Tesla Model Y L Launch: 6-Seater Coming to Australia, New Zealand and Korea

Image: Tesla

Tesla is officially taking its long-wheelbase Model Y L global. After months of speculation, the company confirmed today that the six-seater electric SUV will launch in Australia and New Zealand in 2026. Simultaneously, new regulatory filings in South Korea suggest a local launch there is imminent, with the vehicle already receiving key certifications.

The Background: What is the Model Y L?

The Model Y L first debuted at Gigafactory Shanghai in August 2025 to meet the high demand for family-sized vehicles in China. While it looks similar to the standard Model Y, it features a wheelbase stretched by 150mm (bringing it to 3,040mm) and an overall length of 4,969mm.

This extra space allowed Tesla to move away from the cramped seven-seat bench configuration and instead implement a premium 2+2+2 setup. The middle row features two ventilated captain’s chairs with integrated armrests, providing much easier access to a genuine third row that can actually fit adults.

New Specs Revealed in South Korea

The latest filings from South Korea have pulled back the curtain on the hardware powering this international expansion. The “Model YL” has been certified with a massive 97.25 kWh battery pack (gross capacity) sourced from LG Energy Solution.

Other key details from the Korean certification include:

• Range: Rated at 543 km on the local testing cycle (likely closer to 600+ km WLTP).
• Powertrain: Dual-motor AWD using Tesla’s 3D3/3D7 drive units.
• Seating: Strictly a six-passenger configuration.
• Efficiency: High-voltage system optimized for the added weight of the longer chassis.

A Replacement for the Model X?

For markets like Australia and New Zealand, the Model Y L fills a significant void left when Tesla stopped selling right-hand-drive versions of the Model S and Model X. It offers the three-row utility families need without the massive price tag or the complexity of Falcon Wing doors.

Will we ever see the Model Y L expand to North America? It’s only a matter of time at this point…hopefully sooner, rather than later, right?