Tesla Model Y L

The Tesla Model Y L is a long-wheelbase, three-row electric SUV offered in Malaysia solely as the Premium All-Wheel Drive variant. Currently priced at RM263,000 before optional equipment, it features six seats in a 2-2-2 layout, dual-motor all-wheel drive and up to 681 KM of WLTP range.

Warranty coverage includes four years or 80,000 KM for the vehicle and eight years or 192,000 KM for the battery and drive unit, with at least 70% battery-capacity retention during the warranty period.

The minimalist dashboard is dominated by a 16-inch central touchscreen, with most vehicle controls accessed through the display. Textile trim, ambient lighting and a full-length panoramic glass roof create a clean and spacious cabin. 

The centre console provides covered storage, cup holders and two actively cooled wireless charging pads. The chargers support up to 50 W and 30 W respectively.

There is no separate instrument cluster or head-up display. Driving speed, navigation, range and assistance information are presented on the driver’s side of the central touchscreen.

The cabin uses a 2-2-2 arrangement. The powered front seats include heating, ventilation and extendable thigh supports, while the individual second-row seats gain heating, ventilation, powered reclining and retractable armrests. The third-row seats can also be electrically reclined and folded.

A 150-MM wheelbase extension allows the Model Y L to accommodate three seating rows. The first two rows provide generous passenger room, while the third row is best suited to children or adults travelling over shorter distances. 

The multifunction steering wheel incorporates scroll controls for media, voice commands, driver-assistance settings and other vehicle functions. Steering adjustment is electrically operated.

Cabin storage includes large door pockets, a glovebox, centre-console compartments and under-armrest storage. Additional luggage areas are available beneath the rear boot floor and inside the front boot.

Two cup holders are provided for each seating row, giving the six occupants convenient access to drink storage. 

Each row receives two USB-C charging ports. The front occupants also receive the two actively cooled wireless smartphone chargers. 

The cabin favours minimalist presentation over traditional luxury detailing. Soft-touch materials, textile trim, faux-leather upholstery and improved seating give the Model Y L a more premium atmosphere than earlier Model Y versions. 

Maximum cargo capacity increases to 2,539 litres with the second- and third-row seats folded. The powered third-row seats fold flat, while a deep underfloor compartment and front boot provide additional storage.

The Model Y L measures 4,976 MM long, 1,920 MM wide excluding mirrors and 1,668 MM tall, with a 3,040-MM wheelbase. Width increases to 2,129 MM with the mirrors extended, while kerb weight stands at 2,088 KG. 

The front retains the refreshed Model Y’s grille-less appearance, with a slim full-width light bar and a cleaner lower bumper. Its smooth surfaces contribute to the Model Y L’s low 0.216 drag coefficient.

The longer and slightly raised rear roofline provides additional third-row headroom. A model-specific black boot spoiler and redesigned tail help distinguish the Model Y L from the regular Model Y. 

Slim adaptive LED projector headlamps are positioned beneath the daytime-running-light strip. Automatic high-beam functionality is also included.

The full-LED rear lighting uses Tesla’s indirect reflective light-bar design, creating a distinctive illuminated graphic across the tailgate.

The exterior mirrors are electrically adjustable and power-folding, with integrated signal indicators. Camera feeds can also display surrounding traffic through Tesla’s blind-spot monitoring functions. 

Four-wheel disc brakes work together with regenerative braking, ABS, electronic brake-force distribution and stability control.

The Model Y L receives unique 19-inch Machina 2.0 alloy wheels. They are paired with staggered Continental EcoContact 7 S tyres measuring 255/45 R19 at the front and 275/45 R19 at the rear.

Standard active-safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, forward-collision warning, lane-departure avoidance, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring.

Occupant protection includes front, front-side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, six three-point seatbelts and reminders for every seating position. ISOFIX child-seat mounting points are provided in both the second and third rows. 

Acceleration settings include Chill and Standard, while the steering assistance can be adjusted to suit the driver’s preference. The adaptive suspension also provides Balanced and Rear Comfort settings.

The 16-inch central display controls navigation, climate, media, vehicle settings and entertainment applications. Tesla’s system also supports Bluetooth connectivity, integrated online services and over-the-air software updates, although Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not provided. 

Basic Autopilot is standard, providing Traffic-Aware Cruise Control and Autosteer under driver supervision. Enhanced Autopilot is optional and adds functions such as automatic lane changing, Autopark and remote parking assistance.

An upgraded sound system comprises 18 speakers and a subwoofer, offering a more immersive setup than the regular rear-wheel-drive Model Y variants. 

The Model Y L uses two electric motors producing a reported combined output of approximately 340 KW or 462 PS. Tesla does not publish an official combined torque figure for the Malaysian model. 

Both motors operate through single-speed reduction gearing, providing immediate acceleration without conventional gear changes.

One motor powers each axle, creating an electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system. The Model Y L is presently the only new dual-motor Model Y available for factory ordering in Malaysia. 

The Model Y L accelerates from 0 to 100 KM/H in 5.0 seconds and reaches a top speed of 201 KM/H. 

Tesla claims up to 681 KM of WLTP driving range. Battery capacity is not officially disclosed by Tesla, although Malaysian launch information indicates an approximately 82-kWh NMC battery. Charging supports up to 11 KW AC and 250 KW DC. 

Convenience features include phone-key access, remote control through the Tesla application, powered front and rear seats, a hands-free powered tailgate, wireless charging and a panoramic glass roof.

Rear passengers receive dedicated climate vents and an eight-inch touchscreen for adjusting climate and entertainment functions. USB-C ports are also provided for both rear seating rows. 

Adaptive dampers replace the frequency-selective suspension used by other Malaysian Model Y variants. Combined with the longer wheelbase, the system provides a more settled ride and allows additional comfort adjustment for rear passengers. 

Acoustic glass, improved body sealing and the quiet electric drivetrain help reduce road and wind noise. Tesla describes the Model Y L cabin as quieter and more comfort-focused than the standard model. 

The Tesla Model Y L is more than a regular Model Y with additional seats. Its longer wheelbase, raised rear roofline, individual middle-row chairs, powered third row and adaptive suspension make it a more practical family SUV.

Its 681-KM WLTP range, strong acceleration and Supercharger access are major advantages. However, the third row remains better suited to children or occasional adult use, while the minimalist cabin and lack of a conventional instrument display may not appeal to everyone. At RM263,000, it is best suited to buyers who specifically need six seats without moving to a much larger electric MPV.