Tesla has expanded its line-up in the UAE with the launch of the Model Y L Premium, a six-seat, long-wheelbase version of its all-electric SUV. The new variant introduces a three-row seating configuration and increased cabin space, targeting customers looking for greater passenger capacity without moving to a larger vehicle.
Based on the standard Model Y platform, the Model Y L Premium features a revised chassis to accommodate the longer wheelbase and six-seat layout. The vehicle is 179mm longer than the standard model, while the wheelbase has been extended by 150mm. Tesla has also redesigned the roofline, increasing second-row headroom by 70mm.
The revised body structure provides an additional 20mm of shoulder room for rear occupants and improves access to the third-row seats. The second row is equipped with individual captain’s chairs featuring eight-way power adjustment, heating, ventilation, powered armrests and one-touch folding. Separate climate controls and air vents are also provided for second-row passengers.
Luggage capacity has also been increased. With the third-row seats folded, the Model Y L Premium offers up to 2,539 litres of cargo space. This reduces to 1,076 litres with the third row in use and 420 litres when all six seats are occupied. The front luggage compartment provides a further 116 litres of storage.
The interior retains Tesla’s minimalist layout, centred around a 16-inch infotainment touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. Rear passengers also have access to an 8-inch touchscreen for climate and seat controls. Other standard equipment includes acoustic glass, a panoramic glass roof, a ventilated 50W wireless charging pad, a 19-speaker audio system, USB charging ports for third-row occupants and ambient interior lighting.
Tesla has also updated the vehicle’s safety package. The Model Y L Premium features curtain airbags for the first and second rows, dedicated airbags for third-row occupants, reinforced floor beams and a redesigned die-cast rear underbody structure intended to improve structural rigidity and side-impact protection.
Driver assistance systems include Autosteer, adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking. Customers can also specify Tesla’s Full Self-Driving package as an optional extra, subject to local regulatory approval and market availability.
Power comes from an 88.2kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery paired with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system producing 500bhp. Tesla claims the Model Y L Premium offers a driving range of up to 681km, accelerates from 0-100km/h in five seconds and has a top speed of 201km/h.
The vehicle is compatible with Tesla’s Supercharger network, with the manufacturer stating that up to 288km of driving range can be added in 15 minutes under suitable charging conditions. Tesla currently operates around 220 Superchargers across the Middle East.
The Tesla Model Y L Premium is now available in the UAE, priced from AED224,900 excluding VAT.
