Tesla. Inc. is officially launching its Model YL in Australia and New Zealand in 2026, filling the long-standing gap left by the discontinuation of the Model X. The announcement is followed by the successful debut of the larger Model YL in China last year. This long-wheelbase, six-seat variant features a 2+2+2 seating layout with heated captain’s chairs in the second row and heated third-row seats, transforming the Model Y into a typical family haulier.
ADR Certification Reveals Key Details
The official pricing and dates from local markets remain to be confirmed. However, it is anticipated to likely fall between the current Premium Long Range AWD ($68,900) and performance AWD ($89,400), potentially making it the most affordable new six-seat electric vehicle in Australia. The recent Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification documents have provided details of exactly what buyers need to expect from the Model YL.
The Model YL is not just a minor interior upgrade; it features a physically larger body, which can comfortably accommodate a third row of seating. The vehicle is 4,969 mm long, 3,040 mm wheelbase, and 1,668 mm tall, which is 177 mm and 44 mm more compared to the standard Model Y. The extra length is solely attributed to the wheelbase that has been stretched by 150 mm.
The cargo capacity is up to 2,539 litres when the third row is folded, which is a significant increase over the standard Model Y’s 2,138L. The regulatory filing confirms a dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrain with 378 kW combined output, a battery capacity of around 82-84 kWh, and a WLTP range of up to 681 km.
The model YL is produced for the Chinese market at Tesla’s Gigafactory Shanghai. For buyers, the arrival of a new model fills the gap in Tesla’s lineup, since Tesla officially pulled its flagship Model X from these right-hand-drive markets in 2020. According to the regulatory filing, the South Korean Model YL has been officially certified for energy consumption efficiency, which is usually among the final steps before a manufacturer opens the order books for a new region.
Strengthening Tesla’s Family SUV Strategy
The new model introduces features that are absent in the standard Jupiner. The vehicle includes a 16-inch front touchscreen paired with an 8-inch near touchscreen for second and third-row passengers. An 18-speaker sound system and a continuously variable damping suspension. Additionally, it has dedicated air vents on the B and C pillars that serve the near passengers, which was a common criticism of the third-row airflow in competitors.
The launch follows official government approvals in Australia and South Korea, with the model already available in China since August 2025. Tesla is the Model YL to strengthen its presence in the family SUV segment amid growing competition from Chinese EV brands. The Model Y is a strategically significant product for Tesla in the region. With the right pricing, Tesla, Inc. could capture demand for traditional family SUVs and electric minivans, which are entering the segment of affordable six-seat EV’s.
