Tesla is preparing to reintroduce a seven-seat electric SUV to the Australian market with the upcoming Model YL. Certification documents from the Australian Government confirm the vehicle’s imminent launch, potentially as early as this year, filling a gap left by the discontinued Model X in 2020.
Expanding the Model Y Lineup
The Model YL is essentially a stretched version of the standard Model Y. Tesla has extended the wheelbase by 150mm (to 3040mm total) to accommodate a third row of seating. This modification involves replacing the existing bench seat in the second row with two captain’s chairs, though headroom in the third row may be compromised due to the vehicle’s sloping roofline.
The Model YL’s overall length of 4969mm positions it competitively within the large SUV segment; it’s only slightly shorter than a Toyota Kluger. Despite its increased size, it remains smaller and narrower than the older Tesla Model X. The vehicle also gains 34mm in ride height and features a wider front track (+20mm) balanced by a slightly narrower rear track (-12mm).
Performance and Practicality
The larger dimensions of the Model YL come with practical benefits: cargo space increases to 2539 liters, up from 2138L in the five-seat version, though the kerb weight also rises by 96kg to 2088kg.
The Model YL will be powered by the same dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain and battery found in the Premium Long Range AWD, delivering 378kW of power. Tesla claims a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.5 seconds, with a maximum range of 681km (WLTP) from an 88kWh battery. Australian models currently offer 600km of WLTP range and a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds.
Features and Pricing
The Model YL features unique alloy wheels and badging to differentiate it from the standard Model Y. Inside, standard equipment includes an 18-speaker sound system, a 16-inch front touchscreen, an 8.0-inch rear touchscreen for climate control, a power tailgate, and adaptive LED headlights. The second-row captain’s chairs offer heating, ventilation, power adjustment, and adjustable armrests, while the third-row bench provides heated and power-folding seats. Tesla has also upgraded the suspension with continuously variable damping.
The Model Y L is currently priced at ¥339,000 (A$72,800) in China, which is about A$5500 more expensive than the standard Model Y.
Market Context
Tesla’s decision to expand the Model Y lineup comes as the company faces increasing competition in the Chinese EV market from rivals like BYD, Xiaomi, and Xpeng. While Tesla has discontinued the Model S and Model X globally, it continues to focus on expanding its Model Y, Model 3, and Cybertruck lineups. The Model YL will be exported to Australia from China, where the majority of Tesla vehicles sold there are currently sourced.
The Model YL represents a strategic move for Tesla to regain a foothold in the Australian three-row SUV segment, offering a more affordable and practical alternative to the discontinued Model X while navigating a fiercely competitive EV landscape.
