Tesla‘s China-exclusive Model Y L has been approved for sale in Australia, documents published by the Department of Infrastructure’s Road Vehicle Regulator (ROVER) showed on Sunday.
The approval notice, first issued on February 12, was shared on X by user ‘RobGrieves’ over the weekend.
Late last year, the model received an EU (European Union) type approval, marking the first time it was considered for overseas markets after initially launching exclusively in China.
Model Y L
The Model Y L — a three-row version of the best-selling SUV — launched in August 2025 in China, with deliveries beginning in the following month.
The three-row model starts at 339,000 yuan ($49,000), priced 75,500 yuan higher than the entry-level trim of the five-seat Model Y.
Launching amid intense competition in the three-row segment, the Model Y L quickly became a best-seller, with 2025 allocation selling out ahead of the year-end.
It competes with models such as the Onvo L90 and the Li Auto Li i8, which was launched a month earlier, as well as the new Nio ES8, which debuted in September and quickly pulled ahead of its rivals.
International Launch
By the time the Model Y L debuted in China, and when questioned whether the model would be available in the US, Tesla‘s CEO Elon Musk said it wouldn’t “start production in the US until the end of next year [2026].”
“Might not ever, given the advent of self-driving,” he added.
In December, the six-seat variant was granted approval for sale by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RDW).
Regulatory approval typically comes a few months before a model’s official launch. However, no further updates on its launch have been announced since then.
The RDW is also responsible for reviewing the company’s application to provide its Full Self-Driving software in the Netherlands.
Late last year, Tesla said the authority would approve the software by February. However, the regulator stated that no such approval was granted, despite the company’s claims.
Model Y in Australia
Last year, Australia’s ROVER approved several variants of the refreshed Model Y throughout the year, with the first iteration being approved for sale in late January 2025.
The entry-level Model Y Premium Rear-Wheel Drive is currently priced from AU$58,900 ($41,700), rising to AU$64,200 ($45,500) with on-road costs included.
The Performance All-Wheel Drive variant begins at AU$89,400 ($63,200), rising to AU$96,200 ($68,100) considering on-road costs.
Tesla launched the Standard Model Y — now named Rear-Wheel Drive — in both the US and Europe late last year; however, the iteration is not yet available in Australia.
It recently debuted in the UK, where owners also use right-hand drive vehicles.
Six-Seat Segment
The Tesla Model Y six-seat variant — for which the name in Australia is not yet known — joined the lineup earlier this month.
According to the vehicle description document, the model will be available in both front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive variants.
Pricing details are still unclear.
In Australia, it will compete with models such as the Kia EV9, which is priced from AU$97,000 ($68,700).
The price can reach up to AU$129,250 ($91,500) if opting for the Grand Touring variant.
The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is also available for sale in the island since last September. It begins at AU$119,750 ($84,800) before on-road costs.
The Volvo EX90, available in both six or seven seat configurations, begins at AU$117,235 with on-road costs ($83,000) in Australia.
Also Geely-backed Zeekr brand has launched the 009 SUV in the country — with prices varying from AU$115,900 to AU$139,900 ($82,000–$99,000).
Other new energy vehicle options include the more affordable, plug-in hybrid Hyundai Santa Fe, for which prices begin at AU$53,400 ($37,800) including on-road costs.
