where a third-party app still holds an edge.
One-pedal driving will take adjustment for newcomers. A short test drive may not be enough time to fully appreciate it. With a few days behind the wheel, it becomes intuitive and stops feeling like a compromise.
The Verdict
The Tesla Model Y L is the most complete Tesla yet sold in Australia. Six seats, V2L, a genuine third row, an enormous boot, and the full Tesla software and charging ecosystem in one package at $74,900. The price point will place it out of reach for some buyers, but the combination of features on offer is not replicated in any other vehicle at this moment. For families in the market for a full electric SUV with genuine third-row capability, the Model Y L belongs at the top of the test drive list.
