The Tesla Model Y has quickly become the unofficial mascot of Australian roads, commonly seen recharging at the local shops or effortlessly navigating the morning school run. However, Tesla has decided that the standard bubble-on-wheels wasn’t quite long enough for our tastes. Enter the Model Y L, a stretched-out version of the world’s favourite electric crossover that is officially slated to hit Australian shores in 2026. This isn’t just a minor bumper extension to help with parallel parking mishaps. It is a genuine structural shift designed to answer the question of how many humans one can reasonably fit into a mid-sized SUV without resorting to a shoehorn.
Drivability
Underneath the elongated skin, the Model Y L doesn’t stray too far from the mechanical foundations that made the original a hit, though it certainly carries more mass to the party. The Australian approval documents confirm a dual motor all-wheel-drive powertrain that pumps out a healthy 378 kW. This is paired with an 82 kWh usable nickel manganese cobalt battery pack, which is the same unit found in the current Long Range variant. Despite the extra metal and the inevitable increase in the number of children being carted around, the efficiency remains impressive with a quoted range of 681 km. Tesla has also thrown in variable damping suspension to ensure that the extra length doesn’t make the car handle like a literal canal boat.
Powertrain: Dual motor all-wheel-drive
Power Output: 378 kW
Battery Capacity: 84 kWh gross / 82 kWh usable
Driving Range: 681 km
Suspension: Variable damping
A View to Remember 
More Seats, More Space 
Just Breathe
Interior Design
Inside the cabin, Tesla has moved slightly away from its usual spartan approach to offer a few more trinkets for the modern commuter. The front seats now feature power extendable thigh supports for those with longer legs, while an 18 speaker audio system ensures your podcasts sound crisp even over the screaming of the rear passengers. The Malaysian market specs, which usually mirror our own due to our shared Shanghai factory heritage, suggest we will also see a 50W wireless charging pad with active cooling. This is a welcome addition for anyone who has ever tried to charge a phone in a Tesla only for it to reach the temperature of a dying star. The central command centre remains a 16 inch touchscreen that controls everything from the wipers to your general sense of dignity.
Safety
Safety is usually where Tesla earns its gold stars, and the Model Y L is built to maintain that reputation. Beyond the usual suite of cameras and sensors that watch you more closely than a helicopter parent, the structural changes have allowed for better ventilation and airbag placement. Air vents are now integrated into the B and C pillars to ensure the people in the cheap seats don’t succumb to heatstroke during a Queensland summer. The sheer size of the vehicle adds a layer of physical security, but the software remains the primary guardian, constantly scanning for obstacles and ensuring the car stays within its lane even if the driver is distracted by the massive central screen.
Why Six Seats?
The real headline here is the 2+2+2 seating configuration. By extending the wheelbase by 150 mm and raising the roofline by 44 mm, Tesla has managed to replace the standard second row bench with two individual captain chairs. This creates a walk through corridor to a third row bench that is actually usable by human beings rather than just very small pets. This configuration is a strategic move to bridge the gap between the standard Model Y and the significantly more expensive Model X. With the seats folded flat, the cargo volume expands to a cavernous 2,539 litres, which is plenty of room for several flat pack wardrobes or perhaps a very small studio apartment in Sydney.
Total Length: 4,969 mm
Wheelbase: 3,040 mm
Roof Height Increase: 44 mm
Maximum Cargo Volume: 2,539 litres
Seating Layout: 2+2+2 captain chair configuration
Conclusion
The Tesla Model Y L is a calculated attempt to capture the family market that finds the standard model too cramped. It offers more space, better seating flexibility, and the kind of range that makes interstate road trips feel like less of a gamble. While it looks a bit like a Model Y that’s finally hit a late-stage growth spurt, the practical benefits are hard to ignore for anyone who actually needs to carry more than four people in genuine comfort.
With more room for the family and enough tech to keep the enthusiasts happy, do you think this stretched out newcomer will eventually replace the standard Model Y as the default choice for Australian buyers?
