First allocation of new Tesla Model Y already sold out in NZ

Just 10 days after orders first opened for the new extended wheelbase Tesla Model Y L, the brand’s first month of allocation of the model has been sold out. 

Initially considered to be a Chinese-exclusive model, the three-row six-seater Model Y L was confirmed for the Australian and New Zealand market in early March. Pricing was then revealed on March 13, with digital order books opening simultaneously.

The first month of Model Y Ls is set to commence in April, but all of those units are officially accounted for. Those who order a Model Y L today will receive it in May at the earliest. 

Tesla, which is well known for being tight lipped with its statements to the media, would not confirm to CarExpert NZ how many Model Y Ls are coming in its opening shipment. 

The arrival of the Model Y L is perfectly timed for Tesla’s local arm, given the current political and economic climate.

Amid rising oil prices triggered by the war in Iran, local petrol prices have risen to as much as $4.00 per litre in certain parts of New Zealand. Petrol prices, questions of local reserves and local financial relief programmes have dominated local news for several weeks.

The rising prices have also prompted a lift in interest in pure electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. Trade Me reported that searches of EVs were up 142% in the first half of March. Like Tesla, Chinese carmaker BYD confirmed strong sales figures this month, too.

BYD announced earlier today that it has secured additional supply of both the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute and Seal 6 plug-in hybrid wagon, to help it cater to a rise in local demand.

As previously reported, the Model Y L takes the regular Model Y and stretches its wheelbase by 150mm to 3040mm, enabling a third row of seating and a pair of captain’s chairs in the middle row. 

The Tesla Model Y L’s overall length of 4969mm long puts it squarely in the large SUV segment – it’s 3mm longer than a Toyota Highlander, for example, though it’s 67mm shorter and 140mm narrower than the Tesla Model X which was the American brand’s last three-row SUV.

Compared to the five-seat Model Y, the L also sits 34mm higher, adds 2mm of ground clearance (169mm) and is the same width despite having a 20mm wider front track yet a 12mm narrower rear track.

There’s also more luggage space, with a claimed 2539 litres against 2138L for five-seat versions, and the extra dimensions push kerb weight up by 96kg to 2088kg.

Its 88kWh battery pack has a range of 681km on the WLTP cycle. The model of course supports DC fast charging, with a maximum charging speed of 250kW. Its towing capacity, meanwhile, is rated at 1588kg braked and 750kg unbraked.

Stay tuned to CarExpert NZ for our full review of the Tesla Model Y L, coming soon.