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 brand’s first dedicated three-row 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 in a single Premium AWD variant. 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. 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? Compare prices between different insurer providers to save the most on your car insurance renewal compared to other competing services. Many payment method supported and you can pay with instalment using Atome, Grab PayLater or Shopee SPayLater. Use the promo code 'PAULTAN' when you checkout for 10% discount!
