2026 Tesla Model Y long-wheelbase detailed in China: Popular electric family SUV gains third row of seating, though will it come to Australia to rival the Kia EV9 and Mercedes-Benz EQB

Long-wheelbase versions of cars are very popular in China and the latest to get this is the popular Tesla Model Y electric SUV.

Imagery and initial specifications of the so-called Tesla Model Y L have surfaced on China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) as published by Car News China.

The Tesla Model Y L measures in at 4976mm long, 1920mm wide and 1668mm tall, with a 3040mm wheelbase.

This makes it around 180mm longer and 45mm taller than the regular Model Y, with a 150mm longer wheelbase.

As a result of this extra length and the higher rear three-quarter section, Tesla has been able to fit a third row to the Model Y L. Car News China reports this car has a six-seat configuration, likely with second-row captain’s chairs.

This isn’t the first time Tesla has fitted a third row of seating into the Model Y. In pre-update form, a seven-seat option with the standard wheelbase was offered in certain markets, including the US. It wasn’t offered in Australia.

Power in the Model Y L will reportedly come from a dual-motor all-wheel drive set-up with a total system output of 340kW of power. This is 9kW more than the standard-wheelbase Long Range AWD.

Thanks to the extra length the Model Y L reportedly has a kerb weight of 2088kg, which is around 100kg more than the standard Model Y Long Range.

Car News China reports the Tesla Model Y L will be launching in China during its Autumn (September to November).

It’s unclear if it will ever be offered outside of China, though it’s worth noting all versions of the Australian-specification Model Y are currently made in China.

We’ve reached out to Tesla to see whether the Model Y L will be offered locally. We’ll update this story once we hear back.

Despite the updated Model Y ‘Highland’ launching in Australia earlier this year, Tesla has been experiencing a big slump in sales locally.

In the first six months of 2025 the company sold a total of 14,146 vehicles, which is down 38.8 per cent year-on-year.

In June however, Tesla sold a total of 3457 Model Y examples, making it the third best-selling car for the month. It was behind only the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.