Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 24 February 2026
Tesla’s three-row, six-seat Model Y L is one step closer to going on sale in New Zealand, following news of its Australian approval.
Tesla Australia has received approval from the government to start selling the long-wheel base Model Y, meaning it’s likely only a few months away from hitting Aussie showrooms.
Considering the similarities between Tesla’s offerings on either side of the Tasman, it is very likely the Model Y L will also go on sale in New Zealand in the near future.
At 4969mm, the Model Y L is 177mm longer than the standard Model Y, and features a wheelbase that has been stretched by 150mm.
This extra space is utilised on the inside, accommodating three rows of seating, with two chairs in each row.
The second row gets a pair of captain’s chairs with heating, ventilation and power adjustment. Heating is also standard in the third row.
Beneath the elongated body, it makes use of the same 84kWh battery as the standard Model Y Long Range.
The electric motors are also carried over from the Long Range model, and peak power is listed at 378kW in the Australian government documents.
It is yet to be tested in the WLTP cycle, but it is expected to be rated to a driving range of 681km.
