Tesla Model Y L in Thailand – 6-seater EV SUV with 681 km WLTP range, RM242k; launching in Malaysia soon?

The Tesla Model Y L is continuing to be rolled out across right-hand-drive markets, making its ASEAN debut at the ongoing Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS) this week. As such, it looks to be more and more likely that the six-seater electric SUV will arrive in Malaysia very soon, although the decision to stagger the launches this time around – which is very un-Tesla – is a rather curious one.

Anyway, just like in Australia, the Model Y L is offered solely in Premium AWD trim. Compared to the regular Model Y Premium, it’s 177 mm longer (4,969 mm) and 44 mm taller (1,668 mm) with a 149 mm longer wheelbase (3,040 mm). This frees up space for a pair of third-row seats, with the roofline also being pushed upwards towards the rear – giving the car a slightly hunchbacked look – to add a modicum of headroom.

Step inside and you’ll notice that the second-row bench has been swapped out for captain’s chairs with power-retractable armrests, heating and ventilation, leading to a 2-2-2 seating configuration. The rearmost seats are also more substantial (with proper headrests) than the third-row pews in the standard seven-seater (2-3-2) version, currently only available in the US and Europe. Meanwhile, the physically larger body delivers a maximum cargo room of 2,539 litres, versus 2,138 litres for the standard Model Y.

On the outside, the Model Y L is differentiated through the optional Cosmic Silver paint – an almost champagne gold hue – that takes the place of the usual Quicksilver. You also get unique 19-inch Machina wheels with a Y-spoke design; you can’t spec the 20-inch Crossflow alloys available on other Model Y Premium models. On the inside, the white interior option has been swapped out for Zen Grey.

Other new bits include more substantial power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats – now with extendable thigh support – as well as adaptive dampers (first seen on the full-fat Performance model) to replace the standard frequency selective shocks. The sound system has also been expanded from a 15-speaker to an 18-speaker setup, still with a subwoofer.

Beyond all that, the Model Y L is pretty much the same as every other Model Y Premium, with textile interior trim, faux leather upholstery, a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen, an eight-inch second-row touchscreen, a panoramic glass roof, twin Qi wireless chargers, ambient lighting, eight exterior cameras (still no full 360-degree view) and a hands-free opening tailgate.

Tesla Model Y L in Thailand – 6-seater EV SUV with 681 km WLTP range, RM242k; launching in Malaysia soon?

Aside from the extra space and seats, the Model Y L also gains a larger 82 kWh NMC battery for a range of 681 km on the WLTP cycle, versus 629 km for the Model Y Premium AWD. The dual-motor 462 PS (340 kW) setup enables the car to get from zero to 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds (two tenths of a second slower than the regular model) on its way to a top speed of 201 km/h.

In the Land of Smiles, the Model Y L is priced at 1,999,000 baht (RM242,200), making it cheaper than the regular Model Y Premium AWD (2,019,000 baht, or RM244,700); it’s the other way around in Australia. Given that the five-seater is priced at RM242,450 here, could we see the six-seater below the RM240,000 mark?

Looking to sell your car? Sell it with Carro.

Bought a new Tesla? You need to make sure it has an insurance cover note 7 days before delivery day. You can use our Tesla Insurance service to get it insured.