Tesla Australia & New Zealand announces full details of a new variant of their Model Y – the first-ever Model Y L, launched with 5-Star ANCAP safety rating.
The Tesla Model Y L, featuring a longer wheelbase, a redesigned roof line, and most notably, a six-seat interior will be available to order from March 13th, 2026 in New Zealand.
According to Tesla, the Model Y L isn’t just a six-seat version of the Model Y, it is visually (and physically) larger in wheelbase and body size. The car has a roomier cabin with a ‘comfort-focused’ seating layout appealing to customers as a practical fully electric vehicle with room enough for six.
The Model Y L is a step above the Model Y released in Australia & New Zealand in 2025 (Juniper) and will be available in Premium All Wheel Drive only.
The six-seat layout combines the maximum use of the increased interior space with flexibility to accommodate passengers and luggage for the entire family, claims Tesla.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Visual Design Changes
Tesla has made considerable design and styling updates, including a fully redesigned C-pillar higher roof line, a rear spoiler inspired by the Performance model, distinct new wheel design exclusive to the Model Y L and new and exclusive ‘Cosmic Silver’ exterior colour.
At the rear, the “Y” badge is accompanied by two shadow lines, indicating its extended version identity distinguishing it in the model line-up.
There are all-new and unique for Model Y L 19” Machina 2.0 wheel design with removable aero covers.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Longer Wheelbase
The new Model Y L six-seat has a wheelbase of 3,040 mm, which is 150 mm longer than the five-seat Model Y. This additional space enhances third-row legroom and provides a feeling of space within the cabin.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Longer & Taller Body Design
The Model Y L maintains the same design as Model Y 5-Seat until the B-pillar, however design and engineering creates a visually longer body and larger glass areas.
With an overall vehicle length of 4,969 mm, the six-seat Model Y L is 177mm longer than the five-seat version with the width of the vehicle remaining the same. Model Y L is 1,668mm in height, an increase of approximately 44mm from the five-seat Model Y providing a more spacious interior.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Large Display
Inside, the Model Y L is equipped with a 16-inch central touchscreen and an 8-inch rear screen for the second row, for a more immersive tech experience.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Wireless Phone Chargers, Cooled Charging Pad
The phone wireless charging pad has a centre slit for air circulation and active cooling via a fan whilst on charge, the vegan leather wraps around the phone charging pad extending the feeling of luxury and craftsmanship. The wireless charging pad capability has increased from 30 watts to 50 watts on the driver’s side, while the passenger side charging pad remains at 30 watts.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Six-Seat Layout & Occupant Airbags
Room for six, the Model Y L is configured as a six-seat layout. The second row features all new captain’s chairs with electric adjustment and flat fold adjustment at the touch of a button. The third row provides two additional seats with adjustable headrests, also heated and electronically flat folding.
Model Y L has nine occupant Airbags – Driver & Front Passenger Heads, & Pelvis, Centre Airbag (Driver’s seat, inboard), Side Curtain Airbags & Third-Row Side Airbags.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Room For Six
The front seats are heated and ventilated with additional functionality of adjustable headrests and an electrically powered and adjustable thigh support. Power Adjustable Front Seats have 14-way Driver (with driver memory & driver profile & adjustable thigh support) & 14-way Passenger adjustable.
The second-row seats feature electric adjustments (fore, aft and recline) for passenger comfort (minus the thigh support). The second-row seats are ventilated and heated, a first for Tesla Model Y.
The second row of seats also include adjustable headrests and a powered armrest that can be adjusted through a button on the side of the seat. When not in use, the armrests vanish into a panel alongside the seat. These seats can power fold down.
The second-row passengers have retractable cup holders beneath the centre screen which also hosts two USB-C ports.
The third-row seats are heated with flat power-folding like the Model Y five seat with armrests and cupholders. There are two USB-C ports in the third row between both seats and for safety side airbags to the third row.
Both second and third row seats can be electronically folded up or down by pressing the buttons in the trunk of the vehicle or from the display screens.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Variable Damping Suspension / Selectable Modes
The Model Y L has the same suspension as the current Model Y five-seat. Model Y L has the addition of continuous variable damping. The adaptive suspension reacts quicker to road conditions and progressive driving styles for vehicle ride quality and handling. There are two selectable suspension modes on Model Y L. ‘Balanced’ or ‘Rear Comfort’.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Performance
The Tesla Model Y L has a maximum power of 378kW and a total torque of 590Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.0seconds and reaches a top speed of 201 km/h.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Battery Range & Charging
Under the WLTP standard, the Range of Model Y L is 681km.
The vehicle supports fast DC charging with a maximum power of 250 kW, the high-capacity Lithium-Ion battery utilizes NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt technology).
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Vehicle Weights & Towing
The Model Y 6-seater weighs 2,088 kg capable of towing loads of 1588kg (Braked) & 750kg (Unbraked). Tow package is a service item post-delivery.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Increased Cargo Capacity
The Model Y L provides 2,539 litres of cargo space with the second and third row seats folded.
Offering a flexible boot flooring configuration, the lower floor lifts, magnetically connecting to the to the third-row backs for a deeper luggage compartment. When the seats are folded flat (third row) it can also be used to level off the boot flooring, providing a completely flat surface front to back.
Note: With camp mode as standard, the flexible flooring and seating configuration provides a slightly improved camping experience over the five-seat (the extra wheelbase length will allow even taller people to stretch their legs).
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Vehicle-To-Load (V2l) Capability
The first-ever Tesla Model in Australia & New Zealand offering ‘Vehicle-to-Load’ (V2L) functionality with the Tesla Adaptor.
Vehicle-to-Load technology enables Model Y L to power external devices or equipment through a Tesla adaptor. Tesla Model Y L even has the capability to charge another vehicle (vehicle-to-vehicle).
Vehicle-to-Load in the Model Y L supplies power at up to 3.3 kW, which is sufficient to run most domestic appliances and electronics. It can operate until the battery pack’s state of charge drops to 10%.
2026 Tesla Model Y L: Pricing
Tesla has priced the first-ever Model Y L at $83,900 (Incl. GST, excl. on roads).
The Tesla Model Y L is available for order now in New Zealand. The Tesla Configurator is live for customers with deliveries anticipated in Q2 2026.
More information: https://www.tesla.com/en_nz
