The Tesla Mannequin Y has been a dominant drive within the Australian automotive panorama since its arrival. It rapidly turned the best-selling SUV within the nation, proving that Australians had been able to embrace electrical mobility if the bundle was proper.
Now, Tesla has raised the bar once more with the introduction of the Mannequin Y L. This new variant addresses the one factor some households discovered lacking within the unique design: extra seats and more room.
I not too long ago had the chance to spend important time with the Mannequin Y L to see if the addition of a 3rd row compromises the driving dynamics we have now come to like. After placing it by means of its paces, it’s clear that Tesla has completed far more than simply bolt in additional chairs.
Whereas we have now a written breakdown, there’s nothing fairly like seeing the Mannequin Y L in movement to understand what’s completely different right here. In our complete video assessment, we take you contained in the cabin to indicate you precisely how these additional seats match, take a look at the real-world legroom of the third row, and hit the open highway to listen to how the acoustics have modified with the brand new format.
Watch the video beneath to affix us for a full walkthrough and see if this 6-seater is the last word household electrical automobile you’ve been ready for.
Exterior refinements and the L badge
From a distance, you would possibly mistake this for the standard Mannequin Y, however nearer inspection reveals a number of key adjustments. The obvious is the brand new Mannequin Y L badge on the tailgate, that includes three ‘Y’ symbols which signify the three rows of seating inside.
The rear finish has been subtly reprofiled with a brand new rear lip. This variation isn’t only for aesthetics; it will increase rear headroom and storage whereas sustaining the slippery aerodynamics required for long-range effectivity.
This assessment unit got here options the optioned Cosmic Silver paint, which is a further A$2,600 over the bottom worth, which I believe appears nice, particularly in the event you’re making an attempt to face out from the ocean of white Tesla’s on the highway. The MYL options new 19-inch Machina 2.0 wheels, which look unbelievable, though personally, I might like to see a black choice to offer a pleasant distinction to the physique.
Step right into a premium inside
The inside expertise begins with a brand new black headliner. This can be a large enchancment over the earlier gray choice and makes the cabin really feel far more trendy and premium.
The centrepiece of the dashboard is an upgraded 16-inch touchscreen show. It options thinner bezels and extra squared-off corners, serving as your major interface for every part from navigation to automobile configuration.
The software program stays the gold customary within the trade. Whether or not you might be adjusting the local weather management or watching the driving visualisation, the responsiveness is unmatched by conventional automobile producers.
A real six-seater configuration
The standout characteristic of the Mannequin Y L is the two+2+2 seating format. By choosing two particular person seats within the second row as a substitute of a bench, Tesla has remodeled the center of the automobile right into a first-class expertise.
The entrance seats are each heated and cooled, that includes adjustable headrests and lumbar help. Whereas there’s a new decrease leg help characteristic, I discovered it wasn’t notably helpful for my driving place, although others might admire the additional adjustment.
Within the second row, passengers are now not handled as an afterthought. These are basically the identical high-quality seats discovered within the entrance, offering wonderful consolation for lengthy journeys.
The second-row seats embody electronically managed armrests. These are operated through a button on the seat itself, although I believe having a further management on the B-pillar would have been a useful inclusion for the motive force to help.
One of many coolest options is the mixing with the rear leisure show. If the entrance passenger seat is empty, a passenger within the second row can transfer that entrance seat ahead through the display to create an unbelievable quantity of legroom.
The second row additionally advantages from the huge panoramic glass roof overhead. For utility, Tesla has included USB-C ports, cup holders, and air vents in each the centre console and the B-pillars.
Accessing the third row
Accessing the very again of the automobile is surprisingly straightforward. You merely stroll by means of the hall created by the area between the 2 second-row seats.
I’m 6’2″ and I used to be genuinely shocked to search out that I can really match within the third row. This can be a testomony to the engineering work completed to revamp the rear half of the automobile’s flooring and roofline.
Whereas it’s comfy sufficient for an grownup for shorter journeys, it does depend on the passengers within the first two rows sliding their seats ahead barely. When everybody shares the area, there may be loads of room to go round.
Driving dynamics and efficiency
Regardless of being longer, wider, and heavier than the usual mannequin, the Mannequin Y L handles superbly. Tesla has reworked the suspension to accommodate the additional mass, and also you barely discover the distinction in every day driving.
The All-Wheel Drive system delivers a 0-100km/h dash in simply 5.0 seconds. In case you are coming from an inner combustion engine automobile, this efficiency will really feel completely beautiful and easy.
I took the automobile by means of the twisty bends of the Dandenong Ranges, and it stays extremely enjoyable to drive. It stays flat by means of the corners and gives the moment torque that makes overtaking a breeze.
Storage and flexibility
Storage stays an enormous power for the Mannequin Y platform. You continue to get the beneficiant ‘frunk’ on the entrance, however the rear cargo space is the place the Mannequin Y L actually shines with its flexibility.
With all six seats in use, there may be nonetheless sufficient room for a suitcase and a backpack within the boot. The sub-trunk can be obtainable, and the ground cowl attaches magnetically to the again of the third row to remain out of the way in which.
When you want extra room, the third-row seats fold flat through buttons within the trunk. This creates an enormous loading space whereas nonetheless permitting 4 adults to journey in full consolation.
The last word transport and tenting machine
For individuals who want most utility, folding down each the second and third rows opens up a cavernous area. That is excellent for the inevitable journeys to Ikea or Bunnings.
This format additionally units the automobile up completely for ‘Camp Mode’. Two adults can sleep totally stretched out within the again, although you’ll need a mattress resolution to bridge the hole between the second-row seats.
One factor to notice for campers is that Car-to-Load (V2L) capabilities through a CCS2 adapter are nonetheless a little bit of a thriller. I reached out to Tesla to investigate, however particulars are very skinny and there isn’t even a picture of the adapter but, so anticipate this to be a future accent moderately than one thing obtainable at launch.
Australian pricing and availability
The Tesla Mannequin Y L AWD begins at A$74,900 earlier than on-road prices. In Victoria, that’ll lead to a $81,155 price ticket to have one in your driveway.
This represents a step up from the A$64,483 driveaway worth for the entry-level Rear-Wheel Drive variant.
“The design and engineering selections made with the Mannequin Y actually seems like properly thought-about selections from a workforce that truly used and understood their viewers wants rather well.”
Jason Cartwright, Founder, techAU.
Given the added versatility and the numerous upgrades to the second-row expertise, the value premium is simple to justify. It fills a spot out there for a premium, tech-heavy six-seater that doesn’t really feel like a bus.
Deliveries are actually scheduled for Jun-July for brand new orders, shifting from the unique Could-June for the primary who ordered at launch.
Ultimate ideas
The Mannequin Y L is a brilliantly thought-out evolution of a profitable system. It caters to households with 4 youngsters, and even ride-share drivers who need to provide a extra premium expertise with loads of baggage area.
It’s a automobile that asks for only a few compromises. You get the security and know-how Tesla is understood for, mixed with a stage of practicality that was beforehand lacking from the line-up.
In case you are out there for a household SUV, the Mannequin Y L ought to be on the very prime of your checklist. It’s more likely to be a really robust performer on the Australian gross sales charts for years to come back.
For extra data, head to https://www.tesla.com/en_au/modely
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