The long wheelbase Tesla Model Y has reportedly been approved for sale in Europe, increasing the chances of it being offered in Australia.
According to user eivissacopter on X, who regularly posts automotive regulatory approvals on the social media service formerly known as Twitter, the Model Y L has been given type approval for sale in the European Union.
The user claims the approved variant has a 88kWh battery, which is good for a WLTP range of 681km when equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels.
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Compared to the regular Model Y, the L has a longer wheelbase, stretched rear doors, and a more bulbous rear end. This allows it to seat six people across three rows, with captain’s chairs in the second row and a 50/50 split-fold bench at the rear.
The Model Y L is 4976mm long, 1982mm wide, 1668mm tall, and has a 3040mm wheelbase. Overall length is up 184mm, and the wheelbase is 150mm longer than the standard Y. Ride height has been increased 2mm, the front track is 20mm wider, but the rear track is 12mm narrower.
In China, the only drivetrain available is a dual-motor system with a 142kW unit at the front, and a 198kW motor driving the rear wheels. Together they deliver a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds.
Over there, the Model Y L is priced from ¥339,000 (A$72,800), meaning it is ¥25,500 (A$5500) more expensive than the Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive.
The Model Y L is currently only produced in China, and it looks as though it will — at least initially — be exported from there to Europe, rather produced in Tesla’s German plant.
If this report is correct, and the Model Y L has indeed met compliance requirements for the EU, its chances of going on sale in Australia have increased markedly.
Australian Design Rules (ADRs) closely mirror those used in Europe, although there are some differences, including regulations around top tether points, which has led to Australia-bound Honda HR-Vs featuring only four seatbelts, while our unique side impact standards have led models from the Mitsubishi Mirage to the Lexus IS and RC being axed locally.