- Kiwi configurator live now, deliveries in the second-quarter.
- Retail price $6k above equivalent Model Y 5-seat.
- 'Comfort seating' with 2nd-row captain's chairs.
Well, that was quick. It was only a week ago (March 6) that Tesla's Model Y L 6-seater was confirmed for future sale in New Zealand. Now, the Kiwi configurator is live for customers to order, with the brand promising first deliveries from "Q2 2026".
Rather than being a version of the existing Model Y with an extra row of seats, think of the Model Y L as a model halfway between that and the now-defunct Model X (sans the comedy doors of course).
While it looks similar to the standard Y and shares its basic structure to the B-pillar, the L is 150mm longer in the wheelbase, 177mm longer overall and 44mm taller thanks to an extended roofline. Width remains the same.
Aside from the extra space and "comfort seating" layout - three rows of two, with captain's chairs in the middle - Tesla says the L is positioned well above the Model Y and has additional features not available on the smaller vehicle.
Tesla Model Y L on the outside
The L features a redesigned C-pillar to accommodate the higher roofline, a rear spoiler similar to that fitted to the Model Y Performance, unique "Machina 2.0" 19-inch alloy wheels with aero covers, and it can be ordered in an exclusive colour, Cosmic Silver.
It wears mixed-size tyres: 255/45 front and 274/45 rear. While the suspension architecture is the same as the regular Y, the L gains continuous variable damping with two selectable modes: Balanced and Rear Comfort.
The Y L is the first Tesla for the NZ market to offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, supplying power at up to 3.3kW to run external devices. It remains active until the level of battery charge drops to 10%.
Tesla Model Y L on the inside
Up front, there's a 16-inch central touchscreen, while the second row gets an 8-inch unit. The upgraded 50-watt wireless phone charger on the driver's side (the passenger-side stays at 30) features a cooling duct and fan that runs while the device is charging; the faux-leather upholstery wraps around the charging pad.
The 2nd-row seats have electric adjustment and can fold flat at the touch of a button. The 3rd row also power-folds flat and all seats are heated (a first for the Model Y). There are additional air conditioning vents for the 2nd and 3rd rows.
Zen grey has been added to the Model Y L as an interio-trim option. It's a new colour for the Y (black is still the default).
Tesla Model Y L powertrain
The Model Y L comes only in Premium all-wheel drive specification. Tesla does not usually quote battery sizes, but the WLTP range of the new model is 681km. It can charge at up to 250kW.
Peak outputs are 378kW/590Nm and the Model Y L can sprint from 0-100km/h in 5.0 seconds.
Tesla Model Y L NZ price
The 6-seat Y is priced at $83,900, or $6k more than the 5-seat Model Y AWD.
The Zen Grey interior colour adds $1700, while special colours ramp up in cost across three tiers. Diamond Black and Glacier Blue are $1700, Stealth Grey is $2300, and Ultra Red or the exclusive Cosmic Silver are both $3000.